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1 John 5:15

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 1 John 5:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
1 John 5:15 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 John 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.
13These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, [even] unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.
14And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:
15and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
16If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and [God] will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.
17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
18We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not.
← 1 John 5:141 John 5:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And if we know that he hear us, &c.] As it may be assured he does hear and answer all such persons that ask according to his will: whatsoever we ask, we know, or are assured, that we have the petitions that we desired of him: for as it is the nature of that holy confidence, which believers have in God, to believe whatever they ask according to his will, in general, shall be grappled, so every request in particular; yea, before the mercy desired, or the favour asked for is conferred, they are as sure of having it in God's own time and way, as if they now had it in hand and fact.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“hear--Greek, "that He heareth us." we have the petitions that we desired of him--We have, as present possessions, everything whatsoever we desired (asked) from Him. Not one of our past prayers offered in faith, according to His will, is lost. Like Hannah, we can rejoice over them as granted even before the event; and can recognize the event when it comes to pass, as not from chance, but obtained by our past prayers. Compare also Jehoshaphat's believing confidence in the issue of his prayers, so much so that he appointed singers to praise the Lord beforehand.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And if we know that he hear us - That is, if we are assured of this as a true doctrine, then, even though we may not “see” immediately that the prayer is answered, we may have the utmost confidence that it is not disregarded, and that it will be answered in the way best adapted to promote our good. The specific thing that we asked may not indeed be granted, (compare Luke 22:42; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9), but the prayer will not be disregarded, and the thing which is most for our good will be bestowed upon us. The “argument” here is derived from the faithfulness of God; from the assurance which we feel that when he has promised to hear us, there will be, sooner or later, a real answer to the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We have - Faith anticipates the blessings. The petitions which we asked of him - Even before the event. And when the event comes, we know it comes in answer to our prayer. 1 John 5:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“if: Pro 15:29; Jer 15:12, Jer 15:13 we know: Mar 11:24; Luk 11:9, Luk 11:10 1 John 5:16”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification