1 Thessalonians 5:21 web — Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 in the World English Bible reads: “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 21.

1 Thessalonians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 50–51.

One of Paul's earliest letters — encouragement to a baby church doing well under persecution. He commends their faith, instructs them on sexual purity and brotherly love, and answers their questions about believers who have died before Christ's return.

1 Thessalonians explores themes including Hope of Christ's Return, Sanctification, Brotherly Love, Encouragement. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Thessalonians 5:21.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 reads (WEB): “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.