πάντα δὲ δοκιμάζετε, τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε
1 Thessalonians 5:21 is a brief but powerful call to spiritual discernment. Nestled in a series of rapid-fire exhortations, this verse balances openness with critical evaluation: believers are not to accept or reject blindly but are to test all things and cling to what is good. The Greek is elegant in its brevity, making each verb imperative and memorable.
Grammatical Foundations
πάντα δὲ δοκιμάζετε—“But test everything.”
- πάντα—accusative neuter plural of πᾶς, meaning “all things” or “everything.” It is the direct object of the verb.
- δὲ—a mild connective particle, often translated “but” or “and,” introducing a contrast or continuation.
- δοκιμάζετε—present active imperative, 2nd person plural from δοκιμάζω, “to test,” “examine,” “evaluate.” The present tense implies continual or habitual action: “keep testing.”
τὸ καλὸν κατέχετε—“hold fast to what is good.”
- τὸ καλόν—accusative neuter singular from καλός, “good,” used substantively: “the good thing” or “what is good.”
- κατέχετε—present active imperative, 2nd person plural from κατέχω, “to hold fast,” “retain,” “cling to.” Like δοκιμάζετε, it carries a sense of persistence.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
This verse assumes that not everything presented to believers—whether teachings, prophecies, or practices—is necessarily true or good. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to examine all things with discernment (δοκιμάζετε), a term used in metallurgy for testing the quality of coins or precious metals. The test is not cynicism but refinement.
Once discernment identifies what is καλόν—beautiful, noble, intrinsically good—it is not to be admired only but grasped and held tightly (κατέχετε). This active response reflects the ethical urgency of Christian living: discernment must lead to faithful commitment.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
δοκιμάζω was commonly used in Greek literature for assessing value or genuineness. In the New Testament, it often implies moral and spiritual testing (e.g., Rom 12:2). In a prophetic or charismatic context (see 1 Thess 5:20), it suggests that even genuine spiritual experiences must be evaluated against apostolic truth and fruitfulness.
καλός carries connotations not only of goodness but also of beauty, harmony, and moral nobility. κατέχω means more than “accept”—it implies seizing something firmly and not letting go, used elsewhere of “holding fast the confession” or “the traditions” (cf. Heb 10:23).
Table: Verbal and Structural Features in 1 Thessalonians 5:21
| Text | Greek Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Thess 5:21 | δοκιμάζετε | Present active imperative, 2nd person plural | “Test”; ongoing discernment of all things |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | πάντα | Accusative neuter plural | “Everything”; the scope of discernment is universal |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | κατέχετε | Present active imperative, 2nd person plural | “Hold fast”; active moral response to what is good |
| 1 Thess 5:21 | τὸ καλόν | Accusative neuter singular adjective used substantively | “The good”; that which is noble, true, and beautiful |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
1 Thessalonians 5:21 exemplifies the clarity and weight of Koine Greek. With just four words, Paul commands a lifelong posture of wise engagement: test broadly, but embrace selectively. The rhythm and balance of the imperatives make the verse easy to memorize but hard to ignore. It challenges the church to be both open-hearted and sharp-minded, holding fast only to what is truly good.
