1 Timothy 5:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, righteousness. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark