1 Timothy 5:21
What does 1 Timothy 5:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:21 means
Paul solemnly charges Timothy before God, Christ Jesus, and the elect angels to keep these commands without prejudice or partiality. The presence of heaven’s court underscores the seriousness of church order and discipline. Human pressures—favoritism, fear, resentment—must not sway decisions. Impartiality is essential to justice and to the church’s credibility. Timothy’s actions are done coram Deo—in God’s sight—and under Christ’s lordship. This charge lifts administrative policies into the realm of worshipful obedience. Faithful leadership means judging by God’s standards, not personal ties. Such evenhandedness protects the innocent, corrects the guilty, and honors the One whose name the church bears.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give you orders before God and Christ Jesus and the angels of God's selection, to keep these orders without giving thought to one side more than another.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I testify fully, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the choice messengers, that these things thou mayest keep, without forejudging, doing nothing by partiality.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I charge thee, before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by declining to either side.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I testify beforeGod and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, that thou keep these things without prejudice, doing nothing by favour.
Context
After describing procedures for elder compensation and discipline, Paul seals the instructions with a solemn oath-like charge. Verse 21 elevates the guidelines from practical advice to divine mandate. The next verses will apply this gravity to the appointments of leaders—urging caution in laying on hands, personal purity, and balanced pastoral care. The connection is clear: impartial discipline and prudent ordination both require fear of God more than fear of man.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 20:21
And they asked him, saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest not the person of any, but of a truth teachest the way of God:
- James 2:1
My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lordof glory, with respect of persons.
- Psalms 107:43
Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah.
- Matthew 25:41
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:
- Jude 1:6
And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
- Revelation 14:10
he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
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