1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

KJV

Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:21 mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:21 is a verse in the book of 1 Thessalonians, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include δοκιμάζω (dokimazo), πᾶς (pas), κατέχω (katecho).

Greek interlinear

Proveδοκιμάζωdokimazo/dok-im-ad'-zo/G1381from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve:--allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-)prove, try.

all

things;πᾶςpas/pas/G3956including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

hold

fastκατέχωkatecho/kat-ekh'-o/G2722from 2596 and 2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.

that

whichὁ ἡ τόhoG3588he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.

good.καλόςkalos/kal-os'/G2570of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic):--X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.

Topics

Commandments Perseverance Steadfastness Watchfulness

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Luke 8:15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:17

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Matthew 7:19

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:21 say?

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (King James Version) reads: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

Is 1 Thessalonians 5:21 in the Old or New Testament?

1 Thessalonians 5:21 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Thessalonians.

Reflect

As you read 1 Thessalonians 5:21, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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