1 Thessalonians 5:20
1 Thessalonians 5:20 in Multiple Translations
Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
Despise not prophesyings.
despise not prophesyings;
Do not make little of the words of the prophets;
don't look down on prophecy,
Despise not prophecying.
prophesyings despise not;
Don’t despise prophecies.
Despise not prophesyings.
Despise not prophecies.
Specifically, do not despise messages that the Holy Spirit reveals to someone, and reject them automatically.
Don’t rubbish God’s messages,
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Thessalonians 5:20
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1 Thessalonians 5:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
προφητειας
μη
εξουθενειτε
προφητειας
prophēteia
G4394
prophecy
Noun-APF
μη
mē
G3361
not
Particle-N
εξουθενειτε
exoutheneō
G1848
to reject
Verb-PAM-2P
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Thessalonians 5:20
προφητειας
prophēteia
G4394
"prophecy"
Noun-APF
Prophecy refers to the gift of interpreting God's will and purpose, as seen in Matthew 13:14 and 2 Peter 1:20-21. It involves predicting or speaking God's message.
Definition: προφητεία, -ας, ἡ (προψητεύω) [in LXX for נְבוּאָה, חָזוֹן ;] the gift (and its exercise) of interpreting the Divine will and purpose, prophecy, prophesying: of OT prophecy, Mat.13:14, 2Pe.1:20-21; of NT prophecy, Rom.12:6, 1Co.12:10 13:2 14:6 14:22, 1Ti.4:14, Rev.11:6 22:19; pl., 1Co.13:8, 1Th.5:20, 1Ti.1:18; οἱ λόγοι τῆς π., Rev.1:3 22:7, 10 22:18; τ. πνεῦμα τῆς π., Rev.19:10 (Luc., FlJ, LXX, π.; see Deiss., BS, 235 f.; MM, xxii).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 19 NT verses. KJV: prophecy, prophesying See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 1:3.
μη
mē
G3361
"not"
Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
εξουθενειτε
exoutheneō
G1848
"to reject"
Verb-PAM-2P
To reject someone or something means to treat them with contempt, like in Luke 18:9 and Romans 14:3.
Definition: ἐξ-ουθενέω, -ῶ (οὐθείς, which see), [in LXX (see: ἐξουθενέω): 1Ki.2:30, al., and as seel. for -δενέω, -όω, -θενόω* ;] to set at nought, despise utterly, treat with contempt: with accusative of person(s), Luk.18:9 23:11, Rom.14:3, 10, 1Co.16:11; with accusative of thing(s), Gal.4:14, 1Th.5:20; pass., of persons: Mrk.9:12 (T, -όω), 1Co.6:4; of things λίθος, Act.4:11 (LXX ἀπεδοκίμασαν); λόγος, 2Co.10:10; τὰ ἐξουθενημένα, 1Co.1:28.† SYN.: ἀθετέω, καταφρονέω (see DCG, i, 453b) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: contemptible, despise, least esteemed, set at nought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:28; Acts 4:11; Romans 14:3.
Study Notes — 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
- Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Context — Christian Living
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 14:3–6 | But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 14:1 | Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. |
| 3 | Numbers 11:25–29 | Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 14:37–39 | If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored. So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 11:4 | Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 14:22–25 | Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who are uninstructed or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!” |
| 7 | Acts 19:6 | And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 14:29–32 | Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 12:28 | And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. |
| 10 | Ephesians 4:11–12 | And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, |
1 Thessalonians 5:20 Summary
This verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, reminds us not to disregard or show disrespect to the prophetic words or messages given by God through His servants. Instead, we should carefully examine and discern these words, as advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. By doing so, we demonstrate our respect for God's gifts and plans for His people, as seen in Ephesians 4:11-12. This attitude of reverence and discernment helps us to trust God's guidance and provision in our lives, as promised in Psalm 32:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to treat prophecies with contempt?
Treat prophecies with contempt means to disregard or show disrespect to the prophetic words or messages given by God through His servants, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, which is contrary to the will of God, as stated in Ephesians 4:11-12, where prophets are given as gifts to the church for its edification.
How can we balance testing all things with not treating prophecies with contempt?
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, we should not treat prophecies with contempt but test all things, which means we should carefully examine and discern the prophetic words, as also advised in 1 John 4:1, to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
Are all prophecies from God?
Not all prophecies are from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which warns against false prophets, and 1 John 4:1-3, which advises testing the spirits to see if they are from God, hence the need to test all things, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Why is it important to give heed to prophecies?
Giving heed to prophecies is important because they are a means through which God communicates His will and plans to His people, as seen in Amos 3:7, and they can serve as a warning, encouragement, or guidance, as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:3, which highlights the edifying role of prophecy in the church.
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently respond to prophetic words or messages, and is my response in line with God's will?
- What are some ways I can test the prophecies I receive to ensure they are from God?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and obeying God's prophetic words?
- In what ways can I show respect and reverence for the prophetic gifts and messages in my life and community?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings. Or "prophecies"; the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the first coming of Christ, concerning his person, office, and work, his obedience, sufferings, and death,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings. Prophesyings - whether exercised in inspired teaching (as distinguished from [ didachee (G1322)] 'teaching' under the ordinary influences of grace), or in predicting.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Thereby we may quench the Spirit, which usually works upon men’ s minds and hearts by it. By prophecy is sometimes meant foretelling of things to come, and speaking by extraordinary revelation, ,30; sometimes the Scriptures are so called, especially the Old Testament, ; and sometimes the interpretation and applying of Scripture, which is the same that we now call preaching, . And the duty with respect to it, is not to despise it, to set it at nought as a thing of no worth. The word is often used in the New Testament, ,10. But the apostle useth again the figure meiosis before mentioned, and means, prize, value, and highly esteem it, attend upon it, have great regard to it; it being an ordinance of God for instruction and edification, yea, and for conversion also, ,25. Some despise it because of the outward meanness of the persons which prophesy; some, through a proud conceit of their own knowledge; some, by a contempt of religion itself. These Thessalonians had been commended for their great proficiency, and yet were still to attend upon prophesying in the church; which he calls prophesyings, in the plural number, referring either to the several prophets that prophesied, or to the several parts of their prophecy, or the times they prophesied. And the prophets were either such as prophesied only by an extraordinary gift, and immediate revelation, which some private members of the church had in those times, ,30; or such as prophesied not only by gift, but office also, .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
20 Despise not prophesyings. Ver. 20. Despise not] i.e. Highly honour, and preciously esteem, as an honorary given by Christ to his Church at his wonderful ascension, Psalms 51:17; Ephesians 4:8; Ephesians 4:11. Prophesying] That is, preaching, 1 Corinthians 14:3, so called because they took their texts out of some of the prophets.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
(20) Despise not prophesyings.—The highest outward or charismatic manifestation of this inward fire was the gift of “prophecy” (1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:39), which was an inspired and inspiring preaching, The despondency of the Thessalonians led them not only to quench the fervour of the Holy Ghost in their own bosoms, but to turn a cold and disparaging ear to the sanguine “prophets” who preached to them, the effect of which insensibility was to “quench the Spirit” by degrees in the prophets also. It is because of this double effect of gloominess, inward upon themselves, and outward upon others, that the command, “Quench not,” occurs between the exhortation to thanksgiving and the warning not to despise prophecy. This seems to be the most natural way of accounting for the present warning, but there are two other main interpretations:—(1) It is said that what tempted the Thessalonians to disparage prophecy was their fascination for the more showy gift of tongues. It is true that such was the case at Corinth, and not unnaturally so; and at first sight it seems as if, in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “spiritual gifts” were contrasted with “prophecy” as two separate classes, thus giving some ground for Bishop Words-worth’s interpretation of our present passage—viz., that 1 Thessalonians 5:19 refers to the gifts of tongues, miracles, &c., in something of the same contrast with “prophecy” in 1 Thessalonians 5:20 as may be found in 1 Corinthians 14:39. But, on the other hand, it seems more likely that in 1 Corinthians 14:1 prophecy is not contrasted with the spiritual gifts there specified as a separate class, but selected from among them: “It is all very well to covet spiritual gifts as a whole, but it would be better to aim more particularly at that one—prophecy—which is the greatest:” just so here, “Do not quench the Spirit, in whatever direction it may blaze up; but especially do not disparage preaching.” Besides, there is nothing to prove that the Thessalonians were dazzled by the more brilliant gifts: and it accords better with the context to suppose that the fault to be corrected in them was not a light sensationalism, but a tendency to damp all ardour alike. (2) Others suppose that the Thessalonians had had experience of persons who had abused the gift of prophecy, and therefore were disposed to suspect and dislike prophecy altogether. This view gains support from 2 Thessalonians 2:2, and also from the command in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to test, and retain only what stood the test. There is no particular ground for contradicting this view; but it is unnecessary, and does not carry on the thought so connectedly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Verse 20. Despise not prophesyings.] Do not suppose that ye have no need of continual instruction; without it ye cannot preserve the Christian life, nor go on to perfection. God will ever send a message of salvation by each of his ministers to every faithful, attentive hearer. Do not suppose that ye are already wise enough; you are no more wise enough than you are holy enough. They who slight or neglect the means of grace, and especially the preaching of God's holy word, are generally vain, empty, self-conceited people, and exceedingly superficial both in knowledge and piety.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Section VII. Rules for the Sanctified Life. Ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 In Section v. (ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) the saintship of his readers supplied the basis and the nerve of the Apostle’s charge. He there enforced on the Thessalonian believers the virtues which they needed to cultivate, in the light of their consecration to God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit served as the sovereign motive for the leading of a pure life (ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8). The same thought runs through this Section. The string of sententious exhortations it contains, find their goal and their uniting principle in the prayer, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you fully” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Hence the title we prefix to the paragraph.1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 relate to social duties, spreading out in widening circles from “those who preside over yon in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:12) to “all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Then we pass to religious duties, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 : to those (1) of the most general character, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; and (2) to the more specific injunctions arising from the special gifts of the Spirit then bestowed upon the Church, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.
These directions lead up to the great prayer of the Apostle for entire sanctification, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Despise not prophesyings - On the subject of prophesyings in the early Christian church, see the notes on 1 Corinthians 14:1 ff1 ff. The reference here seems to be to preaching.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
20. Prophesyings—Held by Paul to be the best, because the most profitable and edifying, gift of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:1. It was inspired utterance, whether predictive, doctrinal, hortatory, or admonitory.
Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 5:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Second Coming by A.W. Tozer | The sermon transcript is about the preacher's intention to talk about the coming of the Lord Jesus and not about details or schedules. The preacher shares a personal story about hi |
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(Prophecy) Clarifications About Prophecy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of prophecy in warning God's people ahead of time. He encourages the audience to seek the gift of prophecy from God, so they ca |
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(Clip) What Is a Prophetic Word? Are They for Today? by Shane Idleman | This sermon discusses the role of prophetic words in the church, emphasizing the importance of genuine messages from God that edify, encourage, and align with Scripture. It explore |
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Word & Spirit Conference, Session 2, Part 1 by David Ravenhill | David Ravenhill emphasizes the essential unity of the Word and the Spirit in his sermon, highlighting the dangers of separating the two. He reflects on the historical divide betwee |
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The Psychic Discoveries in the Last Days by Jessie Penn-Lewis | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising prophetic utterances, which involves treating messages of prophecy with contempt or disregarding them as wor |
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The Gift of Prophecy by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of the gift of prophecy in the church, highlighting its role in edification, exhortation, and comfort for believers. He warns against |
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The Gift of Prophecy by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of prophecy in the Christian life, encouraging believers to pursue a personal relationship with God and to be open to the gifts of the Spir |