1 Timothy 5:1
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Original Language Analysis
Πρεσβυτέρῳ
an elder
G4245
Πρεσβυτέρῳ
an elder
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
1 of 10
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
παρακάλει
intreat
G3870
παρακάλει
intreat
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
5 of 10
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 10
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
πατέρα
a father
G3962
πατέρα
a father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 10
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
νεωτέρους
and the younger men
G3501
νεωτέρους
and the younger men
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
8 of 10
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
Cross References
Leviticus 19:32Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Titus 2:2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.Titus 2:6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.Matthew 23:8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Acts 15:4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.Romans 13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean culture operated on honor-shame dynamics where publicly rebuking an elder brought shame and conflict. Paul instructs Timothy in culturally-wise correction—treat older men as fathers (with respect), not subordinates. The church's counter-cultural element: even young leaders have authority to correct elders when necessary, but must do so with familial honor, not domineering harshness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we balance necessary correction with respectful, family-like relationships?
- Why does the manner of confrontation matter as much as the content of correction?
- What does it mean practically to treat older believers 'as fathers' when disagreement exists?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Rebuke not an elder (Πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς, Presbyterō mē epiplēxēs)—'do not rebuke an older man harshly.' Epiplēssō means to strike upon, rebuke sharply, scold. Presbyteros can mean either an older man or a church elder—here likely an older man generally. But intreat him as a father (ἀλλὰ παρακάλει ὡς πατέρα, alla parakalei hōs patera)—'but appeal to him as a father.' Parakaleō means to exhort, encourage, appeal—much gentler than harsh rebuke.
The younger men as brethren (νεωτέρους ὡς ἀδελφούς, neōterous hōs adelphous)—'younger men as brothers.' This begins Paul's instruction on treating different groups within the church family. Approach older men with respect due fathers, younger men with affection due brothers. Church relationships should mirror healthy family dynamics—honor, love, appropriate boundaries.
Timothy's youth (4:12) made rebuking older men especially delicate. Paul counsels respectful appeal rather than harsh confrontation. Even when correction is needed, manner matters—we're family, not adversaries. The gospel creates relationships requiring both truth and tenderness.