Devine Scripture

1 John 4:1

What does 1 John 4:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 John 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 John 4:1 means

John warns beloved believers not to accept every spiritual claim at face value. Spiritual realities are real, but not all are from God. The right response is careful testing, weighing teachers and messages against the truth of God’s revelation in Christ and the apostolic witness. The reason is urgent: many false prophets actively spread error. Discernment is an act of love for God and His people, protecting the flock from deception. By telling Christians to “prove” the spirits, John implies there are objective marks of what is truly from God. Faith is not gullibility; it is trust shaped by truth. The church must evaluate voices, not be carried along by novelty or charisma.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My loved ones, do not put your faith in every spirit, but put them to the test, to see if they are from God: because a great number of false prophets have gone out into the world.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Beloved, every spirit believe not, but prove the spirits, if of God they are, because many false prophets have gone forth to the world;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, if they are ofGod; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Context

This opening sets the chapter’s first theme: discernment. After affirming fellowship and obedience earlier in the letter, John confronts counterfeit spirituality. Verse 1 introduces the problem—many false prophets are in the world—and prepares for the specific test given in verses 2–3. The tone is pastoral yet firm, addressing dangers his readers faced. The call to test prevents naive acceptance of all who claim inspiration. What follows will supply a Christ-centered criterion, encouragement for shaken hearts, and a contrast between worldly teachers and those who belong to God.

v.1This passage

v.2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 20:29

    I know that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock;

  • Acts 17:11

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

  • 1 John 2:18

    Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.

  • Jeremiah 5:31

    the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

  • Deuteronomy 13:1

    If there arise in the midst of thee a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give thee a sign or a wonder,

  • Matthew 24:23

    Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe it not.

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