1 Timothy 5:24
What does 1 Timothy 5:24 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:24 means
Some people’s sins are obvious and precede them to judgment; others’ sins trail behind and become known only later. Paul counsels patience and discernment: not all faults are immediately visible. In the context of ordination and discipline, this means leaders must be evaluated over time. Rushing risks either unjust suspicion or unwarranted approval. God’s judgment is certain; the church should align its processes with that reality by not being hasty or gullible. Hidden issues often surface under the pressures of ministry. Therefore, slow, careful recognition of character protects the flock and keeps leaders from condemnation brought on by premature advancement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The sins of some men are clearly seen, going before them to be judged; but with others, their sins go after them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862of certain men the sins are manifest beforehand, leading before to judgment, and certain also they follow after;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Of some men the sins are manifest beforehand, going before to judgment, and some also they follow after.
Context
This verse resumes and explains the caution of verse 22. The theme is transparency over time: sins can be evident early or only later. Such realism justifies Paul’s earlier commands about witnesses, public rebuke, and avoiding hasty laying on of hands. The final verse will balance this caution about sins with an assurance that genuine good works, too, become visible, encouraging patience not only in exposing faults but also in recognizing faithfulness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 1:16
Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.
- Jeremiah 2:34
Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent poor: thou didst not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things.
- 2 Peter 2:20
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.
- Acts 5:1
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
- Acts 8:18
Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
- Galatians 5:19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
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