1 Thessalonians 5 · Verse 22

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:22, King James Version

1 Thessalonians 5:22 in other translations

BSBAbstain from every form of evil.
WEBAbstain from every form of evil.
ASVabstain from every form of evil.
YLTfrom all appearance of evil abstain ye;
DARBYhold aloof from every form of wickedness.
BBEKeep from every form of evil.
WebsterAbstain from all appearance of evil.

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:22 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

21-22. Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (1Co 12:10; 14:29; 1Jo 4:1). Another sure test, which we…

Read the full comment on 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 →

Barnes' Notes
Verse 22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Not only from evil itself, but from that which seems to be wrong. There are many things which are known to be wrong. They are positively forbidden by the laws of heaven, and the world concurs in the sentiment that they are wicked. But there are also many things about which there may be some reasonable doubt. It is not quite easy to determine in the case what is right or wrong. The subject has not been fully examined, or the question of its morality may be so difficult to settle, that the mind may be nearly or quite balanced in regard to it There are many things which, in themselves, may not appear to us to be positively wrong, but winch are so considered by large and respectable portions of the community; and for us to do them would be regarded as inconsistent and improper. There are many things, also, in respect to which there is great variety of sentiment among mankind--where one portion would regard them as proper, and another as improper. There are things, also, where, whatever may be our motive, we may be certain that our conduct will be regarded as improper. A great variety of subjects, such as those pertaining to dress, amusements, the opera, the ball-room, games of chance and hazard, and various practices in the transaction of business, come under this general class; which, though on the supposition that they cannot be proved to be in themselves positively wrong or forbidden, have much the "appearance" of evil, and will be so interpreted by others. The safe and proper rule is to lean always to the side of virtue. In these instances, it may be certain that there will be no sin committed by abstaining; there may be by indulgence. No command of God, or of propriety, will be violated if we decline complying with these customs; but, on the other hand, we may wound the cause of religion by yielding to what possibly is a mere temptation. No one ever does injury or wrong by abstaining from the pleasures of the ball-room, the theatre, or a glass of wine; who can indulge in them, without, in the view of large and respectable portions of the community, doing that which has the "appearance" at least "of evil ?"

(a) "abstain" Isa 33:15

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil - Sin not, and avoid even the appearance of it. Do not drive your morality so near the bounds of evil as to lead even weak persons to believe that ye actually touch, taste, or handle it. Let not the form of it, ειδος, appear with or among you, much less the substance. Ye are called to holiness; be ye holy, for God is holy.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

We are to rejoice in creature-comforts, as if we rejoiced not, and must not expect to live many years, and rejoice in them all; but if we do rejoice in God, we may do that evermore. A truly religious life is a life of constant joy. And we should rejoice more, if we prayed more. Prayer will help forward all lawful business, and every good work. If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving in…

Read the full comment on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 →

1 Thessalonians 5:22 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ἀπὸapoFromG575
παντὸςpantoseveryG3956
εἴδουςeidousformG1491
πονηροῦponērouof evilG4190
ἀπέχεσθε.apechesthedo abstain.G568

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 1 Thessalonians 5:22

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3

    Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

    Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

  • Romans 12:17

    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

  • Exodus 23:7

    Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:13

    Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:12

    That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

  • Jude 1:23

    And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

  • Isaiah 33:15

    He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

  • Matthew 17:26-27

    Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
4:12; Ex 23:7; Isa 33:15; Mt 17:26,27; Ro 12:17; 1Co 8:13; 10:31-33
2Co 6:3; 8:20,21; Php 4:8; Jude 1:23

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21

    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    Abstain from all appearance of evil.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

    And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:22 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Apartaos de toda especie de mal.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Abstenez-vous de toute forme de mal.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Von aller Art des Bösen haltet euch fern.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Ab omni specie mala abstinete vos.