King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 5:20 in the King James Version says “Despise not prophesyings.” — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Despise not prophesyings.”

1 Thessalonians 5:20 · KJV

Context

18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19

Quench not the Spirit.

20

Despise not prophesyings.

21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Despise not prophesyings—prophēteias mē exoutheneite (προφητείας μὴ ἐξουθενεῖτε, 'prophecies do not despise'). Exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω, 'to despise, treat with contempt, make of no account') indicates active rejection. Prophēteia (προφητεία) in NT means both foretelling (predicting future) and forthtelling (declaring God's message). Paul emphasizes the latter: prophecy is Spirit-inspired utterance for 'edification, and exhortation, and comfort' (1 Cor 14:3). Believers shouldn't despise prophetic ministry by (1) rejecting all claims to prophetic gifting, (2) silencing prophetic voices, (3) treating prophecy as inferior to teaching, (4) assuming revelation ceased with apostles.

Why would believers despise prophecy? Possible reasons: (1) false prophets caused suspicion of all prophecy, (2) rationalistic mindset rejects supernatural communication, (3) concern for order suppresses spontaneous utterances, (4) clerical hierarchy restricts prophetic ministry to ordained leaders. Paul forbids despising prophecy while commanding testing (v. 21)—both/and, not either/or. Don't reject prophecy wholesale (quenching the Spirit) but don't accept uncritically (abandoning discernment). Test prophecies; retain good; reject evil (vv. 21-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early church prophecy was common (Acts 11:27-28; 13:1; 21:9-11; 1 Cor 14:29-33). Prophets spoke spontaneous Spirit-inspired messages during worship, providing guidance, warning, encouragement. Some apparently despised these utterances as disorderly or inferior to teaching. Paul defends prophecy's value (1 Cor 14:1: 'desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy') while regulating practice (1 Cor 14:29-33). Later church history saw decline in prophetic ministry, with institutionalization prioritizing hierarchical teaching over charismatic utterance. Pentecostal/charismatic renewal recovered prophetic emphasis, though imbalanced practices sometimes vindicated earlier suspicions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you avoid despising prophetic utterances while maintaining biblical discernment to test them?
  2. What role should prophecy (Spirit-inspired messages for edification, exhortation, comfort) play in contemporary church life?
  3. How do you distinguish between legitimate concern for order and 'despising prophecy' through suppression of charismatic gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 3 words
προφητείας1 of 3

“prophesyings”

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

μὴ2 of 3

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐξουθενεῖτε3 of 3

“Despise”

G1848

to despise

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 5:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 5:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 14:3-61 Corinthians 14:11 Corinthians 11:4Numbers 11:25-291 Corinthians 14:37-391 Corinthians 14:22-25

Test Your Knowledge

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