1 Timothy 5:1
New International Version
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,

New Living Translation
Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.

English Standard Version
Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,

Berean Standard Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

Berean Literal Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; younger men as brothers;

King James Bible
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

New King James Version
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

New American Standard Bible
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers,

NASB 1995
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

NASB 1977
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

Legacy Standard Bible
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather plead with him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

Amplified Bible
Do not sharply reprimand an older man, but appeal to him as [you would to] a father, to younger men as brothers,

Christian Standard Bible
Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

American Standard Version
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

Contemporary English Version
Don't correct an older man. Encourage him, as you would your own father. Treat younger men as you would your own brother,

English Revised Version
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Never use harsh words when you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he were your father. Talk to younger men as if they were your brothers,

Good News Translation
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as if he were your father. Treat the younger men as your brothers,

International Standard Version
Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him as if he were your father. Treat younger men like brothers,

Majority Standard Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

NET Bible
Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,

New Heart English Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;

Webster's Bible Translation
Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

Weymouth New Testament
Never administer a sharp reprimand to a man older than yourself; but entreat him as if he were your father, and the younger men as brothers;

World English Bible
Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You may not rebuke an elder, but exhort [him] as a father, younger persons as brothers,

Berean Literal Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; younger men as brothers;

Young's Literal Translation
An aged person thou mayest not rebuke, but be entreating as a father; younger persons as brethren;

Smith's Literal Translation
An elder shouldest thou not reprove, but beseech as a father; the younger as brethren;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father: young men, as brethren:

Catholic Public Domain Version
You should not rebuke an old man, but rather plead with him, as if he were your father; with young men, like brothers;

New American Bible
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

New Revised Standard Version
Do not speak harshly to an older man, but speak to him as to a father, to younger men as brothers,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
DO not rebuke an elder, but treat him as a father, and the younger men as your brothers;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Do not rebuke an elder, but petition him as a father, and those who are young as your brothers,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Do not rebuke an elderly man, but entreat him as a father; the younger men, as brothers:

Godbey New Testament
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers:

Haweis New Testament
REBUKE not harshly an aged man, but admonish him as a father; the younger men as brethren;

Mace New Testament
Don't treat a senior with harsh reproof, but exhort him as a father, and the young men, as brethren:

Weymouth New Testament
Never administer a sharp reprimand to a man older than yourself; but entreat him as if he were your father, and the younger men as brothers;

Worrell New Testament
Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men, as brethren:

Worsley New Testament
Do not chide a senior, but exhort him as a father; and younger men as brethren:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Guidelines for Reproof
1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.…

Cross References
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Leviticus 19:32
You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

Titus 2:6-8
In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. / In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, / and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

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.”

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” ...

Hebrews 12:9
Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?

Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.

1 Corinthians 4:14
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

1 Thessalonians 2:11
For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

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.

Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

1 Kings 2:19
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.

Job 32:4-7
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. / But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. / So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;

Rebuke.

1 Timothy 5:19,20
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses…

Leviticus 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 33:9
Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

an elder.

1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Acts 15:4,6
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them…

intreat.

Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Timothy 2:24,25
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, …

as brethren.

Matthew 18:15-17
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother…

Matthew 23:8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

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Administer Aged Appeal Authority Church Elder Entreat Entreating Exhort Harshly Intreat Mayest Older Persons Rather Rebuke Sharp Sharply Talk Treat Words Younger
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1 Timothy 5
1. Rules to be observed in reproving.
3. Of widows.
17. Of elders.
23. A precept for Timothy's health.
24. Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.














Do not rebuke an older man
In the cultural context of the early church, respect for elders was a deeply ingrained value, rooted in Jewish tradition (Leviticus 19:32). The term "rebuke" here implies a sharp or harsh correction, which was considered inappropriate for addressing older men. This aligns with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs 16:31, which honors the aged. The instruction reflects a broader biblical principle of honoring those who have lived longer and presumably gained wisdom through their experiences.

but appeal to him as to a father
The use of familial language underscores the importance of relationships within the church community. By appealing to an older man as a father, Paul emphasizes a respectful and gentle approach, akin to the fifth commandment to honor one's father and mother (Exodus 20:12). This approach fosters unity and respect within the body of Christ, reflecting the family-like structure of the early Christian communities. It also mirrors the relationship between God the Father and His children, encouraging believers to emulate divine love and respect.

Treat younger men as brothers
This phrase highlights the equality and camaraderie expected among believers. In the Greco-Roman world, brotherhood was a powerful concept, often associated with loyalty and mutual support. By treating younger men as brothers, Paul encourages a sense of equality and shared purpose, as seen in Galatians 3:28, where all are one in Christ. This familial bond is a type of the unity found in the Trinity, where distinct persons exist in perfect harmony and love. The emphasis on brotherhood also serves as a reminder of the new identity believers have in Christ, transcending social and cultural divisions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance for church leadership and personal conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with leading and organizing the church.

3. Older Men
In the context of the church, these are elder members who are to be treated with respect and dignity.

4. Younger Men
Fellow believers who are to be treated as equals and with brotherly love.

5. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse and sometimes challenging cultural environment.
Teaching Points
Respect for Elders
The verse emphasizes the importance of respecting older members of the church, recognizing their wisdom and experience.

Family Dynamics in the Church
The church is likened to a family, where relationships are based on love, respect, and mutual support.

Gentle Correction
When addressing issues, especially with those older, approach with humility and gentleness, as one would with a father.

Brotherly Love
Younger men should be treated as brothers, fostering a sense of equality and camaraderie within the church.

Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding the cultural context of Ephesus can help us apply these principles in our diverse modern settings.V.

(1) Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father.--Two-thirds of St. Paul's first Letter to Timothy have been taken up with directions, warnings, and exhortations respecting the public duties connected with the office of superintending presbyter, or bishop, of a church like that of Ephesus; from these directions in connection with the public teaching and the official life in the church, the Apostle passes on to speak of the private relations which one in Timothy's position ought to maintain with individual members of the congregation. And, first, he warns him against a misplaced zeal, which might urge him to unbefitting behaviour towards those older than himself. The enthusiastic and ardent young servant of Christ would see with sorrow and dismay the shortcomings of many an elder member of his flock, and, forgetting to make wise allowance for previous training, thought, and habits, would be likely, unwisely, and possibly unfairly, to find fault. Let him, in the cases of his elders--for the reference is rather to age than to office, as is clear from the reminder of 1Timothy 5:2, addressed to the "elder women"--instead of open rebuke, use respectful and affectionate entreaties, after the manner of a son, not of an official.

The younger men as brethren.--And as regards the younger Christians of Ephesua, let them not be alienated by an assumption of dignity on the part of the chief presbyter of the Church. Let his relations with these younger members of the family of Christ be rather those of a brother and a friend than of a superior in rank and dignity.

Verse 1. - Exhort for intreat, A.V.; and omitted. Rebuke not (μὴ ἐπιπλήξης); only here in the New Testament for the more usual ἐπιτιμάω (2 Timothy 4:2, and frequently in the Gospels) or ἐλέγχω, as Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15; Revelation 3:19, and elsewhere. In classical Greek it expresses a sharp castigation with words. Compare the "patruae verbera linguae" (Hor., 'Od.,' 3. 12:3). It answers to the Latin objurgo. An elder (πρεσβυτέρῳ). The context shows that the meaning is not a "presbyter," but "an old man." The precept has relation to Timothy's youth (1 Timothy 4:12). See the same order in respect to the persons to be admonished (Titus 2:1-6, where, however, we have the forms πρεσβύτας and πρεσβύτιδας with νέας and νεωτέρους). The direction is an instance of that admirable propriety of conduct, based upon a true charity, which vital Christianity produces. A true Christian never forgets what is due to others, never "behaves himself unseemly." Exhort (παρακάλει); certainly a much better rendering than intreat in the A.V. The younger men. This and the other accusatives in this and the following verse are governed by παρακάλει; the prohibitive μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς Is con- lined to the πρεσβυτέροι. As brethren. This phrase shows that Timothy was still a young man himself. Observe, too, how even m reproving the sense of love is to be main- mined. The members of the Church over which he rules are either fathers and mothers, or brothers and sisters, or, it may be added, as his own children, to the faithful pastor.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
{Do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

rebuke
ἐπιπλήξῃς (epiplēxēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1969: To rebuke, chide, reprove, strike at. From epi and plesso; to chastise, i.e. to upbraid.

an older man,
Πρεσβυτέρῳ (Presbyterō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

appeal to [him]
παρακάλει (parakalei)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

as to
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a father.
πατέρα (patera)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

[Treat] younger [men]
νεωτέρους (neōterous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 3501: (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

brothers,
ἀδελφούς (adelphous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:1 Don't rebuke an older man but exhort (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 4:16
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