1 John 4:1

Dearly beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Douay-Rheims 1899

In The 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.

In Context

2By this is the spirit of God known. Every spirit which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God:

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Proverbs 14:15The innocent believeth every word: the discreet man considereth his steps. No good shall come to the deceitful son: but the wise servant shall prosper in his dealings, and his way shall be made straight.

Jeremiah 29:8For thus saith the Lord of hoses the God of Israel: Let not your prophets that are in the midst of you, and your diviners deceive you: and give no heed to your dreams which you dream:

Matthew 24:4And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you:

Mark 13:21And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; lo, he is here: do not believe.

Luke 21:8Who said: Take heed you be not seduced; for many will come in my name, saying, I am he; and the time is at hand: go ye not therefore after them.

Acts 20:29I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Matthew Henry on 1 John 4:1

In this chapter the apostle exhorts to try spirits ( ver. 1 ), gives a note to try by ( ver. 2, 3 ), shows who are of the world and who of God ( ver. 4-6 ), urges Christian love by divers considerations ( ver. 7-16 ), describes our love to God, and the effect of it, ver. 17-21 . Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 John 4:1