1 Timothy 5:1
What does 1 Timothy 5:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:1 means
Paul tells Timothy, a younger pastor, to correct older men with the respect due to a father and to treat younger men as brothers. This guards both the truth and relationships. The goal is not to win arguments but to shepherd souls with dignity. A harsh tone, especially toward seniors, would undermine Timothy’s ministry. Family language reminds the church that it is God’s household, bound by mutual care. Correction is still necessary, but it should be shaped by humility and affection. This verse models how authority and tenderness belong together in Christian leadership, avoiding arrogance on one hand and cowardice on the other.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not say sharp words to one who has authority in the church, but let your talk be as to a father, and to the younger men as to brothers:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862An aged person thou mayest not rebuke, but be entreating as a father; younger persons as brethren;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Rebuke not an elder sharply, but exhort [him] as a father, younger [men] as brethren,
Context
The chapter begins with instructions on how Timothy should relate to different age groups. Before addressing the complex topic of caring for widows and the honor due to elders, Paul sets a family framework for all interactions. Verse 1 establishes the tone of respectful exhortation, especially in cases where Timothy must confront error or immaturity. The next verse will extend this family pattern to women, highlighting purity as the guiding principle. This foundation prepares the reader to understand later, harder directives as expressions of familial love and order rather than cold policy.
v.1This passage
v.2the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 5:19
Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
- Romans 13:7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
- James 5:14
Is any among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
- Leviticus 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man, and thou shalt fear thy God: I am Jehovah.
- Galatians 2:11
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
- Revelation 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, arrayed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold.
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