1 Thessalonians 5:21 kjv
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 nkjv
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 niv
but test them all; hold on to what is good,
1 Thessalonians 5:21 esv
but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 nlt
but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thess 5:20 | Do not despise prophecies. | Admonition to consider truth |
| 1 John 4:1 | Test the spirits to see whether they are from God | Discernment of spiritual source |
| Heb 5:14 | Mature people…train their senses to distinguish good from evil | Spiritual maturity |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the Lord with all your heart…He will make paths straight | Divine guidance and wisdom |
| Jer 6:16 | Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths | Seeking good and established truth |
| Phil 4:8 | Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—think on these | Focus on the good |
| Eph 4:27 | Do not give the devil a foothold | Guarding against evil |
| Col 2:8 | See that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy | Protection from false teaching |
| Acts 17:11 | Examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true | Biblical diligence |
| Rom 12:2 | Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed… | Discernment and transformation |
| 1 Cor 14:29 | Two or three prophets should speak, and others should weigh carefully what is said. | Evaluating prophecy |
| Gal 5:9 | A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. | Warning against false doctrine influence |
| 1 Tim 4:16 | Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. | Personal and doctrinal vigilance |
| 1 Tim 6:3-5 | If anyone teaches otherwise…they are conceited and understand nothing. | Warning against corrupt teachers |
| 2 Tim 4:3 | For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. | Enduring false teaching |
| Titus 1:9 | holding fast to the faithful message as taught | Holding to sound doctrine |
| Jude 1:3 | Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. | Defending the faith |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | always be prepared to give an answer…with gentleness and respect | Readiness to explain belief |
| Rev 2:2 | I know your deeds…and how you cannot tolerate wickedness. | Identifying and rejecting evil |
| John 8:31-32 | If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. | Adherence to Christ's teaching |
1 Thessalonians 5 verses
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Meaning
To examine all things; to hold fast to what is good. This verse is a final exhortation in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, urging believers to engage in discerning evaluation of teachings and practices, holding onto sound doctrine and good conduct while rejecting falsehood.
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Context
Chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians concludes with a series of earnest admonitions. Paul has spoken about the coming of the Lord, the resurrection of the dead, and the day of the Lord. He assures them of God's faithfulness and the coming sanctification. The final verses offer practical instructions for living out their faith within the community and in relation to spiritual phenomena. This verse, 5:21, serves as a powerful summary directive. The immediate context (verses 19-22) emphasizes the importance of not quenching the Spirit, not despising prophecies, testing all things, and holding fast to what is good, all while abstaining from evil in every form.
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Word Analysis
- but (Strong's G1161, de) - A conjunction indicating contrast or a change in thought. Here it contrasts the preceding commands to discern and hold fast with the action of abstaining from evil.
- test (Strong's G2761, dokimazō)
- Word-level: To scrutinize, approve after testing, prove, examine. It implies a rigorous and careful investigation to ascertain the genuineness or worth of something.
- From a broader biblical perspective, this verb is used for metals being tested for purity, and by extension, for examining spiritual claims and doctrines to see if they align with God's truth. It's not a casual glance but a serious evaluation.
- all things (Strong's G3956, panta) - Refers to everything encountered: teachings, experiences, spiritual manifestations, advice, and practices.
- examine (Strong's G3982, perierchomai)
- Word-level: To go around, compass, search out, examine. The imagery suggests thoroughly investigating, leaving no stone unturned.
- This word adds an element of thoroughness to the testing, implying a diligent exploration and verification process.
- hold fast (Strong's G2688, krateō)
- Word-level: To hold, keep firm, retain, persevere. It denotes a strong grip, not letting go.
- In its biblical usage, it means to cling to, maintain, or keep possession of something, especially a truth, teaching, or command. It signifies persistent adherence.
- what is good (Strong's G18, agathos)
- Word-level: Good, good in the highest sense, beneficial, pleasant, virtuous.
- This refers to anything morally pure, righteous, beneficial, and aligned with God's will and character, particularly as revealed in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit.
Words-Group Analysis
- Test all things, examine and hold fast what is good: This imperative phrase commands a two-part action. First, diligent, thorough evaluation of everything presented. Second, firm, unyielding retention of that which proves to be genuinely good and true. It’s a process of discernment: filtering out the false and embracing the true.
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Bonus Section
The directive to "test all things" echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on discerning true prophecy from false (e.g., Deut 18:20-22). In the New Testament, this is broadened to all spiritual claims. This isn't a license for constant doubt, but for responsible investigation based on the revealed truth. The phrase "hold fast what is good" speaks to the positive retention of truth and righteous conduct, a mirroring of Christ's own adherence to the Father's will (John 14:30-31). The progression from testing to holding fast is crucial; evaluation without retention of truth is meaningless, and retaining truth without discerning it is impossible.
1 Thessalonians 5 21 Commentary
This verse encapsulates vital spiritual discernment for believers. It's not merely about being open-minded, but about critically evaluating, using Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance as the standard. "Testing" involves investigation and trial, as one might assay metal to confirm its purity. We are called to actively examine teachings, spiritual impressions, and life circumstances, not to passively accept them. The goal is to "hold fast to what is good"—to cleave to truth, sound doctrine, and righteous living, just as iron clings to a magnet, or a shipwreck survivor clings to wreckage. This process requires vigilance and a steadfast commitment to the goodness revealed in God's Word and the example of Christ.
Optional practical usage
- When hearing a new teaching, compare it directly with clear biblical statements on the same topic.
- When experiencing a strong spiritual feeling, consider if it aligns with scriptural commands for godly behavior.
- In a difficult situation, pray for wisdom to identify the "good" path aligned with God's will.