Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:1
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, on how to address members of the congregation by age and gender.
The words — ἐπιπλῄξῃς (epiplēxēs) carries the sense of striking back or rebuking sharply; the verse replaces it with παρακαλεῖ (parakalei), "to call alongside," a deliberate downgrade from confrontation to relational appeal.
The thread — The same age-hierarchy appears in Leviticus 19:32 (honor the aged), 1 Peter 5:5 (young men submit to elders), and Galatians 6:1 (restore with gentleness).
Why it lands — It asks a young leader to suppress the instinct to correct or dominate and to speak from a posture of respect rather than authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
Cross-references
- Leviticus 19:32 You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
- Titus 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
- 1 Peter 5:1 As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
- Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- 1 Timothy 5:19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Titus 2:6 In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
- Matthew 18:15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.