1 Timothy 5:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Them that sin {G264} rebuke {G1651} before {G1799} all {G3956}, that {G2443} others {G3062} also {G2532} may {G2192} fear {G5401}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rebuke before the whole assembly those leaders who continue sinning, as a warning to the others.

Berean Standard Bible

But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

American Standard Version

Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:20 provides a clear directive for addressing persistent and public sin within the Christian community, particularly concerning those in leadership or positions of influence. It mandates that individuals who continue in sin after appropriate processes should be publicly rebuked, not primarily for shaming, but to instill a healthy, reverential fear in the broader congregation, thereby safeguarding the church's holiness, integrity, and witness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning church order and administration in Ephesus. Specifically, it follows Paul's guidance on how to handle accusations against elders, stating that "Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses" [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Accusations Against Elders"). This preceding verse implies a rigorous process of verification before any public action is taken. Therefore, [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") is not about initial private admonition but about the necessary public consequence for proven, unrepentant, or scandalous sin, especially when committed by those in positions of spiritual authority. The broader context of [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Pastoral Instructions") addresses the care for widows, the honor due to diligent elders, and the need for impartiality in leadership, underscoring the high standards Paul expects for the church's internal life and external reputation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was serving as Paul's apostolic delegate in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city with a diverse population and a significant temple to Artemis. The early church in Ephesus, like many nascent Christian communities, faced internal challenges, including false teaching [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warning Against False Teachers") and moral compromises. Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus (the Pastoral Epistles) provide crucial insights into the development of church structure and discipline in the first century. Public rebuke was not uncommon in ancient societies, both secular and religious, as a means of maintaining social order and moral standards. For the early church, maintaining purity was vital for its distinct identity and its witness in a pagan world, where moral laxity was prevalent. The integrity of its leaders was particularly crucial, as their conduct directly reflected on the message of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [1 Timothy](/1_timothy "1 Timothy - Instructions for Church Leadership") that [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") contributes to include the **holiness and purity of the church**, emphasizing that the Christian community must reflect God's character. It highlights the principle of **accountability**, especially for those in leadership, demonstrating that no one is above God's standards or the church's discipline. This verse also underscores the **pastoral responsibility** of leaders like Timothy to protect the flock from harmful influences and to maintain order. Furthermore, the goal "that others also may fear" speaks to the theme of **deterrence and spiritual formation**, where the consequences of sin serve as a powerful lesson for the entire congregation, fostering a healthy reverence for God and His commands, similar to the "fear of the Lord" described in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to miss the mark," this term signifies a failure to hit the target of God's perfect standard. It encompasses both unintentional errors and deliberate transgressions against divine law, leading to separation from God. In this context, it refers to a persistent or egregious moral failing that requires intervention.
* **rebuke (Greek, _elénchō'_):** This word implies more than a simple scolding; it means to expose, convict, reprove, or demonstrate fault with compelling evidence. The aim is to bring the sin into the light, proving its wrongness, often with the intent of conviction and correction. It suggests a public, authoritative declaration of a proven offense, not merely a private admonition.
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** While it can denote terror, in this biblical context, _phóbos_ refers to a healthy, reverential awe, respect, or caution. It is the kind of fear that leads to obedience and reverence for God's holiness and the serious consequences of sin, rather than paralyzing dread. Its purpose here is to deter others from similar transgressions by instilling a proper understanding of the gravity of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Them that sin":** This refers to individuals within the church who are engaged in ongoing, unrepentant, or scandalous sin. The context implies that this is not a one-time mistake but a pattern of behavior or a particularly grievous offense that has been proven through due process (as suggested by [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Accusations Against Elders")).
* **"rebuke before all":** This is the core command. The rebuke is to be public, meaning in the presence of the church congregation. This public nature distinguishes it from private admonition and underscores the seriousness of the sin and its potential impact on the entire community. It implies an authoritative, formal declaration of the individual's proven fault.
* **"that others also may fear":** This clause reveals the primary purpose of the public rebuke. The "fear" is not terror, but a healthy, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness and the consequences of sin. The public discipline serves as a powerful deterrent, teaching the rest of the congregation about the gravity of sin and encouraging them to live in a manner that honors God, thereby fostering a culture of holiness and accountability within the church.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Didactic Tone** and **Imperative Mood**, characteristic of Paul's pastoral instructions. The command "rebuke" is a direct imperative, conveying a clear and non-negotiable directive for Timothy and, by extension, for church leaders. The phrase "that others also may fear" functions as a **Purpose Clause** (introduced by the Greek _hína_), explicitly stating the intended outcome and pedagogical goal of the public rebuke. This highlights the communal benefit and preventative nature of church discipline. The structure is concise and direct, reflecting the urgency and importance of the matter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The directive in [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") is a crucial aspect of biblical church discipline, rooted in the understanding that the church is the "household of God" [1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Household of God"), called to reflect His holiness and truth. Public rebuke, when necessary, serves to maintain the purity of the church's witness, to protect the flock from corrupting influences, and to potentially lead the erring individual to repentance. It underscores the corporate responsibility of believers to uphold God's standards and the serious implications of sin within the community. This practice is not punitive in a vindictive sense but restorative and preventative, aiming for the spiritual health of the individual and the entire body of Christ.

* [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline") outlines a multi-stage process of church discipline, culminating in public exposure if private and small-group appeals fail.
* [Galatians 2:11-14](/galatians/2-11-14 "Galatians 2:11-14 - Paul Rebukes Peter") provides an example of Paul publicly confronting Peter for his hypocrisy, demonstrating that even prominent leaders are subject to open correction for the sake of the Gospel's truth.
* [Acts 5:1-11](/acts/5-1-11 "Acts 5:1-11 - Ananias and Sapphira") vividly illustrates the immediate and public consequences of sin in the early church, leading to "great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers and church leaders, [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") remains a challenging yet vital instruction. It reminds us that sin, particularly unrepentant or scandalous sin, cannot be ignored within the Christian community. While the primary approach to sin should always be restorative and compassionate, this verse highlights that there are times when public accountability becomes necessary for the health and integrity of the entire body. Leaders are called to exercise wisdom, courage, and impartiality in applying this principle, ensuring that any rebuke is done with prayer, clear biblical justification, and a genuine desire for God's glory and the spiritual well-being of all involved. This practice, though difficult, fosters a healthy respect for God's holiness, deters others from similar missteps, and preserves the church's credible witness to a watching world, demonstrating that the church takes sin seriously because God does.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the difference between private admonition and the public rebuke described in this verse, and why is that distinction important?**
* **How can church leaders balance the call for compassion and restoration with the necessity of public accountability for persistent sin?**
* **In what ways does a healthy "fear" (reverence) of God's standards contribute to the purity and strength of a Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Does "rebuke before all" mean every sin should be publicly announced?**

Answer: No, "rebuke before all" in [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") does not mean every sin should be publicly announced. The context of [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Accusations Against Elders") indicates a process of verification involving multiple witnesses, suggesting that this public rebuke is reserved for persistent, unrepentant, or scandalous sin, especially by those in leadership. Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Steps of Church Discipline") outlines a progressive approach to discipline, starting with private confrontation, then involving a few witnesses, and only as a last resort, bringing the matter before the church. Therefore, public rebuke is the final, serious step for sins that have been proven and remain unaddressed through earlier, more private means, or for sins so egregious they immediately impact the church's witness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 5:20](/1_timothy/5-20 "1 Timothy 5:20 - Public Rebuke for Sin") provides a practical instruction for church discipline, its ultimate fulfillment and meaning are found in Christ. The necessity of public rebuke for sin within the church underscores the profound holiness of God, which was perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, "who knew no sin" [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin"). Christ, as the Head of the Church [Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church"), desires His body to be "holy and blameless" [Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Purpose for the Church"). The public addressing of sin, therefore, is an act of faithfulness to Christ's call for His church to reflect His purity and truth in a fallen world. It points to the ultimate judgment of sin that Christ bore on the cross [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"), and also anticipates His return when "every knee will bow" [Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow") and all hidden things will be brought into the light [Luke 12:2-3](/luke/12-2-3 "Luke 12:2-3 - Nothing Hidden"). Thus, church discipline, though painful, is a pastoral act that aligns the church with the righteous character of its Lord and Savior, fostering an environment where believers are encouraged to walk in the light as He is in the light [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light").

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

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Deuteronomy 13:11

And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Titus 1:13

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

1 Timothy 1:20

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Acts 5:5

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Deuteronomy 19:20

And those which remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you.