1Jo 3:20-21 | RWP | e4.org | Whereinsoever our heart condemn us ( οτ εαν καταγινωσκη ημων η καρδια ). A construction like οτ αν , whatever, in ; . Καταγινωσκω occurs only three times in the N.T., here, verse ; . It means to know something against one, to condemn. Because God is greater than our heart ( οτ μειζων εστιν της καρδιας ημων ). Ablative καρδιας after the comparative μειζων . And knoweth all things ( κα γινωσκε παντα ). Just so Peter replied to Jesus in spite of his denials ( ). God's omniscience is linked with his love and sympathy. God knows every secret in our hearts. This difficult passage strikes the very centre of Christian truth (Brooke).

‏ 1 John 3:20-21

Whereinsoever our heart condemn us ( οτ εαν καταγινωσκη ημων η καρδια ). A construction like οτ αν, whatever, in Joh 2:5; 14:13. Καταγινωσκω occurs only three times in the N.T., here, verse 21; Ga 2:11. It means to know something against one, to condemn.

Because God is greater than our heart ( οτ μειζων εστιν της καρδιας ημων ). Ablative καρδιας after the comparative μειζων.

And knoweth all things ( κα γινωσκε παντα ). Just so Peter replied to Jesus in spite of his denials (Joh 21:17). God's omniscience is linked with his love and sympathy. God knows every secret in our hearts. This difficult passage strikes the very centre of Christian truth (Brooke).

If our heart condemn us not ( εαν η καρδια μη καταγινωσκη ). Condition of third class with εαν μη and present active subjunctive. The converse of the preceding, but not a claim to sinlessness, but the consciousness of fellowship in God's presence.

Boldness toward God ( παρρησιαν προς τον θεον ). Even in prayer (Heb 4:16). See also 2:28.