1 Timothy 5:19

Translations

Modern

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Traditional

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Literal

Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except upon two or three witnesses.

Latin

Adversus presbyterum accusationem noli recipere, nisi sub duobus aut tribus testibus.

Original

Greek

English

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Notes

1 Timothy 5:19–21

The false teachers may have caused false accusations against Christian leaders. This passage follows the outline of Deuteronomy 19:15–21.
two or three witnesses: See Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 10:28.

1 Timothy 5:17–25

Elders: In Judaism, community leaders were usually older men who led the wider community. The letters to Timothy acknowledge an office of elders (Greek presbuteroi) called "overseers" (see also 3:1–7). Titus lists both offices (Titus 1:5–9). But the term also refers to older men in the community (as in 1 Timothy 4:14; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:1).

1 Timothy 5:1–6:2

Proper behavior in God's spiritual household involves everyone, including:

the old and young (5:1–2),
widows (5:3–16),
old people (5:17–25), and
slaves (6:1–2a).

Showing respect within the household goes beyond social boundaries.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders

Related verses

Matthew 18:16
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Deuteronomy 19:15
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
Titus 1:6
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.
Deuteronomy 17:6
On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.
Hebrews 10:28
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
John 8:17
Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
Acts 25:16
I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
Deuteronomy 19:18–19
The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
Acts 11:30
This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 24:2–13
When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.
John 18:29
So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”

Glossary

Church Meetings Elder Judge Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Christian Minister: Duties of Church Discipline Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Elder in the Christian Church Pedophiles Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact

1 Timothy 5:19

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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