1 Thessalonians 5:22
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:22 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 5:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:22 means
Believers must avoid every form and manifestation of evil. This wide-ranging command covers both obvious sins and subtler compromises that mimic goodness. It completes the call to discernment by urging decisive distance from what fails the test. Abstaining is not merely refraining from overt wrongdoing; it is refusing participation in anything that corrupts character or damages the witness of the church. In a world comfortable with shades of darkness, children of the day are to keep clear boundaries that reflect God’s holiness, especially as they await the revealing of the Lord. The good is to be held fast; all disguises of evil are to be shunned.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000abstain from every form of evil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Abstain from all appearance of evil.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901abstain from every form of evil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep from every form of evil.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862from all appearance of evil abstain ye;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890hold aloof from every form of wickedness.
Context
This final prohibition in the discernment section follows the command to test and hold the good. With the balance of openness and testing established, Paul now turns to a concluding prayer (verses 23–24) that God Himself would sanctify and preserve them completely until the Lord’s coming. The shift from imperatives to intercession underscores that the holy life he urges depends ultimately on God’s faithful work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 8:13
Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- Jude 1:23
and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12
that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 8:20
avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:
- Matthew 17:26
And when he said, From strangers, Jesus said unto him, Therefore the sons are free.
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