1 Timothy 5 21

1 Timothy 5:21 kjv

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.

1 Timothy 5:21 nkjv

I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.

1 Timothy 5:21 niv

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

1 Timothy 5:21 esv

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

1 Timothy 5:21 nlt

I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 21 Meaning

Paul delivers an extremely solemn command to Timothy, urging him to carry out his pastoral duties with unwavering integrity and absolute impartiality. This injunction, delivered in the presence of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, emphasizes that all his actions and decisions—especially concerning church leadership, handling accusations, and appointing individuals—must be free from pre-judgment, personal bias, or any form of favoritism. It highlights the divine standard for justice and fairness within God's household.

1 Timothy 5 21 Context

This verse serves as a crucial ethical mandate within Paul's letter of instruction to Timothy regarding the governance of the Ephesian church. In the broader chapter 5, Paul advises Timothy on how to appropriately treat various members of the congregation, including older and younger men and women (5:1-2), widows (5:3-16), and most significantly, elders (5:17-20). Specifically, 1 Timothy 5:21 directly follows Paul's instructions on handling accusations against elders (5:19-20), which require at least two or three witnesses and public rebuke for those who persist in sin. This emphasizes the gravity of ensuring justice in matters concerning church leaders. Historically, the Greco-Roman world was saturated with patronage and social hierarchies where favoritism based on wealth, status, or personal connections was commonplace. Paul's command here directly counteracts these pervasive cultural norms, establishing a distinctly different, higher, and divinely mandated standard for the community of faith, asserting that justice and righteousness, rather than worldly biases, must define church administration and judgment.

1 Timothy 5 21 Word analysis

• I charge you (διαμαρτύρομαι - diamartyromai): This is a powerful, solemn adjuration, not a mere suggestion. It implies an earnest warning, an urgent testimony, or a command made under the most solemn circumstances, akin to a formal oath or invoking divine witness. Paul uses this strong verb to underscore the extreme gravity and imperative nature of the instructions that follow.

• before God: This signifies that God himself is invoked as a witness to the truth and importance of this charge, and that Timothy is accountable directly to Him for observing these instructions. It speaks to divine oversight and the ultimate source of authority.

• and the Lord Jesus Christ: This further elevates the solemnity and authority of the charge. Jesus is the Head of the Church, the standard of righteousness, and the ultimate judge. Timothy's service is rendered not just for God the Father but also for His Son, Jesus Christ, who died for the Church.

• and the elect angels: The presence of "elect angels" as witnesses emphasizes the cosmic scope and eternal significance of Timothy’s duties. These are the faithful, chosen angels, untainted by sin, who observe human actions and divine justice. Their witnessing highlights the absolute seriousness and divine accountability for righteous conduct within the Church. It suggests that heavenly beings are observing, not just human ones.

• that you observe these things (τηρέω - tereō): Tereō means to guard, keep, maintain, or preserve carefully. It denotes diligent attention and practical obedience to the principles outlined, implying constant vigilance and adherence to these commands in action, not just in thought. "These things" refers to all the preceding instructions, especially concerning the conduct and handling of elders and the overall administration of the church.

• without prejudice (χωρὶς προκρίματος - chōris prokrīmatos): Literally, "without prejudgment" or "without prior decision." This means avoiding the formation of an opinion or judgment before examining all the facts or hearing all sides of a case. It requires impartiality from the outset, warning against pre-conceived notions, biases, or hasty conclusions that compromise fairness.

• doing nothing (μηδὲν ποιῶν - mēden poiōn): This phrase emphasizes the complete and utter prohibition against any action that would arise from partiality. It is an absolute denial, meaning no action whatsoever should be taken under the influence of favoritism.

• with partiality (κατὰ πρόσκλισιν - kata prosclisin): Prosklisis denotes an "inclination towards," "favoritism," or "a leaning to one side." It refers to biased judgment or actions influenced by personal preferences, social status, wealth, friendships, or any relationship that causes one to favor certain individuals over others, contrary to objective justice. This contrasts sharply with God's nature, who shows no partiality.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels": This tripartite invocation of divine witnesses elevates Paul's instruction to an incredibly high and solemn plane. It functions as an oath or an extreme earnest adjuration, highlighting that Timothy's actions have cosmic significance and he is under divine scrutiny. This makes the charge binding with spiritual consequences.
  • "observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality": These two phrases work in tandem, acting as a double safeguard against biased decision-making. "Without prejudice" speaks to the internal disposition—how Timothy's mind and heart approach a matter (no pre-judgment). "Doing nothing with partiality" speaks to the external action—how he practically applies justice (no favoritism in deed). Together, they form a comprehensive command for complete impartiality in both thought and deed, ensuring fairness in all church administration.

1 Timothy 5 21 Bonus section

The inclusion of "elect angels" as witnesses might suggest their role in carrying out God's judgments or in the administration of His kingdom, implying that justice within the church on earth aligns with heavenly decrees. This verse profoundly underscores the ethical dimension of church leadership, stressing that those who govern God's people must embody the impartiality and justice that characterize God Himself. It sets a crucial precedent for all who hold positions of authority in the Christian community, serving as a timeless caution against abuse of power, personal gain, or corrupt judgment in spiritual matters. This commitment to fairness is foundational to the church's health, unity, and its credible witness to a watching world.

1 Timothy 5 21 Commentary

1 Timothy 5:21 is a pinnacle command on judicial integrity within the church. Paul's grave charge to Timothy underscores that leadership in God's church is not a matter of human politics or social maneuvering but divine service requiring absolute rectitude. The invocation of God, Christ, and elect angels signifies that church decisions are under heavenly scrutiny, making impartiality not just a moral good but a divine mandate. This command directly applies to processes like elder selection, handling accusations against them, and disciplinary actions, but it extends to all aspects of church governance. It calls for leaders to meticulously weigh facts, exercise discernment without preconceived ideas, and ensure decisions are driven solely by truth and justice, free from any form of human favoritism, status-seeking, or personal bias. It ensures the church truly reflects God's character in its internal dealings, demonstrating righteousness to the world and maintaining its witness.