1 Thessalonians 5:22 Explained
Understanding the Biblical Command to Abstain from All Forms of Evil
1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Original Greek (Textus Receptus) 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (GNT-TR): απο (apo) παντος (pantos) ειδους (eidous) πονηρου (ponerou) απεχεσθε (apechesthe)
Word-by-Word Analysis
απο (apo) - Preposition
Meaning: From
Usage: This preposition indicates separation.
Context: Separate from what?
παντος (pantos) - Adjective, Genitive Case, Neuter, Singular
Meaning: Every, all
Context: Describes the entirety of what is seen, referring to objects that contradict faith.
ειδους (eidous) - Noun, Genitive Case, Neuter, Singular
Meaning: Form, appearance
Context: Refers to the things visible that oppose faith.
πονηρου (ponerou) - Adjective, Genitive Case, Neuter, Singular
Meaning: Of evil, wicked, malicious, mischievous
Context: Describes the form of evil in a moral or spiritual sense, encompassing anything that produces bad fruit or fails to glorify God.
Command and Its Implications
απεχεσθε (apechesthe) - Verb, Middle Voice, Present Tense, Imperative Mood
Meaning: Abstain, refrain, keep oneself from
Voice: Middle (the action is performed for the subject’s benefit)
Tense: Present (ongoing action, to be performed continually)
Mood: Imperative (a command issued by authority, in this case, God)
Reference: Similar usage in 1 Peter 2:11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Translation and Interpretation
Verse Translation We are commanded by God to keep ourselves from all forms of evil that we can see, anything that might corrupt our soul and draw us away from our faith. This command is akin to holding a ship away from the shore at all costs, ensuring it does not dock and bring harm.
In Closing
1 Thessalonians 5:22 emphasizes the importance of avoiding anything that could be perceived as morally or spiritually harmful. This directive is a continuous and intentional effort, highlighting the significance of maintaining integrity and faith.
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