1 Thessalonians 5:20
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:20 means
By instructing them not to despise prophecies, Paul guards against a reaction that would dismiss Spirit-given speech out of hand. In the early church, God used prophetic words to edify, encourage, and exhort. Cynicism or fear could lead a congregation to silence such gifts. Paul urges them to value what the Spirit may be saying through tested voices. This is not an endorsement of uncritical acceptance; rather, it keeps the church open to timely, Scripture-shaped exhortation. Honoring prophecy under the Spirit’s fire helps the body stay awake to God’s will and responsive to His guidance as they await the Lord’s return.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000despise not prophesyings;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Despise not prophesyings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901despise not prophesyings;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not make little of the words of the prophets;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862prophesyings despise not;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Despise not prophecies.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890do not lightly esteem prophecies;
Context
This positive command pairs with the preceding “do not quench the Spirit” and anticipates the balancing call in verse 21 to test everything. Paul is steering the church between two dangers: rejecting Spirit-inspired exhortation or accepting claims uncritically. The next verse will provide the safeguard of discernment, followed by a prohibition against every form of evil (verse 22), completing the balanced approach to spiritual life in the congregation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to the unbelieving: but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to them that believe.
- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritualgifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
- 1 Corinthians 13:9
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;
- 1 Corinthians 12:10
and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits: to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues:
- 1 Corinthians 11:4
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head.
- Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
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