King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:19 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:19 in the King James Version says “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. before: or, under” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. before: or, under”

1 Timothy 5:19 · KJV

Context

17

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. before: or, under

20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

21

I 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. preferring: or, prejudice

Read 1 Timothy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses (Κατὰ πρεσβυτέρου κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων, Kata presbyterou katēgorian mē paradechou, ektos ei mē epi dyo ē triōn martyrōn)—'do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.' Katēgoria means accusation, charge. Paradechomai means to receive, accept, entertain.

This applies Deuteronomy 19:15's legal principle to church discipline. Elders are vulnerable to false accusations from those who dislike their teaching or discipline. Timothy must not entertain unsubstantiated accusations—require corroborating witnesses before investigating. This protects elders from malicious slander while ensuring legitimate concerns receive due process.

The two-witness requirement balances justice: protecting leaders from unfair attack while ensuring genuine misconduct is addressed. Churches must neither ignore credible accusations nor allow baseless rumors to destroy ministries.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient courts, witnesses were essential to establish facts—no forensic evidence or recording technology existed. Multiple independent witnesses provided credibility. False accusations against leaders were common (as Jesus Himself faced). Paul protects elders from character assassination by requiring the same evidentiary standard God's law required in civil cases.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the two-witness requirement protect both elders and congregations?
  2. Why are church leaders especially vulnerable to false accusations?
  3. How should churches handle anonymous accusations or single-witness reports of elder misconduct?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
κατὰ1 of 13

“Against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πρεσβυτέρου2 of 13

“an elder”

G4245

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

κατηγορίαν3 of 13

“an accusation”

G2724

a complaint ("category"), i.e., criminal charge

μὴ4 of 13

“not”

G3361

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

παραδέχου5 of 13

“receive”

G3858

to accept near, i.e., admit or (by implication) delight in

ἐκτὸς6 of 13
G1622

the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides

εἰ7 of 13
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ8 of 13

“not”

G3361

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

ἐπὶ9 of 13

“before”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

δύο10 of 13

“two”

G1417

"two"

ἢ11 of 13

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τριῶν12 of 13

“three”

G5140

"three"

μαρτύρων13 of 13

“witnesses”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:16Deuteronomy 19:152 Corinthians 13:1Deuteronomy 17:6Titus 1:6Hebrews 10:28

Test Your Knowledge

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

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