1 Timothy 5:2
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
Original Language Analysis
πρεσβυτέρας
The elder women
G4245
πρεσβυτέρας
The elder women
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
1 of 9
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
2 of 9
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
μητέρας
mothers
G3384
μητέρας
mothers
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
3 of 9
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
νεωτέρας
the younger
G3501
νεωτέρας
the younger
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
4 of 9
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 9
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Cross References
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.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.1 Timothy 5:3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world, interactions between unrelated men and women were strictly regulated to protect reputations. The church's counter-cultural inclusion of women in fellowship could be misunderstood or lead to scandal. Paul insists Timothy relate to women with familial respect and scrupulous purity—treating older women with maternal honor and younger women with sisterly propriety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing church members as family change our relationships and interactions?
- Why does Paul specifically emphasize purity in relating to younger women?
- What practical safeguards protect ministers from inappropriate relationships with opposite-sex church members?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity (πρεσβυτέρας ὡς μητέρας, νεωτέρας ὡς ἀδελφὰς ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνείᾳ, presbyteras hōs mēteras, neōteras hōs adelphas en pasē hagneia)—Timothy must treat older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, 'in all purity.' Hagneia means purity, chastity, holiness—especially moral and sexual purity.
This continues Paul's instruction on relating to different age groups (5:1: older men as fathers, younger men as brothers). The emphasis on all purity when relating to younger women addresses potential sexual temptation—Timothy must guard against any impropriety or appearance of evil. Treat them with the respect and boundaries appropriate for siblings.
The family metaphor redefines church relationships. We're not a professional organization or social club but God's household—with all the honor, love, and appropriate boundaries family relationships require. Sexual purity in ministry relationships protects both the minister and the congregation.