1 Timothy 5 1

1 Timothy 5:1 kjv

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

1 Timothy 5:1 nkjv

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

1 Timothy 5:1 niv

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,

1 Timothy 5:1 esv

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,

1 Timothy 5:1 nlt

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 1 Meaning

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but, rather, implore him as a father, younger men as brothers,

1 Timothy 5 1 Context

This verse begins a section in 1 Timothy addressing specific conduct within the church, particularly regarding relationships and responsibilities. Chapter 5 provides instructions on how to treat different groups of people: widows, elders, and slaves. Verse 1 sets the tone for how leaders, and by extension all believers, should approach those who are older, emphasizing gentleness and respect. The broader context of 1 Timothy is Paul's counsel to his young protégé, Timothy, on how to lead and maintain order and sound doctrine in the church at Ephesus. The Ephesian church, like many early churches, likely faced challenges with internal divisions and external pressures, making Paul's guidance on respectful conduct crucial for unity and effective ministry.

1 Timothy 5 1 Word Analysis

• Do not (μὴ): A primary negative particle, indicating prohibition. It forbids the action that follows.
• sharply rebuke (ἐπιπλήξῃς): From the verb epiplēssō, meaning to strike against, beat, chide, or rebuke. It implies a stern, harsh, or vigorous reprimand. It can carry the sense of striking out, so the emphasis here is on the forcefulness or severity of the rebuke.
• an older man (πρεσβύτερον): The accusative singular form of presbyteros. It refers to an elder, specifically an aged man. In the context of the church, it can also refer to an elder in leadership, but the primary emphasis here seems to be on age. The dual meaning highlights the respect due to both age and office.
• but, rather (ἀλλά γε): A conjunction that introduces a contrast or stronger assertion. Alla means "but," and ge adds emphasis, "indeed," or "at least." It signals a preferred or more appropriate course of action.
• implore him (διαμαρτύρῳ): From the verb diamartyromai, meaning to testify earnestly, to protest, to implore, or to charge solemnly. It signifies speaking with urgency, sincerity, and passion, urging someone to consider or do something. It's a strong but not necessarily harsh appeal.
• as a father (ὡς πατρί): Hos means "as," "like," or "in the manner of." Pātri is the dative singular of pater, meaning father. This introduces a familial analogy, framing the interaction with an older man as a son would treat his father. This implies tenderness, respect, and affectionate guidance.
• younger men (νεωτέρους): The accusative plural of neōteros, meaning younger. This refers to men younger than the speaker or the older men previously mentioned.
• as brothers (ὡς ἀδελφούς): Hos again meaning "as." Adelphous is the accusative plural of adelphos, meaning brother. This compares the relationship with younger men to that of brothers, suggesting camaraderie, equality (in terms of shared faith), and mutual support.

Words/Group by Words Analysis:

• Do not sharply rebuke an older man: The core prohibition is against harsh, aggressive, or disrespectful rebukes directed at those who are elderly or in positions of respect due to age. This is balanced by the instruction on how to do it appropriately.
• but, rather, implore him: This creates a clear contrast. The inappropriate method is a sharp rebuke; the appropriate method is earnest imploring or testifying. The emphasis shifts from punitive action to persuasive appeal and earnest testimony.
• as a father, younger men as brothers: These are the specific relational models to adopt. For an older man, the attitude should be like that of a son to his father—showing deep respect, deference, and a protective or guiding love. For younger men, the attitude should be like brothers—equal in Christ, characterized by shared experience, mutual encouragement, and healthy interaction without condescension.

1 Timothy 5 1 Bonus Section

The principle of respecting elders is not unique to this verse; it's a consistent theme throughout Scripture. The Old Testament emphasizes honoring parents and the elderly, reflecting a societal structure where age was highly respected. In the New Testament, this respect is woven into the fabric of church life, extending to leadership roles (presbyters) and all members based on age. The nuance here is that while elders (in office) might require correction, the manner of correction should reflect reverence for their office and their age. The comparison to family (father and brothers) highlights the deep, relational nature of the Christian community, where even correction is a family matter undertaken with love and care. This is not a license for the erring to continue in sin but a guide on how to correct constructively within the body of Christ.

1 Timothy 5 1 Commentary

This verse lays out a principle of differential conduct based on age and the relationships within the church community. Paul advises Timothy to handle rebukes with wisdom, especially towards older men. Instead of a forceful reprimand that could cause shame or disrespect, a gentler, more persuasive approach akin to a father speaking to his son is prescribed. This approach is meant to preserve dignity and foster respect for seniority. In contrast, younger men are to be addressed with the familiarity and camaraderie of a brother. This instruction reflects the value placed on age and respect in ancient cultures and is rooted in the Christian understanding of treating all with love and honor. It's not about avoiding necessary correction but about delivering it in a manner that is loving, respectful, and fitting for the relationship. The goal is edification, not humiliation.