Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, placing this command directly after the instruction to test all things and hold fast to what is good.
The words — The imperative ἀπέχεσθε (apechesthe) means to actively keep away or abstain, while παντὸς εἴδους (pantos eidous) specifies every form or kind.
The thread — This directive to avoid moral compromise and protect one's witness runs through 2 Corinthians 6:3, Philippians 4:8, and 2 Corinthians 8:20.
Why it lands — The text commands a total rejection of all evil manifestations, requiring the reader to practice active moral vigilance rather than selective avoidance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
- 2 Corinthians 8:20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
- Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
- Exodus 23:7 Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.
- 1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
- Jude 1:23 save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
- Isaiah 33:15 He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil—