but test all things
The phrase "but test all things" calls believers to a discerning and evaluative approach to life and doctrine. The Greek word for "test" is "δοκιμάζετε" (dokimazete), which implies a rigorous examination or proving process. In the historical context of the early church, this was crucial as new teachings and prophecies were emerging. The Thessalonians were encouraged to not accept everything at face value but to scrutinize teachings against the truth of the Gospel. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of wisdom and discernment, as seen in Proverbs 14:15, which advises the prudent to give thought to their steps. In a modern context, this exhortation remains relevant as believers navigate a world filled with diverse ideologies and teachings. It is a call to engage with the world thoughtfully, using Scripture as the ultimate standard for truth.

Hold fast to what is good
The instruction to "Hold fast to what is good" emphasizes the importance of clinging to that which is morally and spiritually beneficial. The Greek word for "hold fast" is "κατέχετε" (katechete), suggesting a firm grip or possession. This implies an active and intentional effort to retain and practice what aligns with God's will. Historically, the early Christians faced numerous challenges and temptations to deviate from their faith. By holding fast to what is good, they were to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ and His teachings. The term "good" (Greek: "καλόν," kalon) refers to that which is inherently virtuous and beneficial, echoing the moral excellence that God desires from His people. This phrase encourages believers to not only discern truth but to also embody it in their lives, reflecting the character of Christ in a world that often opposes His values.

(21) Prove all things.--The right reading inserts a "but":--"I bid you pay all reverence to the cheering utterances of your prophets (comp. Acts 15:32); but take care! put everything to the test." That the warning was needed, or would be needed soon, is shown by 2Thessalonians 2:2. It is couched in general terms (all things), but, of course, has special reference to all things purporting to be manifestations of the Spirit. And how were these revelations to be tested? If they were not in accordance (1) with the original tradition (2Thessalonians 2:2), (2) with the supernatural inspirations of the other prophets who sat as judges (1Corinthians 14:29), (3) with enlightened common sense (1John 4:1), they could not be "good." The word "good" here is not vague and general good in the moral sense--not the same Greek word as in 1Thessalonians 5:15--but "good" in the sense of "genuine," "answering to the proper conception of what it purports to be." The same word is used in the same sense in John 10:11. . . . Verse 21. - Prove all things. This exhortation is closely connected with the preceding. "Prove all things," namely, whatever was advanced by the prophets in their inspired discourses (comp. 1 John 4:1, "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God"). "Prove" here means to test, as metals are tested in the fire; and hence the word frequently denotes the favorable result of the testing, or approval. There was a special gift of discerning spirits in the primitive Church (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 14:29). But although the words primarily refer to the testing of prophetic utterances, yet they have a general application. We should not rest our faith on the authority of others. The right of private judgment is the characteristic and privilege of Protestantism. We ought thoroughly to examine all doctrines by the test of Scripture, and then, discerning their reasons, we shall be able to take a firmer hold of them. At the same time, the fundamental principle of rationalism, that reason as such is the judge of the doctrines of revelation, is not contained in these words, and cannot be inferred from them. Hold fast; retain. That which is good; the good, the beautiful, the honorable; a different word from that rendered "good" in ver. 15. We are to retain whatever is good in those "all things" which we are to prove or test, namely, in the prophesyings.

Parallel Commentaries ...


but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

test
δοκιμάζετε (dokimazete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1381: From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.

all things.
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

Hold fast
κατέχετε (katechete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2722: From kata and echo; to hold down, in various applications.

to what [is]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good.
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things and hold firmly that (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)