1 Timothy 5:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Lay {G2007} hands {G5495} suddenly {G5030} on {G2007} no man {G3367}, neither {G3366} be partaker {G2841} of other {G245} men's sins {G266}: keep {G5083} thyself {G4572} pure {G53}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not be hasty in granting s’mikhah to anyone, and do not share in other people’s sins — keep yourself pure.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 5:22 provides critical guidance for church leaders, particularly Timothy, regarding the appointment of individuals to spiritual office and the maintenance of personal integrity. It sternly warns against hasty ordinations, emphasizing that such imprudence can lead to complicity in the future sins of those improperly chosen. Concluding with a direct imperative, it underscores the paramount importance of the leader's own moral and spiritual purity as a foundation for effective and blameless ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning the administration and conduct within the Ephesian church. Specifically, [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions on Church Conduct") addresses various groups: older and younger men and women, and especially widows. Verses [1 Timothy 5:17-25](/1_timothy/5-17-25 "1 Timothy 5:17-25 - Honoring Elders and Avoiding Hasty Ordinations") focus on elders (presbyters), detailing their honor, support, and the process for handling accusations against them. Following this discussion on elders, [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man") serves as a crucial caution against a hurried or careless appointment of leaders, directly linking the act of ordination ("laying on of hands") to the potential for shared culpability in sin, and then pivoting to the personal holiness required of Timothy himself. The flow moves from the treatment of existing elders to the careful selection of new ones, culminating in a personal charge to the leader.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of "laying on of hands" was a recognized gesture in both Jewish and early Christian traditions, signifying blessing, healing, commissioning, or the impartation of spiritual gifts or authority. In the context of the early church, it was a public act associated with ordination or appointment to specific ministries, such as deacons ([Acts 6:6](/acts/6-6 "Acts 6:6 - Appointment of the Seven")) or elders ([Acts 14:23](/acts/14-23 "Acts 14:23 - Appointing Elders in Every Church")). Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering, was a prominent and bustling city, a hub of diverse religious and philosophical ideas, including various forms of paganism and early Gnostic leanings. The church there faced internal challenges, including false teachers ([1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warning Against False Teachers")) and potential moral laxity, making the careful selection of morally sound and doctrinally pure leaders all the more vital for the church's health and witness in such an environment.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Pastoral Epistles. The primary theme is **Prudence in Leadership Appointment**, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting and prayerful discernment before entrusting individuals with spiritual authority, a concept reinforced by the detailed qualifications for overseers and deacons found in [1 Timothy 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Leaders") and [Titus 1](/titus/1 "Titus 1 - Qualifications for Elders"). Closely related is the theme of **Accountability and Avoiding Complicity**, highlighting that leaders bear responsibility not only for their own actions but also for the consequences of those they appoint or enable. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Personal Holiness and Integrity for Leaders**, asserting that a minister's effectiveness and authority are inextricably linked to their blameless character and commitment to purity, as Paul frequently reminded Timothy of the importance of being an example to believers in [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "1 Timothy 4:12 - Be an Example to Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lay (Greek, _epitíthēmi'_):** From ἐπί and τίθημι, meaning "to impose" or "put upon." In the New Testament, this verb, often used with "hands" (cheír), frequently denotes the act of commissioning, ordaining, or imparting spiritual authority, as seen in the appointment of deacons in [Acts 6:6](/acts/6-6 "Acts 6:6 - Appointment of the Seven"). It signifies a formal and weighty act of designation.
* **Suddenly (Greek, _tachéōs'_):** An adverb derived from ταχύς, meaning "briefly," "speedily," or "rapidly." Its inclusion here strongly emphasizes the manner of the action, warning against acting hastily, impulsively, or without due deliberation and thorough examination. The caution is against a rushed decision that bypasses proper discernment.
* **Partaker (Greek, _koinōnéō'_):** From κοινωνός, meaning "to share with others" or "to communicate." This verb implies a deep involvement or association, suggesting that by appointing an unqualified or morally compromised individual, Timothy would share in their subsequent failures or sinful actions, becoming complicit in their wrongdoing. It highlights a shared responsibility and consequence.
* **Pure (Greek, _hagnós'_):** From the same root as ἅγιος (holy), meaning "clean," "innocent," "modest," or "perfect." This adjective denotes moral and spiritual purity, freedom from defilement, encompassing integrity in thought, motive, and action. It is a comprehensive call to blamelessness in character and conduct, essential for anyone serving God and leading His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lay hands suddenly on no man":** This is a direct command, an imperative warning against the hasty ordination or appointment of individuals to positions of spiritual leadership, particularly eldership. The "laying on of hands" symbolizes the formal act of commissioning. The adverb "suddenly" underscores the danger of acting without sufficient time for observation, prayer, and discernment of a candidate's character, doctrine, and spiritual maturity. Such a rushed decision risks bringing unqualified or even corrupt individuals into positions of influence within the church.
* **"neither be partaker of other men's sins":** This clause reveals the severe consequence of the previous warning. If Timothy, as a leader, appoints or endorses an unfit individual, he implicitly shares in or becomes complicit in their subsequent moral failures, doctrinal errors, or ungodly actions. This is not merely a passive association but an active sharing in responsibility, implying that the one who enables sin, even indirectly through poor judgment in appointment, bears a measure of guilt for that sin. It highlights the gravity of leadership decisions and their far-reaching impact.
* **"keep thyself pure":** This final, powerful command shifts the focus from external actions (appointments) to Timothy's internal and personal integrity. It is a direct call for him to maintain his own moral, spiritual, and ethical blamelessness. As a leader, his personal conduct serves as a vital example to the flock and is foundational to his authority, discernment, and effectiveness in ministry. This purity is comprehensive, encompassing thought, word, and deed, ensuring he avoids the very pitfalls he warns others against and remains a credible servant of God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as the entire verse is structured as a series of direct commands ("Lay... no man," "neither be partaker," "keep thyself pure"), conveying the urgency and authority of Paul's instruction to Timothy. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "Lay hands," where the physical act of laying hands stands for the entire process of ordination, commissioning, or appointment to spiritual office. This is a well-established symbolic action in the New Testament. There is also a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship implied: a hasty appointment (cause) leads to complicity in sin (effect). Finally, the verse demonstrates a form of **Contrast** or **Antithesis** by juxtaposing the negative commands (don't rush appointments, don't partake in others' sins) with the positive command for personal holiness ("keep thyself pure"), emphasizing that personal integrity is the prerequisite for blameless leadership and sound judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the theology of church leadership, accountability, and personal holiness. It underscores the immense responsibility inherent in spiritual authority, particularly in the selection and oversight of those called to lead God's flock. The principle of not becoming "partaker of other men's sins" extends beyond appointments, teaching a broader truth about Christian responsibility to avoid complicity in evil, whether through endorsement, enabling, or passive acceptance. The final command for personal purity is a foundational theological truth: effective ministry flows from a life consecrated to God, reflecting His holiness. This call to purity is not merely about avoiding outward sin but cultivating an inward disposition of blamelessness, essential for discerning God's will and leading His people righteously.

* [1 Timothy 3:1-7](/1_timothy/3-1-7 "1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for Overseers")
* [Titus 1:6-9](/titus/1-6-9 "Titus 1:6-9 - Qualifications for Elders")
* [2 John 1:10-11](/2_john/1-10-11 "2 John 1:10-11 - Do Not Receive False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man") offers timeless wisdom for every believer, whether in formal leadership or not. For those involved in church governance, it serves as a solemn warning against expediency over integrity. The selection of pastors, elders, deacons, or any spiritual leader must be a process marked by prayerful discernment, thorough vetting of character (not just giftedness), and patience. Rushing such decisions can inflict lasting harm on the congregation and compromise the witness of the church. For all Christians, the principle of not partaking in "other men's sins" challenges us to consider our associations, endorsements, and even our silence. Do we inadvertently enable or condone ungodly behavior through our actions or inactions? This calls for a discerning spirit and moral courage. Finally, the command to "keep thyself pure" is a universal and deeply personal call to holiness. Our walk with God is paramount, forming the bedrock of our influence and service. It reminds us that integrity in our private lives is indispensable for credibility in our public witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act "suddenly" or hastily, especially concerning important decisions or relationships?**
* **How might I, even unintentionally, be a "partaker of other men's sins" through my associations, silence, or lack of discernment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "keep myself pure" in my thoughts, words, and actions, both privately and publicly?**
* **If I am in a leadership position, how can I ensure that the process of appointing new leaders is marked by thoroughness, prayer, and discernment, rather than haste?**

### FAQ
**What does "Lay hands suddenly on no man" specifically refer to?**

Answer: While the laying on of hands in the New Testament can refer to healing or blessing, in this specific context, given its placement within instructions concerning elders and church order, it primarily refers to the formal act of ordination or commissioning individuals for spiritual leadership roles, such as elders or deacons. Paul is warning Timothy against hastily appointing or ordaining someone to such a weighty office without sufficient time for observation, testing, and discernment of their character, spiritual maturity, and doctrinal soundness. The danger is that a quick, ill-considered appointment could elevate an unqualified person, leading to future problems for the church. The qualifications for overseers and deacons outlined in [1 Timothy 3:1-13](/1_timothy/3-1-13 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons") and [Titus 1:6-9](/titus/1-6-9 "Titus 1 - Qualifications for Elders") underscore the need for careful scrutiny.

**How does one become a "partaker of other men's sins"?**

Answer: Becoming a "partaker of other men's sins" implies a form of complicity or shared responsibility. In the immediate context of [1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man"), it means that if Timothy were to hastily appoint an unqualified or morally compromised individual to leadership, he would share in the guilt of any subsequent sins or failures committed by that person in their office. This principle extends more broadly to any action or inaction that enables, endorses, or condones sin. This could include associating with those who promote false doctrine ([2 John 1:10-11](/2_john/1-10-11 "2 John 1:10-11 - Do Not Receive False Teachers")), remaining silent in the face of injustice, or failing to exercise proper discipline when sin is evident. It highlights the serious moral and spiritual consequences of our decisions and associations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 5:22](/1_timothy/5-22 "1 Timothy 5:22 - Lay Hands Suddenly on No Man") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the purest Leader who ever lived, embodying the very essence of the "pure" (Greek, _hagnós_) that Timothy is exhorted to maintain. Christ's life was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), making Him the perfect example of the blamelessness required for spiritual authority. Furthermore, Jesus never acted "suddenly" or hastily in His appointments; He spent entire nights in prayer before choosing His twelve disciples ([Luke 6:12-13](/luke/6-12-13 "Luke 6:12-13 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")), demonstrating the meticulous discernment and divine wisdom required for selecting those who would carry on His work. Most profoundly, Christ is the One who ensures we do not "partake of other men's sins" by taking away the sin of the world through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He bore our sins in His own body on the tree ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), making it possible for us to be cleansed and stand pure before God, not by our own merit, but by His grace. Therefore, our pursuit of purity and our carefulness in leadership are reflections of His character and a response to His redemptive work, empowering us to serve His pure church.

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

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

1 Timothy 3:10

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being [found] blameless.

1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

2 Timothy 1:6

¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 John 1:11

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.