1 Timothy 5:2
What does 1 Timothy 5:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:2 means
Timothy is to approach older women as he would his own mother and younger women as sisters, maintaining complete purity. The standard of purity is especially stressed with younger women, recognizing the vulnerabilities of close pastoral care. Paul’s guidance protects both Timothy and the church from impropriety and scandal. It also honors the dignity of women in the congregation by insisting on familial affection, not familiarity. Pastoral oversight must never blur moral boundaries. Treating believers as family establishes a safe environment where counsel can be offered and received without fear. Such holiness in relationships adorns the gospel, which calls God’s people to love one another in ways that are chaste, tender, and honorable.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To the older women as to mothers, to the younger as to sisters, with a clean heart.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862aged women as mothers, younger ones as sisters--in all purity;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
Context
Following the call to correct older and younger men as family, Paul completes the family analogy with women. This prepares for the extended teaching on widows that follows, where women’s welfare and reputation are central. The emphasis on purity provides a crucial lens for the ensuing policies so that support for widows is not confused with favoritism or impropriety. After this verse, Paul moves into practical directives for honoring widows who are truly destitute, ensuring that pastoral compassion is wedded to careful discernment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 2:22
But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold, thy son!
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22
abstain from every form of evil.
- Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.
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