1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Original Language Analysis
Χεῖρας
hands
G5495
Χεῖρας
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
1 of 11
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
ταχέως
suddenly
G5030
ταχέως
suddenly
Strong's:
G5030
Word #:
2 of 11
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
κοινώνει
be partaker
G2841
κοινώνει
be partaker
Strong's:
G2841
Word #:
6 of 11
to share with others (objectively or subjectively)
ἀλλοτρίαις·
of other
G245
ἀλλοτρίαις·
of other
Strong's:
G245
Word #:
8 of 11
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
Cross References
Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.1 Timothy 3:10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.1 Timothy 3:6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.1 Timothy 4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore 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 1:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.Hebrews 6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.Acts 13:3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Historical Context
The early church laid hands on leaders to publicly commission them for ministry (Acts 6:6, 13:1-3). This solemn act conveyed church recognition and approval. Paul warns against hasty ordination—thoroughly vet candidates first. The Ephesian church faced false teachers; Timothy must not inadvertently ordain unfit men who would perpetuate error or moral failure.
Questions for Reflection
- How long should a candidate be observed before ordination to ministry leadership?
- In what sense does ordaining an unqualified person make you 'partaker of their sins'?
- What vetting process helps churches identify qualified leaders and avoid premature ordination?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Lay hands suddenly on no man (Χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει, Cheiras tacheōs mēdeni epitithei)—'do not lay hands on anyone hastily.' Tacheōs means quickly, hastily, rashly. This refers to ordination—the laying on of hands in commissioning elders (4:14, Acts 6:6, 13:3). Don't ordain leaders prematurely without thorough vetting.
Neither be partaker of other men's sins (μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις, mēde koinōnei hamartiais allotriais)—'and do not share in the sins of others.' Koinōneō means to share in, participate in, have fellowship with. Hasty ordination makes you complicit in the unqualified leader's subsequent failures. Keep thyself pure (σεαυτὸν ἁγνὸν τήρει, seauton hagnon tērei)—'keep yourself pure.'
Premature ordination has serious consequences. If you appoint unqualified or unproven men to leadership and they fall into sin or heresy, you share responsibility for their failures and the damage they cause. Take time to test character (3:10) before officially recognizing leaders. Maintain purity by ensuring only qualified men are ordained.