1 Timothy 5:22
What does 1 Timothy 5:22 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:22 means
Timothy must not lay hands on anyone hastily—do not rush to ordain or publicly endorse a person. To do so risks sharing in another’s sins if their faults emerge later under his approval. Therefore, he must keep himself pure, guarding his own conscience and reputation. Leadership selection demands patience, testing, and discernment. Purity here includes moral integrity and freedom from complicity. Wisdom waits for character to prove itself over time. In a church where both honor and discipline are weighty, careless appointments injure many. Timothy is to be cautious, not cynical—slow to promote, eager to preserve holiness in himself and in the flock.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not put hands on any man without thought, and have no part in other men's sins: keep yourself clean.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be laying hands quickly on no one, nor be having fellowship with sins of others; be keeping thyself pure;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Impose not hands lightly upon any man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. Keep thyself chaste.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Lay hands quickly on no man, nor partake in others' sins. Keep thyself pure.
Context
Flowing from the charge to act without partiality, Paul applies the same gravity to ordination. Verse 22 connects to the later summary (verses 24–25) about how hidden sins and good works eventually become evident. The thread is patience in leadership decisions to avoid shared guilt. The next verse will add a personal pastoral note about Timothy’s health, showing that purity does not mean severe asceticism, and then Paul returns to the principle of time revealing character.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 6:2
of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- Titus 1:5
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
- Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues:
- 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.
- Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook out his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
- 1 Timothy 3:6
not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Family
The Bible emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, as a foundational unit in God's design.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gossip
Gossip is a pervasive vice that damages relationships and reflects poorly on our character, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.
What the Bible says about…