19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder(A) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.(B) 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove(C) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.(D) 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus(E) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,(F) and do not share in the sins of others.(G) Keep yourself pure.(H)

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19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.[a] 20 Those guilty of sin[b] must be rebuked[c] before all,[d] as a warning to the rest.[e] 21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.[f] 22 Do not lay hands on anyone[g] hastily and so identify with the sins of others.[h] Keep yourself pure.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:19 sn An allusion to Deut 17:6; 19:15.
  2. 1 Timothy 5:20 sn As a continuation of v. 19, this refers to elders who sin, not to sinning believers more generally.
  3. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn Or “censured.” The Greek word implies exposing someone’s sin in order to bring correction.
  4. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn “Before all” probably refers to the whole congregation, not just all the elders; “the rest” is more likely to denote the remaining elders.
  5. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn Grk “that the rest may have fear.”
  6. 1 Timothy 5:21 tn Grk “doing nothing according to partiality.”
  7. 1 Timothy 5:22 tn In context “laying hands on anyone” refers to ordination or official installation of someone as an elder.
  8. 1 Timothy 5:22 tn Grk “and do not share in the sins of others.”

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

20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

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