The Important Meaning of “Prove” and “Reprobate” (Part 2)

The Important Meaning of “Prove” and “Reprobate” (Part 2)

See Part 1 here.

“That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2 (KJV) 

“God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” — Romans 1:28 (KJV)

These two words—prove and reprobate—represent not only two ends of a spiritual scale, but two pathways diverging in the heart of every believer. To understand them is to understand what God is seeking in those who follow Him—and what He sorrowfully abandons in those who turn away. Each word, in its origin and its usage, carries weight, purpose, and warning.

“Prove” – dokimazō

The Greek word translated “prove” in Romans 12:2 is dokimazō, which means to test, to examine, and to recognize something as genuine after scrutiny. This is not casual affirmation—it’s rigorous discernment that leads to spiritual confidence. Paul uses this word often to describe the responsibility of the renewed mind: to be spiritually perceptive, careful in judgment, and eager to affirm that which is good, acceptable, and perfect in God’s eyes.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) is not just a call to critical thinking—it’s a call to spiritual courage. The believer must not float through life assuming anything is pleasing to God. Instead, we are to take everything—from doctrine to behavior, relationships to priorities—and place them under examination. And through a mind renewed by the Spirit and Word, we then hold fast to what passes the test.

In Galatians 6:4, Paul adds, “Let every man prove his own work…”—emphasizing that this process is personal. It’s not about comparing ourselves to others, but about carefully testing our own walk before God. A life that proves God’s will becomes a life that reflects His approval.

“Reprobate” – adokimos

On the opposite end is the word reprobate, translated from the Greek adokimos, which literally means “not approved.” The prefix “a-” turns the word into its negative form: untested, rejected, disqualified. In Romans 1:28, Paul uses it to describe a terrifying outcome—God giving people over to a reprobate mind, one that can no longer discern, respond to, or be corrected by truth.

This is not an innocent ignorance. It’s a forfeited sensitivity. A reprobate mind is one that has resisted the proving process, rejected the knowledge of God, and been released into moral and spiritual decay. It is as if the soul has failed the test and no longer even knows there was one. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul warns believers to examine themselves lest they find themselves reprobate. Even in Titus 1:16, he describes those who claim to know God but, by their works, prove themselves to be “reprobate unto every good work.”

This is the tragic mirror image of dokimazō. Instead of testing and approving, the reprobate mind dodges examination, fails moral scrutiny, and becomes incapable of affirming what is good. It slips downward into darkness—away from discernment, away from God.

Why This Matters

Dear reader, this is not academic. This is the pulse of your spiritual health. Whether your mind is being renewed or resigned… whether you are testing or drifting… whether you are growing in approval or slowly fading toward rejection—these words ask you to choose.

You are not reading this by accident. The Spirit of God has called you to examine, to test, to discern. “Examine yourselves,” Paul writes—not to shame, but to awaken. Because this proving process is the safeguard of your soul. It invites the Word of God to do its work inside you—to reshape your thoughts, refine your affections, reframe your decisions.

And so, I urge you: evaluate your response to the Word within you. Are you proving it? Or resisting it? Are you embracing truth when it challenges you, or making excuses when it convicts you? Let God’s Word be proved—not ignored. Let your love for Him drive your discernment. Let your hunger for righteousness guide your judgment. Because the cost of spiritual disinterest is high. And the descent into reprobation is subtle.

Let these words be not only a mirror—but a mercy. God is willing to renew the mind, sharpen spiritual discernment, and strengthen love in action. Let your life be found approving what is excellent, proving what is eternal, and reflecting what pleases Him.