1 Timothy 5:22 kjv
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
1 Timothy 5:22 nkjv
Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5:22 niv
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5:22 esv
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5:22 nlt
Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 5:20 | Those who sin rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest may fear. | Paul contrasts hasty laying on of hands with proper rebuke for sin. |
| Acts 6:3 | Look out for seven men from among you, full of the Spirit and wisdom. | Principle of selecting qualified individuals for leadership roles. |
| 1 Timothy 3:1-7 | Qualifications for overseers. | Underscores the careful selection criteria for leaders. |
| Titus 1:5-9 | Qualifications for elders in Crete. | Reinforces the need for proven character and competence. |
| Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them. | Highlights the importance of selecting worthy leaders. |
| 1 John 4:1 | Test the spirits to see whether they are from God. | Principle of discerning genuine spiritual maturity. |
| Jeremiah 17:9-10 | The heart is deceitful above all things; who can understand it? | Acknowledges human fallibility in judgment. |
| Proverbs 18:13 | To answer a matter before hearing it is folly and shame. | Counsel against premature judgment. |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:21 | Test all things; hold fast what is good. | Emphasizes discernment in all spiritual matters. |
| Galatians 2:6 | God shows no partiality. | God's impartial judgment serves as a model. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time. | Warning against premature judgment. |
| Romans 14:4 | Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? | Caution against judging others. |
| Matthew 7:1-2 | Judge not, that you be not judged. | Jesus' teaching on judgment. |
| Acts 1:24-26 | Casting lots for Matthias to replace Judas. | God's active role in choosing leaders. |
| 1 Timothy 4:14 | Do not neglect the gift you were given through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. | Implies that laying on of hands is significant for empowerment. |
| Numbers 27:18-20 | Joshua, filled with the Spirit of wisdom, was laid hand upon by Moses. | Old Testament precedent for commissioning leaders. |
| Deuteronomy 34:9 | Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses laid his hands on him. | Shows the conferral of ability through the laying on of hands. |
| Acts 13:2-3 | Barnabas and Saul set apart for missionary work by the church laying on hands. | Laying on of hands for specific ministry and setting apart. |
| 2 Timothy 1:6 | That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. | Emphasizes the ongoing enablement and remembrance through the laying on of hands. |
| Romans 11:13-14 | Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, hoping to provoke them to jealousy. | Indirect example of extending ministry and oversight. |
1 Timothy 5 verses
1 Timothy 5 22 Meaning
Lay hands on no man hastily. This is a counsel against quick judgment and impulsive appointment of church leaders or fellow believers to responsibilities. It emphasizes prudence and thorough discernment in matters of leadership and spiritual oversight.
1 Timothy 5 22 Context
This verse is found in 1 Timothy chapter 5, which offers instruction on various aspects of church life, including the treatment of different age groups within the church (widows, elders) and how to deal with sin and leadership. Specifically, verse 22 follows discussions on appointing elders and rebuking them if they err. The immediate context points to the selection and appointment of individuals within the church, likely for leadership or specific ministry roles. Historically, the early church was rapidly growing, and establishing sound leadership was crucial. Paul's instructions to Timothy, his protégé, were practical guides for managing and nurturing this emerging community of faith in Ephesus.
1 Timothy 5 22 Word Analysis
- ῤαθύμως (rhaithymōs): Adverb meaning "slothfully," "carelessly," "negligently," or "hastily." It implies a lack of earnestness and due consideration.
- ἐπιτίθης (epitithēs): Second person singular present active subjunctive of ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi). "Epitithēmi" literally means "to place upon" or "to lay upon." In this context, it refers to the action of laying hands on someone.
- χειρῶν (cheirōn): Genitive plural of χείρ (cheir), meaning "hand." The laying on of hands was a significant gesture in ancient cultures and in the Bible, conveying blessing, impartation of spiritual gifts, healing, or the appointment to office.
- μηδενί (mēdeni): Dative singular masculine of μηδείς (mēdeis), a negative pronoun meaning "no one," "not anyone," "nothing." It emphasizes a universal prohibition concerning whom not to lay hands on.
Group of Words Analysis:
- "ῤαθύμως ἐπιτίθης χειρῶν" (rhaithymōs epitithēs cheirōn): This phrase "hastily lay hands on no one" highlights the action of appointing or ordaining someone without sufficient forethought, investigation, or divine guidance. The "hastily" (rhaithymōs) is key, indicating that the problem is not the laying on of hands itself, but the rashness with which it is done.
1 Timothy 5 22 Bonus Section
The laying on of hands is a practice with deep roots in both Jewish and early Christian traditions, signifying a transfer of authority, blessing, or spiritual endowment. In the Old Testament, it was used in sacrifices, by prophets to designate successors (like Moses laying hands on Joshua), and by priests in various ceremonies. The New Testament continues and expands upon this, linking it to the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18), healing (Mark 16:18), and ordaining men for service (Acts 6:6, 1 Tim 4:14). Paul's warning here to Timothy is particularly relevant for a young pastor tasked with establishing order in a diverse church like Ephesus, guarding against impulsive appointments that could destabilize the community. It reminds us that God's anointing often follows His appointed time and process, which includes human diligence and discernment.
1 Timothy 5 22 Commentary
This verse serves as a critical directive for church leadership regarding the appointment of individuals to positions of responsibility or ministry. The laying on of hands was a public act of endorsement, often associated with the impartation of the Spirit and qualification for service, as seen in Old Testament ordinations (Num 27:23) and New Testament examples (Acts 13:2-3, 1 Tim 4:14). The emphasis on "hastily" underscores the need for deep spiritual discernment, thorough vetting of character and gifting, and prayerful consideration before involving oneself in such appointments. Rushing this process can lead to unqualified individuals in leadership, causing harm to the church and dishonor to God. It's a call to patience and wisdom in stewardship of spiritual leadership.
Practical Usage Examples:
- A church committee considering new deacons should conduct interviews, seek testimonies, and pray over candidates over an extended period, not making a snap decision.
- When a church member feels called to a particular ministry, leadership should guide them through a process of testing and training before officially appointing them.
- Leaders should not quickly impose their will or responsibility onto others without assessing their readiness and character.