King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:1 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:1 in the King James Version says “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;”

1 Timothy 5:1 · KJV

Context

1

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

2

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

3

Honour widows that are widows indeed.

Read 1 Timothy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Rebuke not an elder (Πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς, Presbyterō mē epiplēxēs)—'do not rebuke an older man harshly.' Epiplēssō means to strike upon, rebuke sharply, scold. Presbyteros can mean either an older man or a church elder—here likely an older man generally. But intreat him as a father (ἀλλὰ παρακάλει ὡς πατέρα, alla parakalei hōs patera)—'but appeal to him as a father.' Parakaleō means to exhort, encourage, appeal—much gentler than harsh rebuke.

The younger men as brethren (νεωτέρους ὡς ἀδελφούς, neōterous hōs adelphous)—'younger men as brothers.' This begins Paul's instruction on treating different groups within the church family. Approach older men with respect due fathers, younger men with affection due brothers. Church relationships should mirror healthy family dynamics—honor, love, appropriate boundaries.

Timothy's youth (4:12) made rebuking older men especially delicate. Paul counsels respectful appeal rather than harsh confrontation. Even when correction is needed, manner matters—we're family, not adversaries. The gospel creates relationships requiring both truth and tenderness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Mediterranean culture operated on honor-shame dynamics where publicly rebuking an elder brought shame and conflict. Paul instructs Timothy in culturally-wise correction—treat older men as fathers (with respect), not subordinates. The church's counter-cultural element: even young leaders have authority to correct elders when necessary, but must do so with familial honor, not domineering harshness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we balance necessary correction with respectful, family-like relationships?
  2. Why does the manner of confrontation matter as much as the content of correction?
  3. What does it mean practically to treat older believers 'as fathers' when disagreement exists?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Πρεσβυτέρῳ1 of 10

“an elder”

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

μὴ2 of 10

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιπλήξῃς3 of 10

“Rebuke”

G1969

to chastise, i.e., (with words) to upbraid

ἀλλὰ4 of 10

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

παρακάλει5 of 10

“intreat”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὡς6 of 10

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πατέρα7 of 10

“a father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

νεωτέρους8 of 10

“and the younger men”

G3501

"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate

ὡς9 of 10

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀδελφούς10 of 10

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:321 Peter 5:5-6Titus 2:2Galatians 6:11 Peter 5:1Matthew 23:8

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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