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You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. <a href="/esv/1_john/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/kjv/1_john/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/nkjv/1_john/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nasb_/1_john/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nasb/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nasb77/1_john/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/lsb/1_john/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/amp/1_john/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. <a href="/csb/1_john/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/hcsb/1_john/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/asv/1_john/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/cev/1_john/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Dear friends, don't believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world, <a href="/erv/1_john/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/gwt/1_john/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Dear friends, don't believe all people who say that they have the Spirit. Instead, test them. See whether the spirit they have is from God, because there are many false prophets in the world. <a href="/gnt/1_john/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere. <a href="/isv/1_john/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Dear friends, stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/msb/1_john/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/net/1_john/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nheb/1_john/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/wbt/1_john/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but put the spirits to the test to see whether they are from God; for many false teachers have gone out into the world. <a href="/web/1_john/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_john/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but prove the spirits, if they are of God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. <a href="/blb/1_john/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/ylt/1_john/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Beloved, every spirit believe not, but prove the spirits, if of God they are, because many false prophets have gone forth to the world; <a href="/slt/1_john/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they are of God: for many false prophets have come out into the world.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_john/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/cpdv/1_john/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Most beloved, do not be willing to believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nabre/1_john/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they belong to God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/nrsvce/1_john/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_john/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> MY beloved, do not believe every prophecy, but examine the prophecies to find out if they are of God: because many false prophets have appeared in the world. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_john/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Beloved, do not believe all spirits, but be distinguishing between the spirits whether they are from God, because many false Prophets have gone out into the world.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_john/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit; but prove the spirits, whether they are from God: for many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/godbey/1_john/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits if they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/haweis/1_john/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> BELOVED, believe not every pretender to inspiration, but bring these spirits to the trial whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone forth into the world. <a href="/mace/1_john/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/wey/1_john/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but put the spirits to the test to see whether they are from God; for many false teachers have gone out into the world. <a href="/worrell/1_john/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. <a href="/worsley/1_john/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the spirits, whether they be of God: for many false prophets are gone out into the world. <a href="/parallel/1_john/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlZ5ywDtQGE?start=670" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_john/4.htm">Testing the Spirits</a> 1<a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: Agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">Beloved,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: pisteuete (V-PMA-2P) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">do not believe</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panti (Adj-DNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1381.htm" title="1381: dokimazete (V-PMA-2P) -- From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve.">test</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumata (N-ANP) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">spirits</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">to see whether</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">they are</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God.</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polloi (Adj-NMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/5578.htm" title="5578: pseudoprophētai (N-NMP) -- From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor.">false prophets</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exelēlythasin (V-RIA-3P) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">have gone out</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world.</a> 2By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15-20</a> Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ... <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a> but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a> For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a> Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, <a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a> Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true. <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">2 John 1:7</a> For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. <a href="/galatians/1-8.htm">Galatians 1:8-9</a> But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6</a> Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">2 Timothy 3:13</a> while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. <a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a> “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. <a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a> If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. <a href="/ezekiel/13-9.htm">Ezekiel 13:9</a> My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. <a href="/zechariah/13-2.htm">Zechariah 13:2-3</a> And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land. / And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.believe not.<a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-5</a> If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, … <a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15</a> The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.<a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?try.<a href="/luke/12-57.htm">Luke 12:57</a> Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?<a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a> These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.<a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Romans 16:19</a> For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.many.<a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18</a> Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.<a href="/matthew/24-5.htm">Matthew 24:5,23-26</a> For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many… <a href="/mark/13-21.htm">Mark 13:21</a> And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-23.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/3-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_john/3-24.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-19.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-3.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">Test</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">Try</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-14.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_john/3-13.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_john/4-16.htm">Believe</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/revelation/10-7.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/1_john/4-2.htm">Test</a> <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Try</a> <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_john/4-3.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">1 John 4</div>1. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">He warns them not to believe all who boast of the Spirit;</a> 7. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">and exhorts to brotherly love.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_john/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Beloved The term "beloved" is a term of endearment, indicating the deep affection and pastoral concern the apostle John has for his readers. This reflects the intimate relationship between the early church leaders and their congregations. It also echoes the love that God has for His children, as seen throughout the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/romans/1-7.htm">Romans 1:7</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a>).do not believe every spirit This phrase warns against gullibility in spiritual matters. In the early church, there were many teachings and claims of divine inspiration. The term "spirit" here refers to the source or influence behind a message or teaching. This aligns with other biblical warnings against false teachings (e.g., <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a>, <a href="/2_peter/2.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a>).but test the spirits Testing the spirits involves discernment and evaluation of teachings and prophecies. This is a call to use wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to determine the truth. The Bereans in <a href="/acts/17-11.htm">Acts 17:11</a> exemplify this by examining the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings.to see whether they are from God The ultimate test of any spirit or teaching is its alignment with God's revealed truth in Scripture. This reflects the biblical principle that God is the source of all truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>, <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a>).For many false prophets have gone out into the world This acknowledges the reality and prevalence of false prophets, both in the early church and throughout history. These individuals claim divine authority but lead people away from the truth. This echoes Jesus' warnings in <a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a> and the presence of false prophets in the Old Testament (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Jeremiah 23:16</a>). The phrase underscores the need for vigilance and discernment in the Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. <a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a> Individuals who claim to speak for God but spread false teachings, leading believers astray. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The community of believers in the first century, facing challenges from false teachings and needing guidance on discerning truth. 4. <a href="/topical/s/spirits.htm">Spirits</a> Refers to the influences or teachings that claim to be inspired by God, which believers are instructed to test. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Represents the realm outside the church where false teachings and prophets have influence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_is_essential.htm">Discernment is Essential</a> Believers must exercise discernment in evaluating teachings and influences, ensuring they align with biblical truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_false_prophets.htm">The Reality of False Prophets</a> Acknowledge the presence of false prophets and teachings in the world, and be vigilant in identifying them. <a href="/topical/t/testing_the_spirits.htm">Testing the Spirits</a> Use Scripture as the standard for testing spirits, ensuring that teachings are consistent with the Word of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> Rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error, as He leads believers into all truth. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> Engage with the church community for support and accountability in discerning and confronting false teachings.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_john/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.(6) NOT ALL SPIRITS ARE THE RESULT OF THE SONSHIP: NECESSITY OF EXAMINING THEM (<a href="/context/1_john/4-1.htm" title="Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.">1John 4:1-6</a>).(a)The difference among spirits (<a href="/1_john/4-1.htm" title="Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.">1John 4:1</a>).(b)The measure (<a href="/context/1_john/4-2.htm" title="Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:">1John 4:2-3</a>).(c)The encouragement (<a href="/1_john/4-4.htm" title="You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.">1John 4:4</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_john/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1-<a href="/1_john/5-12.htm">1 John 5:12</a>. - (2) The source of son-ship. Possession of the Spirit. Verses 1-6. - Confession of the Incarnation is the assurance that the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of truth, is working in us, and not the spirit of error. The passage seems clearly to teach that there are two rival influences contending for power over the spirits of men. We must test men's spirits to see whether they are organs of the Spirit of truth or of the spirit of error. Verse 1. - Beloved (as in <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">1 John 2:28</a> and 1 John 3:18, the apostle again breaks out with a personal appeal into an earnest exhortation suggested by the statement just made), prove the spirits δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα. "The spirits" are principles and tendencies in religion: these need to be tested, for earnestness and fervour are no guarantee of truth. And to test these principles is the duty of the individual Christian as well as of the Church in its official capacity. Just as every Athenian was subjected to an examination δοκιμασία as to his origin and character before he could hold office, so the spirit of every religious teacher must be examined before his teaching can be accepted. This is no useless precaution; because, as Christ has come forth ἐξελήλυθε from God (<a href="/john/16-28.htm">John 16:28</a>; comp. <a href="/john/8-42.htm">John 8:42</a>; <a href="/john/13-3.htm">John 13:3</a>; <a href="/john/16-27.htm">John 16:27</a>), ninny false prophets have come forth ἐζεληύθασι from the spirit of error. But perhaps "have gone forth into the world" means no more than " have displayed themselves" in publicum prodierunt. There is probably no reference to the false teachers having "gone forth from us" (<a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">1 John 2:19</a>). Besides Cerinthus and other Gnostics, there were the Nicolaitanes, astrologers, professors of magic, and dealers in charms, some of which seem to have had their origin in Ephesus, for they were known as "Ephesian letters." Apollonius of Tyana was eagerly welcomed at Ephesus, and it is not impossible that his visit took place during St. John's lifetime. <a href="/commentaries/1_john/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Beloved, Ἀγαπητοί (Agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. do not believe πιστεύετε (pisteuete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. every παντὶ (panti) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. spirit, πνεύματι (pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. test δοκιμάζετε (dokimazete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1381.htm">Strong's 1381: </a> From dokimos; to test; by implication, to approve. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. spirits πνεύματα (pneumata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. [to see] whether εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. they are ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. For ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. many πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. false prophets ψευδοπροφῆται (pseudoprophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5578.htm">Strong's 5578: </a> From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor. have gone out ἐξεληλύθασιν (exelēlythasin) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world. κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 John 4:1 Beloved don't believe every spirit but test (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_john/3-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 John 3:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 John 3:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_john/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 John 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 John 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>