1 Timothy 5:19
What does 1 Timothy 5:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:19 means
Accusations against an elder must not be entertained unless supported by two or three witnesses. Leaders are vulnerable to slander; justice requires corroboration. This does not shield sin but prevents hasty judgment driven by rumor or malice. The standard reflects God’s concern for fair process in His community. By demanding credible testimony, the church protects both its shepherds and its integrity. When charges are substantiated, action must follow; when not, unity is preserved. Such measured procedure fosters trust, encourages courageous leadership, and deters frivolous or vindictive claims that can wound both individuals and the congregation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not take as true any statement made against one in authority, but only if two or three give witness to it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Against an elder an accusation receive not, except upon two or three witnesses.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Against a priest receive not an accusation, but under two or three witnesses.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Against an elder receive not an accusation unless where there are two or three witnesses.
Context
After affirming material honor for elders, Paul addresses their legal and moral protection. Verse 19 sets a threshold for receiving charges, reflecting broader biblical standards for testimony. The next verse will make it clear that when sin is proven, rebuke must be public to serve as a warning. Together, these verses balance mercy and justice, shielding leaders from baseless attacks while upholding accountability where wrongdoing exists.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 18:29
Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What accusation bring ye against this man?
- Acts 11:30
which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
- Acts 25:16
To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man, before that the accused have the accusers face to face, and have had opportunity to make his defence concerning the matter laid against him.
- Titus 1:6
if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
- Acts 24:2
And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,
- John 8:17
Yea and in your law it is written, that the witness of two men is true.
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