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What the Bible Says About Probation

Overview

The Bible addresses probation across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Matthew and Genesis. Closely related themes include Solomon, Backsliders, Bridegroom and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Solomon and Adam.

Key Bible verses about probation

Old Testament

1 Kings

1 Kings 3:14

And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

1 Kings 9:4

And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:

1 Kings 9:5

Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

1 Kings 9:6

But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:

1 Kings 9:7

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

1 Kings 9:9

And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.

1 Kings 11:9

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

1 Kings 11:10

And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.

1 Kings 11:11

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. is done: Heb. is with thee

1 Kings 11:12

Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.

New Testament

Matthew

People in the Bible and probation

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying probation for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 2:15, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 1 Kings, Matthew and Genesis each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of David, Solomon and Adam and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Solomon, Backsliders, Bridegroom and Judgment.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about probation?

The Bible addresses probation across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in 1 Kings, Matthew and Genesis. Closely related themes include Solomon, Backsliders, Bridegroom and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David, Solomon and Adam.

How many Bible verses are about probation?

The Bible references probation in 23 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention probation?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 2:15: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. the man: or, Adam”

Which people in the Bible are associated with probation?

David, Solomon and Adam.

Preach & teach

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