1 Timothy 5 20

1 Timothy 5:20 kjv

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

1 Timothy 5:20 nkjv

Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

1 Timothy 5:20 niv

But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

1 Timothy 5:20 esv

As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

1 Timothy 5:20 nlt

Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 20 Meaning

This verse instructs Timothy on how to address specific and ongoing sinful behavior among those within the church leadership, particularly elders, whose persistent transgressions have been verified. The directive is to "rebuke" them "in the presence of all," which means to publicly expose or correct their proven wrongdoing. The purpose of this public action is two-fold: to hold the sinning leader accountable and, critically, to serve as a potent warning and deterrent for the "rest" of the congregation, ensuring they maintain a healthy reverence ("fear") for God's holiness, His commands, and the serious consequences of violating them. It is an act intended to preserve the church's purity and integrity by maintaining high standards, especially for its spiritual guides.

1 Timothy 5 20 Context

1 Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning various groups within the church at Ephesus: widows, elders, and young men and women. This verse, 1 Timothy 5:20, is situated within Paul's guidelines for church leadership, specifically dealing with the proper handling of elders. Verses 17-18 emphasize honoring and financially supporting worthy elders. Verse 19 lays down a strict procedure for handling accusations against an elder, requiring the testimony of "two or three witnesses" to prevent frivolous or malicious charges. Verse 20 logically follows: if an accusation is sustained through this due process, then the prescribed action for a continually sinning elder is public rebuke. This instruction underlines the necessity of accountability even for church leaders and sets a clear standard of conduct. The historical context reflects a young church, possibly facing internal moral challenges and external pressures from pagan society, where maintaining spiritual integrity and moral purity among leaders was paramount for the church's credibility and spiritual health.

1 Timothy 5 20 Word analysis

• Those who are sinning (τοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας - tous hamartanontas): This is a present active participle, denoting a continuous, habitual, or unrepentant state of sin, not a one-time failure. It signifies individuals, specifically implied to be elders based on the preceding verse (v.19), who are found to be actively engaged in ongoing misconduct after proper verification. It speaks to a pattern of life that deviates from Christ-like behavior, necessitating a strong, public response.
• rebuke (ἔλεγχε - elegche): An imperative verb, meaning to expose, convict, reprove, or call to account authoritatively. It is a forceful, unyielding act of correction aimed at bringing conviction. It implies a public confrontation where the wrongdoing is clearly stated and condemned, designed to lead to repentance or at least to clear the church's stance on the sin. It is not merely a private word but a formal, public denouncement within the church body.
• in the presence of all (ἐνώπιον πάντων - enōpion pantōn): This phrase unequivocally indicates that the rebuke must be done publicly, before the entire gathered congregation. This transparency serves multiple critical purposes: it demonstrates that no one, regardless of position, is above accountability; it prevents gossip and ensures the integrity of the process; and it fulfills the deterrent effect on the "rest" of the community.
• that the rest also may fear (ἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν - hina kai hoi loipoi phobon echōsin): The phrase "the rest" refers to other members of the church, particularly other elders or potential leaders, but also the wider congregation. "Fear" (phobon) here is not terror but a wholesome, reverential awe and respect for God, His holy standards, the seriousness of sin, and the consequences of moral compromise. It functions as a deterrent, motivating others to live righteously and avoid similar pitfalls, thus promoting a culture of spiritual purity and diligence within the church.

1 Timothy 5 20 Bonus section

• The immediate connection to 1 Timothy 5:19, concerning accusations against elders, strongly indicates that "those who are sinning" here refers primarily to elders. This emphasizes the higher standard of conduct and accountability for church leaders. They are not exempt from discipline; rather, their prominent position necessitates that their proven, unrepentant sin be addressed openly.
• This verse underpins the biblical model of congregational accountability and transparency in leadership matters. It discourages secret handling of serious moral or theological failures, which could foster distrust, enable ongoing sin, and damage the church's witness.
• The effectiveness of this severe form of discipline hinges on its righteous application. The prior step of verification by "two or three witnesses" (v.19) is crucial to prevent abuse, false accusations, or personal vendettas. The public rebuke is reserved for clear, persistent, and unrepentant wrongdoing.
• This instruction showcases the church's God-given authority (rooted in passages like Matt 16:19 and Matt 18:18) to administer internal discipline for the sake of its purity, sound doctrine, and ultimately, the glory of God. It acts as a protective measure for the flock, both from internal corruption and from stumbling due to unchecked leadership failures.

1 Timothy 5 20 Commentary

1 Timothy 5:20 encapsulates a vital principle of church leadership and discipline: that serious, persistent sin, especially among those in authority, must be handled with utmost gravity and transparency. Following the rigorous due process of verse 19 (requiring multiple witnesses for an accusation against an elder), this verse dictates a public rebuke when such sin is proven. The public nature of this discipline is paramount, signaling that the church is serious about upholding God's standards for holiness, that no position grants immunity from accountability, and that such conduct will not be tolerated.

The purpose extends beyond merely punishing the individual. It acts as a profound lesson for the entire community. By witnessing the public rebuke, the "rest" of the congregation is meant to cultivate a healthy, reverential "fear" – an awareness of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin – that compels them to greater faithfulness and cautious living. This contributes to the spiritual health and moral integrity of the entire church, serving as both correction for the erring individual and protection for the flock from the corrupting influence of unaddressed sin in its midst. This strong instruction highlights the church's role in reflecting God's righteousness to the world and maintaining the purity of His house.

• Practical Examples:
  • A church might publicly announce disciplinary action (after due process) against a spiritual leader found to be consistently teaching false doctrine, serving as a warning to the congregation against such errors.
  • If a deacon or elder is discovered in an ongoing pattern of financial malfeasance affecting the church, and all biblical steps have been taken, the church leadership may publicly address the disciplinary consequences to safeguard trust and integrity.
  • When a youth leader's moral failures become known and proven, a church could publicly address the matter, not for shaming, but to communicate to all, especially younger members, the gravity of sin and the high call of discipleship.