1 Timothy 5:19

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

Never listen to any accusation against a leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible:

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

American Standard Version:

Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Against^{G2596} an elder^{G4245} receive^{G3858} not^{G3361} an accusation^{G2724}, but^{{G1508}{G1622}} before^{G1909} two^{G1417} or^{G2228} three^{G5140} witnesses^{G3144}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Timothy 5:19

1 Timothy 5:19 is part of a pastoral epistle written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. The verse reads, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." This directive is situated within a section of the letter that provides instructions on how to handle various members within the church community, including widows, presbyters (elders), and those who persist in sin.

The historical context of this verse reflects the early Christian church's efforts to establish order and respect within its leadership structure. In the first century, church elders held significant authority and were responsible for teaching, leading, and protecting the congregation's faith. Accusations against such leaders could be damaging both to the individual and to the community's unity.

The themes of the verse include church governance, the importance of due process, and the protection of leaders' reputations. Paul advises that accusations against elders should not be taken lightly or entertained without proper substantiation. By requiring at least two or three witnesses, the instruction aligns with the principle of Deuteronomy 19:15, which states that a matter should be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses to ensure justice and prevent the spread of unfounded rumors.

This verse underscores the need for a fair and structured approach to handling disputes and accusations within the church. It emphasizes the value of caution and verification in church discipline, aiming to maintain the integrity of both the leadership and the congregation. The command also serves to protect elders from potentially slanderous or unjustified claims, while still holding them accountable to the community's standards of conduct.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2596
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατά
   Transliteration: katá
   Pronunciation: kat-ah'
   Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
   
2. Strong's Number: G4245
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πρεσβύτερος
   Transliteration: presbýteros
   Pronunciation: pres-boo'-ter-os
   Description: comparative of (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter":-- elder(-est), old.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3858
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: παραδέχομαι
   Transliteration: paradéchomai
   Pronunciation: par-ad-ekh'-om-ahee
   Description: from παρά and δέχομαι; to accept near, i.e. admit or (by implication) delight in:--receive.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3361
   There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μή
   Transliteration: mḗ
   Pronunciation: may
   Description: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas οὐ expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas οὐ expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also ἐὰν μή, ἵνα μή, οὐ μή, μῆκος, μηκύνω, μήν, μὴ οὐκ.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2724
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κατηγορία
   Transliteration: katēgoría
   Pronunciation: kat-ay-gor-ee'-ah
   Description: from κατήγορος; a complaint ("category"), i.e. criminal charge:--accusation (X -ed).
   
6. Strong's Number: G1508
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰ μή
   Transliteration: ei mḗ
   Pronunciation: i may
   Description: from εἰ and μή; if not:--but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1622
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκτός
   Transliteration: ektós
   Pronunciation: ek-tos'
   Description: from ἐκ; the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides:--but, except(-ed), other than, out of, outside, unless, without.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1909
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπί
   Transliteration: epí
   Pronunciation: ep-ee'
   Description: a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
   
9. Strong's Number: G1417
   There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δύο
   Transliteration: dýo
   Pronunciation: doo'-o
   Description: a primary numeral; "two":--both, twain, two.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2228
    There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἤ
    Transliteration: ḗ
    Pronunciation: ay
    Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι.
    
11. Strong's Number: G5140
    There are 60 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: τρεῖς
    Transliteration: treîs
    Pronunciation: tree'-ah
    Description: a primary (plural) number; "three":--three.
    
12. Strong's Number: G3144
    There are 34 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μάρτυς
    Transliteration: mártys
    Pronunciation: mar'-toos
    Description: of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr":-- martyr, record, witness.