Greek Word Reference — 1 Thessalonians 5:22
This word means moving away from something, like a place or a time. It's used in many parts of the Bible, like Matthew 5:29 and Luke 5:2, to show movement or separation. It can also mean because of something.
Definition: ἀπό (on the frequently neglect of elision bef. vowels, see Tdf., Pr., 94, WH, App., 146), prep. with genitive (WM, 462ff.; on its relation to ἐκ, παρά, ὑπό, ib. 456f.), [in LXX for לְ ,בְּ ,מִן ;] from (i.e. from the exterior). __1. Of separation and cessation; __(1) of motion from a place: Mat.5:29, 30 7:23, Luk.5:2 22:41, al.; __(2) in partitive sense (M, Pr., 72, 102, 245; MM, see word; Bl., §40, 2), Mat.9:16 27:21, Jhn.21:10, Act.5:2, al.; also after verbs of eating, etc.; __(3) of alienation (cl. genitive of separation), after such verbs as λούω (Deiss., BS, 227), λύω, σώζω, παύω, etc.; ἀνάθεμα ἀ., Rom.9:3; ἀποθνήσκειν ἀ., Col.2:20; σαλευθῆναι, 2Th.2:2, καθαρός, -ίζειν, ἀ. (Deiss., BS, 196, 216), Act.20:26, 2Co.7:1, Heb.9:14; __(4) of position, Mat.23:34 24:31, al.; after μακράν, Mat.8:30; transposed before measures of distance, Jhn.10:18 21:8, Rev.14:20 (Abbott, JG, 227); __(5) of time, ἀπὸ τ. ὥρας, ἡμέρας, etc., Mat.9:22, Jhn.19:27, Act.20:18, Php.1:5, al.; ἀπ᾽ αἰῶνος, Luk.1:70, al.; ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς, etc., Mat.19:4, Rom.1:20; ἀπὸ βρέφους, 2Ti.3:15; ἀφ᾽ ἧς, since, Luk.7:45, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νῦν, Luk.1:48, al.; ἀπὸ τότε, Mat.4:17, al.; ἀπὸ πέρυσι, a year ago, 2Co.8:10 9:2; ἀπὸ πρωΐ, Act.28:23; __(6) of order or rank, ἀπὸ διετοῦς, Mat.2:16; ἀπὸ Ἀβραάμ, Mat.1:17; ἐβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδάμ, Ju 14; ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου, Act.8:10, Heb.8:11; ἄρχεσθαι ἀπό, Mat.20:8, Jhn.8:9, Act.8:35, al. __2. Of origin; __(1) of birth, extraction, and hence, in late writers, __(a) of local extraction (cl. ἐξ; Abbott, JG, 227ff.), Mat.21:11, Mrk.15:43, Jhn.1:45, Act.10:38, al.; οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας (WM, §66, 6; M, Pr., 237; Westc, Rendall, in l.), Heb.13:24; __(b) of membership in a community or society (BL, §40, 2), Act.12:1, al.; __(with) of material (= cl. genitive; Bl. l.with; M, Pr., 102), Mat.3:4 27:21; __(d) after verbs of asking, seeking, etc., Luk.11:50, 51 1Th.2:6 (Milligan, in l.); __(2) of the cause, instrument, means or occasion (frequently = ὑπό, παρά, and after verbs of learning, hearing, knowing, etc.; Bl., §40, 3), Mat.7:16 11:29, Luk.22:45, Act.2:22 4:36 9:13 12:14, 1Co.11:23, Gal.3:2, al.; ἀπὸ τ. ὄχλου, Luk.19:3 (cf. Jhn.21:6, Act.22:11); ἀπὸ τ. φόβου, Mat.14:26, al. (cf. Mat.10:26 13:44). __3. Noteworthy Hellenistic phrases: φοβεῖσθαι ἀπό (M, Pr., 102, 107); προσέχειν ἀπό (M, Pr., 11. with; Milligan, NTD, 50); ἀπὸ νότου (Heb. מִגֶּנֶב), Rev.21:13; ἀπὸ προσώπου (מִפְּנֵי), 2Th.1:9 (Bl., §40, 9); ἀπὸ τ. καρδιῶν (בְּלֵב), Mat.18:35; ἀπὸ ὁ ὤν (WM, §10, 2; M, Pr., 9), Rev.1:4. __4. In composition, ἀπό denotes separation, departure, origin, etc. (ἀπολύω, ἀπέρχομαι, ἀπογράφω); it also has a perfective force (M, Pr., 112, 247), as in ἀφικνεῖσθαι, which see (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 600 NT verses. KJV: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Acts 8:10; 1 Peter 1:12.
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
The Greek word for appearance or form, used to describe something's external look or shape. In Luke 3:22 and 2 Corinthians 5:7, it refers to Jesus' appearance and our spiritual transformation. This concept is central to understanding our identity in Christ.
Definition: εἶδος, -ους, τό, [in LXX for מַרְאֶה,, etc. ;] __1. that which is seen, appearance, external form: Luk.3:22 9:29, Jhn.5:37, 2Co.5:7 (ICC in l.). __2. form, sort, kind: 1Th.5:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: appearance, fashion, shape, sight See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:22; John 5:37; Luke 9:29.
The Greek word for evil or bad, describing something that causes harm or is morally wrong, used in the New Testament to describe people and things, like in Matthew 7:11 and Ephesians 5:16.
Definition: πονηρός, -ά, -όν (πονέω, to toil), [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. __(a) of persons, oppressed by toils (Hes.); __(b) of things, toilsome, painful (καιρός, Sir.51:12): Eph.5:16 6:13 Rev.16:2. __2. bad, worthless; __(a) in physical sense: καρπός, Mat.7:17-18; __(b) in ethical sense, bad, evil, wicked; __(α) of persons: Mat.7:11 12:34-35 18:32 25:26, Luk.6:45 11:13 19:22, Act.17:5, 2Th.3:2, 2Ti.3:13; γενεά, Mat.12:39, 45 16:4, Luk.11:29; πνεῦμια, Mat.12:45, Luk.7:21 8:2 11:26, Act.19:12-13, 15-16; as subst., οἱ π., opposite to δίκαιοι, Mat.13:49; to ἀγαθοί, Mat.5:45 22:10; οἱ ἀχάριστοι καὶ π., Luk.6:35; sing., ὁ π., Mat.5:39, 1Co.5:13; id. esp. of Satan, the evil one, Mat.5:37 6:13 (see Lft., Notes, 125 ff.; but cf. McN, in l) Mat.13:19, 38, Luk.11:4 (WH, R, om.), Jhn.17:15, Eph.6:16, 2Th.3:3 (Lft., Notes, l.with), 1Jn.2:13-14 Jn 3:12 Jn 5:18-19; __(β) of things: Mat.5:11 12:35 15:19, Luk.6:22, 45, Jhn.3:19 7:7, Act.18:14 25:18, Gal.1:4, Col.1:21, 1Ti.6:4, 2Ti.4:18, Heb.3:12 10:22, Jas.2:4 4:16, 1Jn.3:12, II Jn 11, 3Jn.10; ὀφθαλμός (which see), Mat.6:23 20:15, Mrk.7:22, Luk.11:34; as subst., neut., τὸ π., Act.28:21, 1Th.5:22; opposite to ἀγαθόν, Luk.6:45, Rom.12:9; pl., Mat.9:4, Mrk.7:23, Luk.3:19. † SYN.: see: ἄθεσμος (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 72 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:13; Luke 6:45; Hebrews 3:12.
This word means to have or receive something in full, as seen in Matthew 6:2. It can also mean to keep oneself away or be distant from something, and is often used in the context of receiving payment or reward. The word is used in different biblical contexts, including Jesus' teachings on giving and prayer.
Definition: ἀπ-έχω [in LXX chiefly for רָחַק ;] __1. trans., __(a) to hold back, keep off; __(b) to have in full, to have received (on the " punctiliar " force of the compound, see M, Pr., 109, 247): with accusative, Mat.6:2, 5 6:16, Luk.6:24, Php.4:18, Phm 15 (for illustr. from π., where it is used in receipts, see Deiss., BS, 229; LAE, 110 f.; MM, see word); impers., ἀπέχει (Field, Notes, 39), it is enough: Mrk.14:41. __2. Intrans., to be away, distant: absol., Luk.15:20; before ἀπό, Mat.14:24 15:8, Mrk.7:6, Luk.7:6 15:20 24:13. Mid., to abstain: with genitive, Act.15:29, 1Ti.4:3, 1Pe.2:11; before ἀπό, Act.15:20, 1Th.4:3 5:22.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: be, have, receive See also: 1 Peter 2:11; Luke 24:13; Philippians 4:18.
Context — Christian Living
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Corinthians 6:3 |
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. |
| 2 |
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. |
| 3 |
1 Corinthians 10:31–33 |
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved. |
| 4 |
2 Corinthians 8:20–21 |
We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men. |
| 5 |
Romans 12:17 |
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 6 |
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. |
| 7 |
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. |
| 8 |
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. |
| 9 |
1 Thessalonians 4:12 |
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. |
| 10 |
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— |
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Summary
[This verse means that we should completely turn away from anything that is sinful or opposed to God's will. This includes things like gossip, lying, and hurtful behavior, as well as more obvious sins like stealing or cheating. By abstaining from evil, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and reflects His love and character, as seen in Matthew 5:48, where Jesus calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. As we strive to abstain from evil, we can trust in God's power and promises to help us, and we can remember that He is faithful to complete the work He has started in us, as seen in Philippians 1:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to abstain from every form of evil?
Abstaining from every form of evil means to completely turn away from anything that is sinful or opposed to God's will, as seen in Psalm 101:3, where David says he will not set anything wicked before his eyes.
How can I know what is evil and what is not?
We can know what is evil by testing all things, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, and holding fast to what is good, which is in line with God's word and character, as seen in Romans 12:9.
Is it possible to completely abstain from evil in this world?
While we are not perfect and cannot completely avoid evil influences in this world, God calls us to strive for holiness and to separate ourselves from evil, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, and He gives us the power to do so through the Holy Spirit.
What role does faith play in abstaining from evil?
Faith plays a crucial role in abstaining from evil, as it is through faith that we trust in God's power and promises to help us overcome evil, as seen in Ephesians 6:16, where we are told to take up the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tolerating or even embracing evil, and how can I repent and turn away from them?
- How can I balance the command to abstain from evil with the need to engage with a world that is full of evil, and what boundaries should I set to protect myself?
- What are some practical ways I can 'test all things' and discern what is good and what is evil, and how can I apply this discernment in my daily life?
- How can I trust in God's power and promises to help me abstain from evil, and what scriptures can I use to remind myself of His faithfulness?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil. Of doctrinal evil. Not only open error and heresy are to be avoided, but what has any show of it, or looks like it, or carries in it a suspicion of it, or may be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. B Delta G f g, Vulgate, insert, 'but.' 'Aleph (') A C omit it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
To make this verse have its connection with the former, some expositors understand it of doctrines and opinions only; to take heed of opinions that seem erroneous, and not rashly to receive them without due examination. Though this sense is not to be excluded, yet the verse need not be confined to it, but to extend to practice also; as in worship to abstain from the show of idolatry; as to eat meat in an idol’ s temple was not always gross idolatry, but had some appearance of it, and therefore the apostle forbids it, . And so in civil conversation, not only to abstain from vice, but the appearance of it; as of pride, covetousness, drunkenness, whoredom, &c.; and that both with respect to ourselves, lest by venturing upon that which hath some show of evil, we step into the evil itself; and with respect to others, that we may not occasion the taking offence though not justly given, or do that which may any way encourage a real evil in them by that appearance of it which they see in ourselves; yet we ought not upon this account to forbear the discharge of any necessary duty. Some read the words: Abstain from all kind of evil, ’ Apo pantov iedouv ponhrou, and the Greek word is so used by logicians: but here to insist on particulars is infinite. And thus the apostle concludes all these positive duties with a general precept which he leaves with them at the close of his Epistle; having dehorted them from many evils, now he exhorts them to abstain from the appearance of them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. Ver. 22. Abstain from all, &c.] Whatsoever is heterodox, unsound, and unsavoury, shun it, as you would do a serpent in your way or poison in your meats. Theodosius tare the Arian’ s arguments presented to him in writing, because he found them repugnant to the Scriptures. And Austin retracteth even ironies only, because they had the appearance of lying. God commanded the Jews to abstain from swine’ s flesh; they would not so much as name it, but in their common talk would call a sow dabbar Achar, another thing. (Elias Thisbit.)
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.—This translation cannot stand. Possibly it might be rendered “every form of evil,” but the most natural version would be, “Hold yourselves aloof from every evil kind”—i.e., evil kind of whatever you may be testing. The word “evil” is here used in the moral sense, and does not constitute an exact antithesis to the “good” of the preceding verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
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.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil] from every form of evil (R. V.). The Apostle does not advise the Thessalonians to avoid what looks like evil; the command thus understood encourages the studying of appearances, and tends to the “doing of our works to be seen of men” which our Lord condemns (Matthew 23:5). But in completing on the negative side the previous command, “hold fast the good (in prophesyings),” he gives to it the widest possible extension: “Keep yourselves not only from this, but from every sort of evil.” It is difficult, however, for the Greek scholar to justify the reading of evil in this sentence as a substantive, and the rendering of the governing noun by kind instead of appearance (rendered form, fashion, shape, in Luke 3:22; Luke 9:29, John 5:37). This noun St Paul uses once besides, in 2 Corinthians 5:7 : “We walk by faith, not by sight”—i.e. with no visible form, or appearance, to walk by. His meaning here may be similar: Abstain from every evil sight (or show)—from all that is evil in the outward show of things about you: ab omni specie mala (Vulgate).There are two words for “evil” in Greek—that used here, signifying harmful, mischievous (so designating “the Evil One,” see note on 2 Thessalonians 3:3); and that employed in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, denoting bad, base, malicious.With this emphatic word, keep yourselves, the Apostle concludes his directions to the Thessalonians, extending from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, as to what they must do in order to preserve and sustain the life of grace in themselves. The prayer of the next verse invokes the power of God to accomplish for them that which mere human effort can never attain. Comp. the transition of ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:11, expressed in similar language (see note), and of 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:3. All that the Christian can do for his own safe-keeping, or for the service of his fellows, is merged in the greatness and completeness of that which God will do for them.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
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.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
22. But while ye grasp the good, abstain, that is, hold yourself away from evil. When your test, your prove, has proved the spirit or doctrine not good, but evil, then avaunt! away! abstain!
Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 5:22
| Sermon | Description |
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Benediction for the Zion of God
by John Alexander Dowie
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John Alexander Dowie emphasizes the importance of abstaining from all appearances of evil and calls for complete sanctification by God. He prays for the preservation of the whole s |
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Biblical Seperation
by Bill McLeod
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a powerful experience of being moved by the presence of God during a community service. They express their deep emotions and desire to live |
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Freed From Wordly Attitudes
by Zac Poonen
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking upright in a crooked world, focusing on avoiding greed, being cautious about unnecessary curiosity, and filling the mind with usefu |
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Godly Sorrow-the Way to Revival
by Denny Kenaston
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being on the starting line in our spiritual journey. He encourages the congregation to be alert and ready to run the race s |
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The Desperate Need for Holiness
by Shane Idleman
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This sermon emphasizes the critical need for holiness in our lives, highlighting the prevalence of sin in our culture and the importance of separating ourselves from worldly influe |
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Leadership in Acts
by George Verwer
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting the miraculous book of God and pressing on from there. The leader is highlighted as someone who is bold and fille |
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Principles of Godly Music—sing a New Song
by Dean Taylor
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and bring about change. He uses the example of a man in Berlin who played a song that h |