1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Prove {G1381} all things {G3956}; hold fast {G2722} that which {G3588} is good {G2570}.

But do test everything — hold onto what is good,

but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

prove all things; hold fast that which is good;

Commentary

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good," serves as a timeless call for spiritual discernment and intellectual rigor within the Christian faith.

Context

This verse concludes a series of short, impactful directives from Paul to the Thessalonian believers, following instructions like "Rejoice evermore" (1 Thessalonians 5:16) and "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Crucially, it immediately follows the warnings not to "quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19) or "despise prophesyings" (1 Thessalonians 5:20). In an early church setting where new revelations and teachings were common, Paul provides a vital safeguard: a principle for evaluating spiritual manifestations and doctrines. This ensures the community embraces genuine truth while rejecting error, fostering a healthy and discerning spiritual environment.

Key Themes

  • Active Discernment: The command to "prove all things" emphasizes an active, critical engagement with ideas, teachings, and experiences, rather than passive acceptance. It's a call for believers to develop spiritual maturity.
  • Thorough Examination: This isn't a superficial glance but a deep testing. Only after careful evaluation should one make a judgment.
  • Clinging to Truth: Once something is proven to be true, noble, and beneficial ("that which is good"), the instruction is to "hold fast" to it firmly, integrating it into one's life and belief system.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "prove" is dokimazo (δοκιμάζω), which means to test, examine, scrutinize, or assay, often with the intent of approving after the test. It's the same word used for testing metals for purity or examining coins for authenticity. This implies a rigorous process of evaluation against a standard, which for believers is the Word of God and the character of Christ. The term "hold fast" translates katecho (κατέχω), meaning to hold firmly, possess, or retain, suggesting a strong, unwavering grip on what has been validated as good or true. "Good" comes from kalos (καλός), referring to that which is inherently noble, excellent, and morally sound, not merely convenient or pleasant.

Related Scriptures

  • The call to "prove" echoes similar admonitions for discernment, such as in 1 John 4:1, which urges believers to "try the spirits whether they are of God."
  • Paul himself prayed for believers to "approve things that are excellent," highlighting the importance of discernment in Philippians 1:10.
  • The necessity to "hold fast" to sound doctrine is also emphasized in epistles like Titus 1:9, which speaks of an elder "holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught."
  • This verse directly follows instructions regarding spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, providing the necessary balance to prevent error.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 is a foundational principle for navigating a world filled with diverse information and competing ideologies. It encourages a healthy skepticism and a commitment to truth. This means:

  • Evaluating Teachings: Not accepting every spiritual teaching or trend at face value, but examining it against the entirety of Scripture.
  • Discerning Media: Critically assessing information from news, social media, and popular culture through a biblical lens.
  • Personal Growth: Developing a mature faith that is not easily swayed by every "wind of doctrine" but is rooted in proven truth.

Ultimately, this verse empowers believers to be wise, discerning, and firmly grounded in what is truly good and aligns with God's will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 4:1

    ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • Ephesians 5:10

    Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

  • Acts 17:11

    These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

  • Luke 12:57

    Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

  • Romans 12:9

    [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.