1 Timothy 5:7

KJV

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} these things {G5023} give in charge {G3853}, that {G2443} they may be {G5600} blameless {G423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And instruct them about this, so that they will not be open to blame.

Berean Standard Bible

Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.

American Standard Version

These things also command, that they may be without reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 5:7 serves as a pivotal summary and authoritative command within Paul's pastoral epistle to Timothy, his protégé in Ephesus. Following detailed instructions concerning the care and conduct of various groups within the church, this verse encapsulates Paul's overarching directive: Timothy is to ensure these principles are taught and upheld, thereby fostering a community whose collective and individual lives are beyond reproach, reflecting the integrity and purity expected of Christ's followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a vital concluding injunction to the preceding detailed instructions Paul has laid out in [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for the Church"). Paul meticulously addresses the proper treatment of elders, younger men and women, and particularly, the care and conduct of widows within the church community, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 5:1-2](/1_timothy/5-1-2 "1 Timothy 5:1-2 - Respect for Elders and Younger Members") and [1 Timothy 5:3-16](/1_timothy/5-3-16 "1 Timothy 5:3-16 - Instructions for Widows"). The command to "give in charge these things" refers directly back to this specific guidance, indicating that these are not mere suggestions but authoritative directives crucial for the health and reputation of the Ephesian church. The subsequent verses in [1 Timothy 5:8-25](/1_timothy/5-8-25 "1 Timothy 5:8-25 - Further Instructions for Widows and Elders") continue to elaborate on responsibilities within the church, making verse 7 a central hinge that summarizes the intent behind Paul's practical instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was serving as Paul's representative in Ephesus, a prominent and bustling Roman city known for its diverse population, pagan worship (especially of Artemis), and various social challenges. In such a vibrant and often morally ambiguous environment, the early Christian church faced immense pressure to distinguish itself and maintain a credible witness. The integrity of its members was paramount, as any moral failing or scandal could severely undermine the gospel message and bring disrepute upon Christ's name. Paul's emphasis on blamelessness was not merely for internal purity but also for external witness, ensuring that the church's conduct would not provide occasion for slander from outsiders, as highlighted in [1 Timothy 3:7](/1_timothy/3-7 "1 Timothy 3:7 - Good Reputation for Overseers"). Timothy's responsibility was therefore weighty, involving the establishment of church order and the moral formation of believers in a challenging cultural landscape.
* **Key Themes:** A primary theme is **Pastoral Responsibility and Authority**, as Timothy is explicitly commanded to "give in charge" these directives, underscoring his role as a spiritual leader responsible for the instruction and moral oversight of the flock. This highlights the importance of sound doctrine and ethical leadership in the church. Another crucial theme is **Blameless Living and Christian Witness**. The ultimate goal of Paul's instructions is that believers "may be blameless," which speaks to the necessity of a life lived consistently with Christian principles, free from legitimate accusation or moral failing. This blamelessness is essential for the church's internal purity and its external credibility, allowing its light to shine before others, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine"). Finally, the verse contributes to the broader theme of **Church Order and Purity**, emphasizing that specific conduct for different groups within the community is vital for maintaining the integrity, harmony, and effective functioning of the local assembly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _kaí_):** This conjunction serves as a simple connective, linking the command in this verse to the preceding detailed instructions. It indicates that what follows is a direct consequence or summary of the principles Paul has just laid out, emphasizing continuity in his pastoral guidance.
* **give in charge (Greek, _parangéllō_):** This verb signifies a strong command, an authoritative instruction, or an injunction. It implies more than a mere suggestion; it is a directive that Timothy is expected to enforce and ensure is followed. The term carries military connotations, suggesting a formal order or a charge given by a superior officer, underscoring the weight of Timothy's pastoral authority and responsibility.
* **blameless (Greek, _anepílēptos_):** Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "to take hold of," this adjective literally means "not arrested," or "without anything to be taken hold of against one." It conveys the idea of being irreproachable, beyond reproach, or free from legitimate accusation. It does not imply sinless perfection but rather a life lived with such integrity and consistency that no valid charge or moral failing can be brought against it, especially concerning one's public testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these things give in charge":** This clause highlights Paul's direct and authoritative command to Timothy. "These things" refers specifically to the detailed instructions concerning widows, elders, and other members of the church that Paul has just provided in the preceding verses of [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for the Church"). Timothy, as the appointed leader, is tasked with the responsibility of formally instructing the congregation in these matters and ensuring their proper implementation. This underscores the pastoral duty to teach sound doctrine and uphold ethical standards within the Christian community.
* **"that they may be blameless":** This is a purpose clause, articulating the desired outcome or goal of Timothy's charge. The pronoun "they" refers broadly to the church members, particularly those whose conduct has been discussed (widows, younger people, elders), but by extension, the entire Ephesian Christian community. The aim is for believers to live lives that are "blameless" – that is, beyond legitimate accusation, irreproachable in their conduct and character. This blamelessness is crucial for maintaining the church's internal purity and its external witness, ensuring that their lives reflect the transforming power of the gospel and bring honor to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** of the verb "give in charge" (_parangéllō_), which immediately establishes the authoritative nature of Paul's instruction to Timothy. This is not a gentle suggestion but a direct command, emphasizing the gravity of Timothy's pastoral duty. Following this command, the phrase "that they may be blameless" functions as a clear **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the intended outcome or goal of Timothy's actions. This highlights the teleological aspect of Paul's ethical directives – that all instructions are aimed at producing a specific, desirable state of being within the community. Furthermore, the concept of "blameless" itself, while an adjective, carries a strong sense of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the outward appearance of being beyond reproach stands for an underlying integrity and adherence to Christian principles. It implies that the internal character and faith of believers should be so consistently lived out that no legitimate fault can be found in their public conduct, thereby safeguarding the reputation of the gospel and the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 5:7 underscores a profound theological truth: the call to blamelessness is not merely a legalistic demand but an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting the character of God Himself, who is perfectly holy and without blemish. This pursuit of blamelessness is intrinsically linked to the church's mission and witness in the world. When believers live lives that are free from legitimate accusation, it validates the transformative power of the gospel and removes obstacles to faith for those outside the church. It demonstrates that the Christian faith is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that produces genuine moral integrity. This commitment to blamelessness, while never achieving sinless perfection in this life, is a continuous striving, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to honor God in all things and to present a credible testimony of Christ's saving work.

* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Blameless in a Crooked Generation")
* [Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Presented Holy and Blameless")
* [Titus 2:7-8](/titus/2-7-8 "Blameless Conduct for Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 5:7 serves as a timeless reminder for all believers and church leaders concerning the vital importance of living a life above reproach. For the individual Christian, it is a call to personal accountability, urging us to examine our conduct, words, and attitudes to ensure they align with our confession of faith. This means striving for integrity in our private lives, our families, our workplaces, and our communities, recognizing that our actions have implications not only for our personal testimony but for the reputation of Christ and His church. For church leaders, this verse reinforces the solemn responsibility to teach, model, and uphold biblical standards of conduct, fostering an environment where blamelessness is both encouraged and expected. When the church, both individually and corporately, lives blamelessly, it becomes a powerful witness to a watching world, making the gospel more credible and attractive. This commitment to integrity helps the church fulfill its mission to glorify God and draw others to Him, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in practical, tangible ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life can I strive for greater blamelessness, both personally and in my interactions with others?**
* **How does my conduct, or the conduct of my church community, impact the credibility of the gospel message to those outside the faith?**
* **What role do leaders play in fostering an environment where blameless living is both taught and exemplified?**

### FAQ
**Does "blameless" in 1 Timothy 5:7 mean perfect or sinless?**

Answer: No, the term "blameless" (Greek: _anepílēptos_) does not imply sinless perfection. Rather, it means "irreproachable" or "beyond legitimate accusation." It refers to a life lived with such integrity and consistency that no valid charge or moral failing can be brought against it, especially concerning one's public testimony. It is about maintaining a good reputation and avoiding scandal that would dishonor Christ or the church. While Christians are called to strive for holiness, the Bible acknowledges our continued struggle with sin ([1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If We Say We Have No Sin")). Therefore, "blameless" refers to a consistent pattern of righteous living and a commitment to integrity, not an absence of all sin.

**Who are "they" that are to be blameless in this verse?**

Answer: The pronoun "they" primarily refers to the specific groups of church members whose conduct Paul has just addressed in [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for the Church"), particularly widows, younger men and women, and elders. However, by extension, the command applies to the entire Christian community in Ephesus, and by principle, to all believers. The goal of Paul's pastoral instruction is to ensure that the entire body of Christ lives in a manner that reflects the purity and holiness of God, thereby maintaining a strong and credible witness to the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to be "blameless" in 1 Timothy 5:7 finds its ultimate foundation and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Our ability to pursue blamelessness is not rooted in our own moral strength but in Christ's perfect blamelessness and His atoning work. He is the [Lamb of God, without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blameless Lamb"), whose sacrifice makes us holy and acceptable before God. Through faith in Him, we are not only declared righteous but are also being progressively conformed to His image by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us that God chose us in Christ [before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen to Be Holy and Blameless"). Furthermore, through Christ's death, God has reconciled us to Himself to [present us holy and blameless and above reproach](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Presented Holy and Blameless") in His sight. Thus, the blamelessness commanded in 1 Timothy 5:7 is both a reflection of the perfect blamelessness imputed to us by Christ and a practical outworking of the sanctifying work of the Spirit within us, enabling us to live lives that genuinely honor the One who made us blameless.

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 4:11

These things command and teach.

Titus 2:15

¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

2 Timothy 4:1

¶ I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Titus 1:13

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

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1 Timothy 1:3

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,