1 Timothy 5:2 kjv
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1 Timothy 5:2 nkjv
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
1 Timothy 5:2 niv
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
1 Timothy 5:2 esv
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
1 Timothy 5:2 nlt
Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.
1 Timothy 5 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 5:1 | Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as to a father… | Direct Command |
| Lev 19:32 | Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the old… | Old Testament Honor |
| Prov 23:22 | Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother… | Parental Honor |
| Matt 19:19 | “Honor your father and your mother,” and, “You shall love your neighbor…” | Christ's Command |
| Luke 6:31 | And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. | Golden Rule |
| Rom 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Brotherly Affection |
| Rom 13:7 | Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed… | Respect for Authority |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female… | Unity in Christ |
| Eph 6:1-3 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother.”… | Honoring Parents |
| Eph 6:21-22 | so that you may be welcomed to be with us in Christ Jesus. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. | Obedience to Parents |
| Phil 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Humility and Others First |
| Col 3:10-11 | and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew… | New Creation Identity |
| Col 3:20 | Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. | Children Obeying Parents |
| Col 3:22 | Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers… | Bondservants Obeying Masters |
| Titus 2:2 | Older men are to be sober-minded, reverent, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. | Character of Older Men |
| Titus 2:6 | Likewise, urge the young men to be self-controlled. | Young Men Self-Control |
| Titus 3:1 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work… | Submission to Authorities |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls… | Submission to Leaders |
| 1 Pet 2:17 | Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, honor the emperor! | Respect for All |
| 1 Pet 5:5 | Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another… | Humility and Youth |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also love one another. | New Commandment Love |
1 Timothy 5 verses
1 Timothy 5 2 Meaning
This verse instructs Timothy to treat older men with respect, like fathers, and younger men as brothers. This applies to all believers, not just those within the church leadership structure, emphasizing a relational approach within the Christian community. It underscores the importance of honor and brotherhood flowing from genuine faith and submission to God's design for relationships.
1 Timothy 5 2 Context
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul provides Timothy with instructions on how to conduct himself within the church at Ephesus. This chapter covers issues of church discipline, care for widows, and qualifications for elders and deacons. Verse 2 fits within this framework by addressing how Timothy should interact with different age groups within the congregation, fostering a respectful and ordered environment. The preceding verse (1 Tim 5:1) sets the stage by instructing Timothy not to rebuke older men harshly, implying a need for sensitive and appropriate interaction.
1 Timothy 5 2 Word Analysis
πρεσβύτερον (presbyteron): Accusative singular of πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros), meaning "older man" or "elder." In a New Testament context, this term could refer to age or a designated office within the church. Here, it is primarily used in its older sense.
ὡς πατέρα (hos patera): "As a father." This prepositional phrase signifies the manner or model of address and treatment. It conveys a deep respect, care, and authority characteristic of a paternal relationship.
νεωτέρους (neōterous): Accusative plural of νεώτερος (neōteros), meaning "younger men." This term contrasts with "older men" and denotes those of a younger generation.
ὡς ἀδελφούς (hos adelphous): "As brothers." Similar to "as fathers," this signifies the way younger men should be treated – with the intimacy, equality, and affection of brotherhood, tempered by age difference.
Older men (πρεσβύτερον) as Fathers: This designation suggests looking beyond mere age to the fatherly qualities of wisdom, guidance, and provision that older men should ideally exhibit. It calls for respect due to those who represent a heritage and often possess a seasoned understanding of faith.
Younger men (νεωτέρους) as Brothers: This phrase highlights the unity and shared identity in Christ that should transcend age differences. While acknowledging the generational gap, it calls for an affectionate, supportive, and equal standing as members of the same spiritual family.
Relational Address: The verse establishes a pattern of address and conduct rooted in familial analogies, emphasizing that proper church order is built upon healthy and respectful intergenerational relationships.
1 Timothy 5 2 Bonus Section
This verse implies a proactive stance from Timothy. He is not to wait for perfect conduct from others but is to initiate respectful interactions based on their age and relationship within the body of Christ. This emphasizes that character development is not passive; it requires active engagement and application of biblical principles in daily interactions. The instruction also hints at the need for discerning how to apply these principles appropriately in specific situations, recognizing that while the general rule stands, the manner of expression might vary.
1 Timothy 5 2 Commentary
Paul's instruction here is foundational for creating a harmonious church environment. It's not just about polite behavior but about honoring God's order in relationships. Older men are to be respected because they have a longer walk with God, accumulating wisdom and experience, thus functioning like spiritual fathers. Younger men are to be treated as brothers, emphasizing mutual love and support, yet with a clear acknowledgment of their position. This creates a dynamic where respect flows up and down the generational lines, fostering spiritual maturity and unity. This approach is consistent with the teaching to love one another and prefer one another in honor. The expectation is that Timothy will model this behavior, setting a standard for the entire congregation.