1 Timothy 5:24
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προάγουσαι
going before
G4254
προάγουσαι
going before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
7 of 13
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κρίσιν
judgment
G2920
κρίσιν
judgment
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
9 of 13
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
Historical Context
In the Ephesian church context, some false teachers were openly heretical and easily identified. Others were subtle deceivers whose errors took time to expose. Paul encourages Timothy: you can't catch every case immediately, but persist faithfully. Secret sins have a way of surfacing eventually. Final judgment will reveal all (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that all sin will be judged (eventually) help leaders patiently pursue justice?
- Why are some sins immediately obvious while others remain hidden for a time?
- What comfort does this verse offer to those frustrated by apparent injustice in the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment (τινῶν ἀνθρώπων αἱ ἁμαρτίαι πρόδηλοί εἰσιν προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν, tinōn anthrōpōn hai hamartiai prodēloi eisin proagousai eis krisin)—'the sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment.' Prodēlos means evident, obvious, manifest beforehand. Their sins are publicly visible, leading to clear judgment.
And some men they follow after (τισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν, tisin de kai epakolouthousin)—'but the sins of others follow after.' Some people's sins are hidden initially but eventually come to light. The point: all sin will ultimately be judged—some immediately, some later.
This continues Paul's discussion of elder discipline (5:19-22). Some leaders' sins are obvious and easily addressed. Others are skilled at hiding sin, but it will eventually surface. Timothy shouldn't be discouraged if he cannot immediately discern every case—God sees all, and hidden sins eventually emerge. Patient, discerning leadership trusts God's ultimate justice.