1 Timothy 5 25

1 Timothy 5:25 kjv

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

1 Timothy 5:25 nkjv

Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

1 Timothy 5:25 niv

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

1 Timothy 5:25 esv

So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

1 Timothy 5:25 nlt

In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 25 Meaning

The Apostle Paul teaches Timothy a crucial principle concerning discernment, particularly in judging or appointing church leaders and managing the flock. This verse explains that while some deeds, especially good ones, are immediately evident and clear to all, other deeds – whether good yet hidden, or secret sins – are not. However, the verse firmly asserts that even these non-evident works ultimately cannot remain concealed. All true character, both admirable and reproachable, will eventually come to light, whether through human observation or divine revelation.

1 Timothy 5 25 Context

This verse is situated within Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding the order and conduct within the Christian assembly, specifically concerning elders and widows in 1 Timothy chapter 5. Paul advises Timothy on how to treat different groups within the church, highlighting respect for older members and providing for true widows. From verse 17, the focus shifts to elders, discussing their proper recognition, remuneration, and disciplinary processes. Verse 20 emphasizes public rebuke for persistent sin among elders, while verse 22 warns against hasty ordination, "laying hands suddenly on no man," which implies a rushed appointment without full discernment of character. The verse immediately preceding, 1 Timothy 5:24, states, "The sins of some people are conspicuously evident, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later." Verse 25, with "Likewise also," extends this principle from evident sins to good works and all other types of works, affirming that hidden deeds, whether good or bad, will also ultimately be revealed. The historical context for Timothy in Ephesus involved establishing and maintaining godly leadership and discipline in a challenging environment where false teachings and immoral behaviors were present. Paul provides practical wisdom for church administration, emphasizing thorough character assessment to protect the integrity of the leadership and the assembly.

1 Timothy 5 25 Word analysis

• Likewise (ὡσαύτως - hosautos): Means "in like manner," "similarly," or "in the same way." This term establishes a direct connection and parallelism with the preceding thought in verse 24 regarding sins that are evident. It implies that the principle being stated applies to good works in a similar, but perhaps reverse, manner.
• also (καί - kai): A conjunction meaning "and," "also," "even." It serves to expand or intensify the preceding thought, adding the dimension of "good works" to the discussion initiated by the topic of sins.
• outwardly good works (καλὰ ἔργα - kala erga):
  • καλὰ (kala): Means "good," "beautiful," "noble," "excellent," "praiseworthy." It implies moral goodness and actions that are admirable in their quality and intention.
  • ἔργα (erga): Means "works," "deeds," "actions," "labors." It refers to the visible conduct or output of a person.
  • Combined, kala erga refers to actions that are clearly, inherently, and visibly virtuous, exemplary, and ethically sound.
• are manifest beforehand (εἰσὶν πρόδηλοι - eisin prodeloi):
  • εἰσὶν (eisin): Third person plural of "to be," meaning "they are."
  • πρόδηλοι (prodeloi): From pro (before) and dēlos (visible, clear). It means "clearly evident," "plain to see," "manifest beforehand," or "conspicuously visible." This highlights the immediate and undeniable nature of some deeds. They are not hidden or needing deep investigation to be recognized; they present themselves openly.
• and those that are otherwise (καὶ τὰ ἄλλως - kai ta allōs):
  • καὶ (kai): "and."
  • τὰ (ta): The definite article, here meaning "the things" or "the ones."
  • ἄλλως (allōs): An adverb meaning "otherwise," "differently," "in another way." This phrase refers to the category of works that are not immediately evident or "manifest beforehand." This could encompass good deeds performed in secret, or sins that are carefully concealed and not easily seen by others.
• cannot be hidden (οὐ δύναται κρυβῆναι - ou dunatai krybēnai):
  • οὐ (ou): Negative particle, "not."
  • δύναται (dunatai): From dynamai (to be able), meaning "is able," "can."
  • κρυβῆναι (krybēnai): Infinitive aorist passive of kryptō (to hide), meaning "to be hidden" or "to be concealed."
  • Combined, ou dunatai krybēnai means "are not able to be hidden," "cannot be concealed." This is a definitive statement that regardless of initial appearance, nothing truly remains hidden indefinitely. This implies divine justice and revelation, or the inherent nature of truth and consequence, bringing all things to light in due time.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Likewise also, outwardly good works are manifest beforehand": This phrase establishes a parallel. Just as some sins are immediately obvious (v. 24), so too are some good and noble actions. These works speak for themselves and immediately reveal the character or spiritual condition of the person. This is crucial for evaluating candidates for church leadership, as a public display of godly character provides a strong foundation.
• "and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden": This profound statement broadens the scope to all other types of deeds – whether they are good deeds done in secret (e.g., charity, prayer) or bad deeds meticulously concealed (e.g., hypocrisy, immorality). The assertion "cannot be hidden" speaks to God's ultimate omniscience and righteous judgment. It reassures Timothy (and the church) that even if a person's true character isn't immediately apparent, it will eventually be brought to light. This principle encourages patience in discernment and reliance on divine timing and justice, while also serving as a warning to those who would attempt to live a life of hidden sin or feigned piety. It underpins the call for transparency and integrity in the body of Christ.

1 Timothy 5 25 Bonus section

The principle in 1 Timothy 5:25 implies several critical applications for the Christian life and church governance:

• Patience in Discernment: Leaders are cautioned against hasty judgments, as true character often unfolds over time.
• Integrity Over Performance: The verse underscores that while outward "good works" are beneficial and visible, what truly matters is integrity, as hidden actions eventually come to light. It encourages genuine faith and righteous living over mere performance.
• Divine Accountability: It serves as a strong reminder that God sees all things, even those hidden from human eyes. No sin can ultimately be concealed, nor can true faithfulness go unacknowledged by the Creator.
• Confidence in Justice: For those who might feel that hidden wrongs go unpunished or hidden good deeds unrecognized, the verse provides assurance that ultimate justice and truth will prevail.
• Encouragement for Secret Piety: It offers encouragement to those who perform good works or act righteously without seeking human praise, affirming that such "otherwise" good deeds are seen by God and will ultimately not be hidden from His knowledge and reward.
• Application to Leadership: Specifically regarding elders, this verse reinforces the necessity of thorough and cautious vetting. A man might appear godly, but secret habits could eventually undermine his leadership. Conversely, a seemingly unassuming person might possess deep, hidden spiritual maturity. The ultimate test is time and God's sovereign hand in bringing all things to light.

1 Timothy 5 25 Commentary

First Timothy 5:25 serves as a concluding principle to Paul’s instruction on discerning character within the church, particularly regarding leaders and members subject to discipline. It extends the truth presented in the preceding verse (1 Tim 5:24) about evident sins to encompass all types of works, good and bad. The verse makes two core assertions: Firstly, some actions, specifically "outwardly good works," are inherently conspicuous. Their beauty and virtue are immediately recognizable, acting as clear indicators of a person's true disposition or fruit. Secondly, it proclaims a foundational biblical truth: that which is currently unobservable, or "otherwise," cannot forever remain concealed. This applies equally to hidden virtues (good deeds done without fanfare) that might one day be acknowledged by God, and more frequently, to secret faults or sins which will inevitably surface.

This verse emphasizes that while immediate observations are important, true discernment often requires patience and reliance on God’s revelation. For Timothy, this meant he shouldn't rush to appoint elders based solely on preliminary impressions (1 Tim 5:22), nor should he despair if some wickedness wasn't immediately exposed. It reassures that justice and truth will prevail. The eventual revelation of character aligns with biblical themes of God's perfect knowledge, righteous judgment, and the certainty that no deed done in secret escapes divine notice. This principle fosters accountability, encourages genuine godliness (not just outward show), and warns against hypocrisy within the church. It reminds believers that a person’s complete spiritual profile will ultimately become evident, providing comfort to the diligent and a clear warning to the deceitful.