1 John 5:15

Authorized King James Version

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀκούει

G191

he hear

to hear (in various senses)

ἡμῶν

G2257

of (or from) us

ἃ

G3739

whatsoever

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ᾐτήκαμεν

G154

that we desired

to ask (in genitive case)

#10

οἴδαμεν

G1492

we know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#11

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#12

ἔχομεν

G2192

we have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#13

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

αἰτήματα

G155

the petitions

a thing asked or (abstractly) an asking

#15

ἃ

G3739

whatsoever

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#16

ᾐτήκαμεν

G154

that we desired

to ask (in genitive case)

#17

παρ'

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

#18

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 John, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 John.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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