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
Genesis
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
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: thou: Heb. eating thou shalt eat
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. thou shalt surely: Heb. dying thou shalt die
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
1 Kings
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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?
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.
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.
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
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
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
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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