1 John 4:1

Beloved, do not believe every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Unlocked Literal Bible

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 you will know the Spirit of God—every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

Read all of 1 John 4

Cross References

Proverbs 14:15The one who is naive believes everything, 1 but the prudent man thinks about his steps. 1

Jeremiah 29:8For Yahweh of hosts, God of Israel, says this, 'Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that you yourselves are having.

Matthew 24:4Jesus answered and said to them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.

Mark 13:21Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.

Luke 21:8Jesus answered, “Be careful that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them.

Acts 20:29I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will come in among you and will not spare 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