And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1 JOHN 3:22KJV
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1 John 3:22 (KJV)

What does 1 John 3:22 mean?

1 John 3:22 says that believers receive what they ask from God because they keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. The verse links answered prayer to a life that aligns with God’s will, highlighting both obedience and a desire to please God.

John, writing to early Christians, is encouraging them by showing that their relationship with God is close and interactive. The verse is set in a section where John is talking about confidence before God, and he points out that living in a way that honors God is connected to having prayers answered. This is not a formula, but a description of the trust and openness that comes from following God’s ways.

The Greek behind 1 John 3:22

  • ἐντολάς (entolas, "commandments"): This word refers to God’s instructions or orders. John uses it to emphasize that the Christian life involves more than belief—it includes following what God has told us to do.
  • εὐάρεστα (euaresta, "pleasing"): This word means things that are well-pleasing or acceptable. The verse highlights not just rule-keeping, but doing what brings delight to God, suggesting a relationship built on love and respect.
  • λαμβάνομεν (lambanomen, "we receive"): The Greek here carries the sense of actually taking hold of or obtaining something, stressing that God’s response to prayer is real and tangible for those who live in this way.

Why 1 John 3:22 matters

  • 1 John 3:22 clarifies that prayer is not just about asking, but about a relationship shaped by obedience and a desire to please God.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that God answers prayers automatically; it shows that a responsive relationship with God involves both trust and a life that seeks to honor Him.
  • In the wider context of 1 John, this verse connects assurance in prayer with the evidence of a changed life, tying together faith, action, and confidence before God.

Where else these words appear

“pleasing” Greek G701 · used in 4 verses

  • John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
  • Acts 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
  • Acts 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.