King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:21 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:21 in the King James Version says “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prefer...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Timothy 5:21 · KJV

Context

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

22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Read 1 Timothy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels (Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων, Diamartyromai enōpion tou theou kai Christou Iēsou kai tōn eklektōn angelōn)—'I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels.' Diamartyromai is an intensive oath—'I solemnly charge, testify, adjure.' The threefold witness (Father, Son, angels) underscores the seriousness.

That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality (ἵνα ταῦτα φυλάξῃς χωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν, hina tauta phylaxēs chōris prokrimatos, mēden poiōn kata prosklisin)—'keep these principles without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality.' Prokrima means prejudgment, bias. Prosklisis means inclination, favoritism.

Timothy must apply discipline impartially—no favoritism toward influential elders, no prejudice against unpopular ones. The solemn oath before God, Christ, and elect angels emphasizes accountability. Biased discipline destroys justice and credibility. Leaders must be held to the same standards regardless of status, wealth, or popularity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ephesian church likely had elders of varying social status—some wealthy patrons, some poor. Human nature tempts us to overlook sin in the influential and harshly judge the powerless. Paul charges Timothy to administer discipline with perfect impartiality, aware that God, Christ, and angels observe his justice. The elect angels may be those who didn't rebel (unlike demons) and now witness church affairs (1 Corinthians 4:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul invoke God, Christ, and the elect angels to reinforce this charge?
  2. How does partiality in church discipline undermine justice and credibility?
  3. What practical safeguards help leaders avoid favoritism when addressing sin?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Διαμαρτύρομαι1 of 21

“I charge”

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

ἐνώπιον2 of 21

“thee before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ4 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ5 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Κυρίου6 of 21

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ7 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ8 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ9 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν10 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκλεκτῶν11 of 21

“the elect”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

ἀγγέλων12 of 21

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἵνα13 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ταῦτα14 of 21

“these things”

G5023

these things

φυλάξῃς15 of 21

“thou observe”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

χωρὶς16 of 21

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

προκρίματος17 of 21

“preferring one before another”

G4299

a prejudgment (prejudice), i.e., prepossession

μηδὲν18 of 21

“nothing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ποιῶν19 of 21

“doing”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κατὰ20 of 21

“by”

G2596

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

πρόσκλισιν21 of 21

“partiality”

G4346

a leaning towards, i.e., (figuratively) proclivity (favoritism)

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 5:21 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 5:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:12 Peter 2:41 Timothy 6:132 Timothy 2:142 Corinthians 5:16Jude 1:6

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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