1 John 3:22

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃ whatsoever G3739
ὃ whatsoever
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 2 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐὰν G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's: G1437
Word #: 3 of 18
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
αἰτῶμεν we ask G154
αἰτῶμεν we ask
Strong's: G154
Word #: 4 of 18
to ask (in genitive case)
λαμβάνομεν we receive G2983
λαμβάνομεν we receive
Strong's: G2983
Word #: 5 of 18
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
παρ' of G3844
παρ' of
Strong's: G3844
Word #: 6 of 18
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι because G3754
ὅτι because
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 8 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰς G3588
τὰς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολὰς commandments G1785
ἐντολὰς commandments
Strong's: G1785
Word #: 10 of 18
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 11 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τηροῦμεν we keep G5083
τηροῦμεν we keep
Strong's: G5083
Word #: 12 of 18
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρεστὰ those things that are pleasing G701
ἀρεστὰ those things that are pleasing
Strong's: G701
Word #: 15 of 18
agreeable; by implication, fit
ἐνώπιον sight G1799
ἐνώπιον sight
Strong's: G1799
Word #: 16 of 18
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ him G846
αὐτοῦ him
Strong's: G846
Word #: 17 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ποιοῦμεν do G4160
ποιοῦμεν do
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 18 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

Analysis & Commentary

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. John connects obedience to answered prayer. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him" (kai ho ean aitōmen lambanomen ap' autou)—the present tenses indicate habitual pattern. This isn't claiming Christians receive absolutely everything they request, but that those who love God and keep His commandments find their prayers answered. The "whatsoever" is qualified by the context of asking according to God's will (5:14).

"Because we keep his commandments" (hoti tas entolas autou tēroumen)—tēreō (τηρέω) means to keep, guard, or observe carefully. This isn't perfection but habitual obedience, the pattern of a life aligned with God's will. "And do those things that are pleasing in his sight" (kai ta aresta enōpion autou poioumen)—actively doing what pleases God, not merely avoiding what displeases Him. The present tenses again indicate ongoing practice.

This verse teaches that answered prayer correlates with obedience. Not that obedience earns answered prayer (that would be works-righteousness), but that obedience aligns us with God's will, and prayers aligned with His will are answered (5:14). Disobedience hinders prayer (Psalm 66:18, James 4:3). Those who love God and keep His commandments pray according to His will, and such prayers are granted. This provides both incentive for obedience and explanation for unanswered prayer—perhaps we're asking amiss (James 4:3) or living in disobedience.

Historical Context

Jesus promised that asking in His name would be answered (John 14:13-14, 15:7, 16:23-24). However, asking in His name doesn't mean merely adding "in Jesus's name" to prayers but asking in accordance with His character and will. Jewish prayer tradition emphasized approaching God based on covenant faithfulness and Torah obedience—not earning God's favor but aligning with His revealed will.

John's teaching that obedience relates to answered prayer echoes Old Testament wisdom (Proverbs 15:29, 28:9). The New Testament consistently connects prayer and obedience (Matthew 6:14-15, 1 Peter 3:7). This wasn't legalism but recognition that relationship with God involves both privilege (asking) and responsibility (obeying). Genuine love for God produces both prayer and obedience.

Questions for Reflection