1 Timothy 5:21
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
Original Language Analysis
Διαμαρτύρομαι
I charge
G1263
Διαμαρτύρομαι
I charge
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
1 of 21
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
7 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλων
angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
12 of 21
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
φυλάξῃς
thou observe
G5442
φυλάξῃς
thou observe
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
15 of 21
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
16 of 21
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
προκρίματος
preferring one before another
G4299
προκρίματος
preferring one before another
Strong's:
G4299
Word #:
17 of 21
a prejudgment (prejudice), i.e., prepossession
ποιῶν
doing
G4160
ποιῶν
doing
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
19 of 21
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;1 Timothy 6:13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;2 Timothy 4:1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2 Corinthians 5:16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.Jude 1:6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.2 Timothy 2:14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.Matthew 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Historical Context
The Ephesian church likely had elders of varying social status—some wealthy patrons, some poor. Human nature tempts us to overlook sin in the influential and harshly judge the powerless. Paul charges Timothy to administer discipline with perfect impartiality, aware that God, Christ, and angels observe his justice. The elect angels may be those who didn't rebel (unlike demons) and now witness church affairs (1 Corinthians 4:9).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul invoke God, Christ, and the elect angels to reinforce this charge?
- How does partiality in church discipline undermine justice and credibility?
- What practical safeguards help leaders avoid favoritism when addressing sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels (Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων, Diamartyromai enōpion tou theou kai Christou Iēsou kai tōn eklektōn angelōn)—'I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels.' Diamartyromai is an intensive oath—'I solemnly charge, testify, adjure.' The threefold witness (Father, Son, angels) underscores the seriousness.
That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality (ἵνα ταῦτα φυλάξῃς χωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν, hina tauta phylaxēs chōris prokrimatos, mēden poiōn kata prosklisin)—'keep these principles without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality.' Prokrima means prejudgment, bias. Prosklisis means inclination, favoritism.
Timothy must apply discipline impartially—no favoritism toward influential elders, no prejudice against unpopular ones. The solemn oath before God, Christ, and elect angels emphasizes accountability. Biased discipline destroys justice and credibility. Leaders must be held to the same standards regardless of status, wealth, or popularity.