1 John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whet…”

1 John 4:1

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

World English Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Geneva Bible 1599

Dearely beloued, beleeue not euery spirit, but trie the spirits whether they are of God: for many false prophets are gone out into this worlde.

Darby Translation

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, if they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Young's Literal Translation

Beloved, every spirit believe not, but prove the spirits, if of God they are, because many false prophets have gone forth to the world;

Bible in Basic English

My loved ones, do not put your faith in every spirit, but put them to the test, to see if they are from God: because a great number of false prophets have gone out into the world.

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Cross references

“believe not”

2 Peter 2:1 Proverbs 14:15 Deuteronomy 13:1–5 Jeremiah 5:31 Jeremiah 29:8 Jeremiah 29:9

2 Peter 2:1 · BSB

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 o…

Proverbs 14:15 · BSB

The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.

Deuteronomy 13:1–5 · BSB

If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,

Jeremiah 5:31 · BSB

The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 29:8 · BSB

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them.

Jeremiah 29:9 · BSB

For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.”

“try”

1 Thessalonians 5:21 1 Corinthians 14:29 Luke 12:57 Revelation 2:2 Acts 17:11 Romans 16:19

1 Thessalonians 5:21 · BSB

but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

1 Corinthians 14:29 · BSB

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

Luke 12:57 · BSB

And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?

Revelation 2:2 · BSB

I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.

Acts 17:11 · BSB

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.

Romans 16:19 · BSB

Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

“many”

1 Timothy 4:1 2 John 1:7 1 John 2:18 Luke 21:8 Matthew 24:23–26 2 Timothy 3:13

1 Timothy 4:1 · BSB

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

2 John 1:7 · BSB

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.

1 John 2:18 · BSB

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.

Luke 21:8 · BSB

Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

Matthew 24:23–26 · BSB

At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it.

2 Timothy 3:13 · BSB

while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Also

1 Corinthians 12:10

1 Corinthians 12:10 · BSB

to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

2By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

Read 1 John 4