1 Timothy 5:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The elder women {G4245} as {G5613} mothers {G3384}; the younger {G3501} as {G5613} sisters {G79}, with {G1722} all {G3956} purity {G47}.

Complete Jewish Bible

older women like mothers and younger women like sisters, with absolute purity.

Berean Standard Bible

older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 5:2 offers precise pastoral counsel from Paul to Timothy regarding the appropriate conduct and relational posture toward women within the Christian community. It instructs that older women are to be treated with the reverence and care due to a mother, and younger women with the purity and affection fitting for a sister, emphasizing the paramount importance of moral integrity and familial love in all interactions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's comprehensive instructions to Timothy concerning the organization and conduct of the church in Ephesus, particularly within [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for Church Conduct"). Having previously addressed the proper treatment of older men (elders) in [1 Timothy 5:1](/1_timothy/5-1 "1 Timothy 5:1 - Rebuke an Elder as a Father"), Paul now transitions to similar guidance for women. The immediate context of [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Church Order and Responsibilities") deals with various aspects of church life, including care for widows, the recognition and support of elders, and the handling of accusations against them. This specific verse, therefore, serves as a foundational principle for fostering healthy, respectful, and holy relationships among all members, ensuring the church functions as a true spiritual family, free from reproach.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Ephesus was a bustling port city, a melting pot of cultures, and a center for the worship of Artemis (Diana), whose cult often involved practices contrary to Christian morality. In such an environment, the nascent Christian church needed clear ethical guidelines to distinguish itself. Women, both older and younger, had specific roles and vulnerabilities. Older women often held positions of respect within households and communities, while younger women were susceptible to societal pressures or potential exploitation. Paul’s instructions were crucial for a young pastor like Timothy, who needed to navigate these dynamics with wisdom and integrity. The emphasis on "purity" was particularly vital in a culture where sexual immorality was prevalent and could easily tarnish the church's reputation and witness. This guidance helped establish a counter-cultural standard of conduct that upheld the sanctity of relationships within the Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 5:2](/1_timothy/5-2 "1 Timothy 5:2 - Guidance on Treating Women in the Church") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in [1 Timothy](/1_timothy "1 Timothy - Pastoral Epistles"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Familial Relationships within the Church**. Paul consistently portrays the church as God's household, a spiritual family where members relate to one another with the love and respect characteristic of a godly home. This is evident in [1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as God's Household"), where the church is called "the house of God." Secondly, the verse strongly emphasizes **Purity and Moral Integrity**, particularly in inter-gender relations. This aligns with Paul's broader concern for sanctification and blameless conduct for all believers, as seen in his exhortations in [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will for Sanctification") regarding sexual purity. Finally, it highlights the theme of **Pastoral Example and Reputation**. Timothy, as a young leader, was to embody these principles, ensuring his conduct was above reproach, thereby protecting his witness and the church's reputation in a hostile world, a concept further elaborated in [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "1 Timothy 4:12 - Timothy's Example").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elder women (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** This term, the feminine form of the word for "elder," refers to women of advanced age or maturity within the community. It signifies not merely chronological age but often implies a certain status, experience, and wisdom that commands respect. Paul's instruction here elevates their position, likening the respect due to them to that given to one's own mother.
* **Younger (Greek, _néos'_):** This word denotes someone who is youthful or fresh. In this context, it refers to younger women in the congregation. The instruction for treating them "as sisters" emphasizes a relationship characterized by protective affection, honor, and purity, guarding against any inappropriate or scandalous behavior.
* **Purity (Greek, _hagneía'_):** Derived from a root meaning "holy" or "pure," _hagneía_ signifies cleanliness, specifically chastity, but also extends to moral integrity and sincerity. It encompasses not only sexual purity but also freedom from corruption, defilement, or ulterior motives in thought, word, and deed. It demands an unblemished character in all interactions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The elder women as mothers;":** This clause instructs Timothy, and by extension all believers, to treat older women within the church with the same reverence, honor, and protective care that one would naturally extend to one's own mother. It calls for a relationship built on deep respect, wisdom, and a sense of familial obligation, avoiding any form of disrespect, exploitation, or inappropriate familiarity.
* **"the younger as sisters,":** This phrase extends the familial analogy to younger women. They are to be regarded and treated as spiritual siblings. This implies a relationship characterized by genuine affection, brotherly protection, and a commitment to their well-being, while strictly maintaining boundaries that prevent any romantic or sexual impropriety. It underscores the importance of wholesome, platonic relationships within the church family.
* **"with all purity.":** This concluding phrase serves as a crucial qualifier for both preceding instructions. The Greek word _hagneía_ (purity) here emphasizes absolute moral integrity, sincerity, and freedom from any form of defilement—sexual, emotional, or relational. It means that all interactions, whether with older or younger women, must be conducted with blameless intentions, honorable conduct, and a clear conscience, ensuring that no hint of scandal or impropriety can arise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Analogy/Simile** by using the comparative "as" (Greek: _hōs_) to liken relationships within the church to those within a natural family ("as mothers," "as sisters"). This creates a powerful and easily understood framework for conduct, emphasizing the familial bond believers share. There is also an implicit **Metaphor** at play, where the church itself is presented as a spiritual household or family. The phrase "with all purity" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or a strong qualifier, highlighting the non-negotiable ethical standard that must govern these familial interactions. This concise yet profound instruction demonstrates Paul's masterful use of language to convey deep theological and practical truths.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian community, portraying the church not merely as an organization but as a spiritual family, God's household on earth. The familial language ("mothers," "sisters") elevates the standard of interaction beyond mere acquaintance or professional courtesy to one of deep, protective love and respect. This relational paradigm is then safeguarded by the overarching command for "purity," which underscores the sanctity of all relationships within the body of Christ. Theologically, it reflects God's character as a Father who desires His children to live in holiness and harmony, treating one another with honor and integrity, thereby reflecting His own purity to the world. It is a practical outworking of the new covenant, where believers are united in Christ and called to live out their new identity in righteous conduct.

* [Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Love One Another with Brotherly Affection")
* [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 5:2](/1_timothy/5-2 "1 Timothy 5:2 - Guidance on Treating Women in the Church") remains profoundly relevant for every believer today, calling us to cultivate a community marked by genuine familial love and unblemished integrity. It challenges us to examine our interactions with fellow Christians, particularly those of the opposite gender, ensuring that our words, actions, and even intentions are always honorable and above reproach. This means actively fostering an environment where all feel safe, respected, and valued as members of God's household, free from any hint of impropriety, gossip, or ungodly familiarity. For leaders, the standard is even higher, as their conduct sets the tone for the entire congregation. Ultimately, this verse calls us to live out the radical purity and sacrificial love of Christ in all our relationships, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does viewing fellow believers as "spiritual family" (mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers) transform your approach to relationships within the church?**
* **In what specific ways can you apply the principle of "all purity" to your interactions with others, especially those of the opposite gender, in both your physical and digital spaces?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your conduct consistently brings honor to Christ and strengthens the church's witness, rather than causing a stumbling block?**

### FAQ

**What does "with all purity" specifically mean in this verse?**

Answer: "With all purity" (Greek: _en pasē hagneía_) is a comprehensive command that extends beyond mere sexual chastity. While it certainly includes sexual purity, _hagneía_ (purity) encompasses moral integrity, sincerity, and freedom from any form of defilement or ulterior motive in thought, word, and deed. It means that all interactions, whether with older women (as mothers) or younger women (as sisters), must be conducted with blameless intentions, honorable conduct, and a clear conscience. The phrase "all purity" emphasizes that this standard is absolute and applies to every facet of the relationship, ensuring no hint of scandal, exploitation, or impropriety can arise, thereby protecting both the individual's witness and the church's reputation. It calls for a holistic purity of heart and action in all relational dynamics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 5:2](/1_timothy/5-2 "1 Timothy 5:2 - Guidance on Treating Women in the Church") offers practical instructions for church conduct, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the principles of respectful and pure relationships, interacting with women from all walks of life—from the Samaritan woman at the well ([John 4:7-26](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) to Mary and Martha ([Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha"))—with unparalleled dignity, compassion, and absolute purity. He elevated the status of women in a culture that often marginalized them, demonstrating a love that was both deeply personal and entirely holy. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's example ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example")), allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts and minds so that our interactions with others, particularly women, reflect His character. The "purity" Paul commands is not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but a Spirit-empowered outflow of a heart renewed by Christ, who Himself "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Purpose for His People")). Thus, our pursuit of purity in relationships is a direct response to, and participation in, the redemptive work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Matthew 12:50

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

1 Timothy 5:3

¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

John 19:27

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].

2 Timothy 2:22

¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.