Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:19
Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, instructing him on how to handle complaints within the local church.
The words — παραδέχου (paradechou) literally means "do receive," while the preceding particle μὴ (mē) supplies the negative to form the command "do not receive."
The thread — The requirement for multiple witnesses appears in Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, and 2 Corinthians 13:1.
Why it lands — The text commands Timothy to reject uncorroborated charges against elders, establishing a procedural safeguard before any disciplinary action occurs.
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
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
Cross-references
- Matthew 18:16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
- Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- Deuteronomy 17:6 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.
- Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.
- Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Deuteronomy 19:18 The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
- John 8:17 Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
- Acts 25:16 I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.
- John 18:29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”