1 Timothy 5:19

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

Original Language Analysis

κατὰ Against G2596
κατὰ Against
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 1 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρεσβυτέρου an elder G4245
πρεσβυτέρου an elder
Strong's: G4245
Word #: 2 of 13
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
κατηγορίαν an accusation G2724
κατηγορίαν an accusation
Strong's: G2724
Word #: 3 of 13
a complaint ("category"), i.e., criminal charge
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 4 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παραδέχου receive G3858
παραδέχου receive
Strong's: G3858
Word #: 5 of 13
to accept near, i.e., admit or (by implication) delight in
ἐκτὸς G1622
ἐκτὸς
Strong's: G1622
Word #: 6 of 13
the exterior; figuratively (as a preposition) aside from, besides
εἰ G1487
εἰ
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 7 of 13
if, whether, that, etc
μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 8 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπὶ before G1909
ἐπὶ before
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 9 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
δύο two G1417
δύο two
Strong's: G1417
Word #: 10 of 13
"two"
ἢ or G2228
ἢ or
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 11 of 13
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
τριῶν three G5140
τριῶν three
Strong's: G5140
Word #: 12 of 13
"three"
μαρτύρων witnesses G3144
μαρτύρων witnesses
Strong's: G3144
Word #: 13 of 13
a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

Analysis & Commentary

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses (Κατὰ πρεσβυτέρου κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων, Kata presbyterou katēgorian mē paradechou, ektos ei mē epi dyo ē triōn martyrōn)—'do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.' Katēgoria means accusation, charge. Paradechomai means to receive, accept, entertain.

This applies Deuteronomy 19:15's legal principle to church discipline. Elders are vulnerable to false accusations from those who dislike their teaching or discipline. Timothy must not entertain unsubstantiated accusations—require corroborating witnesses before investigating. This protects elders from malicious slander while ensuring legitimate concerns receive due process.

The two-witness requirement balances justice: protecting leaders from unfair attack while ensuring genuine misconduct is addressed. Churches must neither ignore credible accusations nor allow baseless rumors to destroy ministries.

Historical Context

In ancient courts, witnesses were essential to establish facts—no forensic evidence or recording technology existed. Multiple independent witnesses provided credibility. False accusations against leaders were common (as Jesus Himself faced). Paul protects elders from character assassination by requiring the same evidentiary standard God's law required in civil cases.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics