1 Timothy 5:25
New International Version
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

New Living Translation
In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.

English Standard Version
So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Berean Standard Bible
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

Berean Literal Bible
Likewise also, the good works are evident, and even those being otherwise are unable to be concealed.

King James Bible
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

New King James Version
Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

New American Standard Bible
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

NASB 1995
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

NASB 1977
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Legacy Standard Bible
So also good works are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Amplified Bible
Likewise, good deeds are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden [indefinitely].

Christian Standard Bible
Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.

American Standard Version
In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

Contemporary English Version
It is the same with good deeds. Some are easily seen, but none of them can be hidden.

English Revised Version
In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the same way, the good things that people do are obvious, and those that aren't obvious can't remain hidden.

Good News Translation
In the same way good deeds are plainly seen, and even those that are not so plain cannot be hidden.

International Standard Version
In the same way, good actions are obvious, and those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Majority Standard Bible
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

NET Bible
Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.

New Heart English Bible
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Webster's Bible Translation
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Weymouth New Testament
So also the right actions of some are evident to the world, and those that are not cannot remain for ever out of sight.

World English Bible
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in like manner the right works are also evident beforehand, and those that are otherwise are not able to be hid.

Berean Literal Bible
Likewise also, the good works are evident, and even those being otherwise are unable to be concealed.

Young's Literal Translation
in like manner also the right works are manifest beforehand, and those that are otherwise are not able to be hid.

Smith's Literal Translation
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest; and having these otherwise, it cannot be hid.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Similarly, too, good deeds have been made manifest, but even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.

New American Bible
Similarly, good works are also public; and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

New Revised Standard Version
So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Likewise also the fame of the good works of some is well known beforehand; and if their acts are otherwise, they cannot be hidden either.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
In this way also, good works are known, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Like wise, also, the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and those which are otherwise can not be concealed.

Godbey New Testament
likewise truly are good works manifested beforehand; and those which are otherwise are not able to be hidden.

Haweis New Testament
In like manner also the good works of some are previously manifest; and it is not possible that what they have besides should be concealed.

Mace New Testament
virtue wears no disguise, and vice cannot be long conceal'd.

Weymouth New Testament
So also the right actions of some are evident to the world, and those that are not cannot remain for ever out of sight.

Worrell New Testament
In like manner also the works that are good are openly manifest; and those that are otherwise can not be hid.

Worsley New Testament
So also the good works of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Charge to Timothy
24The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

Cross References
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 8:17
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.

Mark 4:22
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Romans 2:16
on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Galatians 6:7-9
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

James 2:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

Matthew 12:33-37
Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. / You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. ...

John 3:20-21
Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.”

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

Proverbs 10:9
He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Proverbs 11:18
The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.


Treasury of Scripture

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

the good.

1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

cannot.

Psalm 37:5,6
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass…

Matthew 6:3-6
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: …

Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

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Able Actions Beforehand Clearly Concealed Conspicuous Deeds Evident Good Hid Hidden Kept Likewise Manifest Obvious Otherwise Quite Right Secret Sight Way Works World
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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.














In the same way
This phrase connects the current verse to the preceding context, where Paul discusses the visibility of sins and the eventual revelation of all actions. The Greek phrase "ὡσαύτως" (hōsautōs) implies a parallelism, suggesting that just as sins become evident, so do good deeds. This connection emphasizes the natural law of sowing and reaping, a principle deeply rooted in biblical teaching (Galatians 6:7-8).

good deeds
The Greek term "καλὰ ἔργα" (kala erga) refers to actions that are morally excellent and beneficial. In the conservative Christian perspective, good deeds are seen as the fruit of a life transformed by faith in Christ. They are not the means of salvation but the evidence of it (Ephesians 2:8-10). Historically, the early church was known for its acts of charity and kindness, which were a testament to their faith and a powerful witness to the surrounding pagan culture.

are obvious
The Greek word "φανερὰ" (phanera) means visible or manifest. This suggests that good deeds naturally shine forth and are recognized by others. In a world often filled with darkness, the light of good works stands out, reflecting the character of God (Matthew 5:16). Archaeological findings, such as early Christian inscriptions and community records, often highlight the charitable acts of believers, underscoring the truth of this statement.

and even the ones that are inconspicuous
The phrase "καὶ τὰ ἄλλα" (kai ta alla) refers to deeds that are not immediately visible or recognized. The conservative Christian view holds that God sees all actions, whether public or private. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God examines the heart and motives behind actions (1 Samuel 16:7). Historically, many acts of kindness and service in the early church were done in secret, yet they contributed significantly to the spread of the Gospel.

cannot remain hidden
The Greek "οὐ δύνανται κρυβῆναι" (ou dynantai krybēnai) emphasizes the impossibility of concealing good deeds indefinitely. This reflects the biblical principle that truth and righteousness will ultimately be revealed (Luke 8:17). In the conservative Christian tradition, this serves as an encouragement to believers to continue doing good, trusting that God will bring their efforts to light in His perfect timing. The historical growth of Christianity, despite persecution, is a testament to the enduring impact of faithful, albeit sometimes hidden, good works.

(25) Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.--In his difficult post Timothy might fear lest, especially in his selection of men for the Lord's service, true nobility of character might not unfrequently escape his notice and be overlooked, and that thus the best and truest might never be enrolled on the register of church officers. St. Paul bids him take courage in the thought that in many a case self-sacrifice, generosity, stern principle, will be sufficiently manifest to guide him in his choice of fit persons for the holy calling; and in those rarer cases where the higher and sweeter virtues are hidden, he may be sure that in God's good season these too will become known to him, in ample time for him to call them also into his Master's service.

EXCURSUS ON NOTES TO I. TIMOTHY.

ON A SUGGESTED INTERPRETATION OF CHAPTER 5:25.

IT has been suggested, with considerable ingenuity, that 1Timothy 5:25 belongs to, and is an introduction of, a new division of the Epistle, where the Apostle gives Timothy instructions respecting certain teachings to be addressed to different ranks in the Christian society of Ephesus. The connection with 1Timothy 5:24 then would be--as it is in the case of sins, so, too, it is in the case of good works. These latter are not always on the surface distinguishable. Some, of course, are manifest, but there is many a noble life the secrets of which will only come to light at the last day--"they cannot be hid" THEN. And this is too often the case with that unhappy class (the slaves), "those under the yoke," of whom the Apostle was about to speak (1Timothy 6:1-2). It is possible that St. Paul meant here to turn Timothy's attention especially to those in slavery, that he might diligently search out the noblest and most devoted, and ordain (see 1Timothy 5:22) them to perform sacred duties, so that each class--the slaves as well as the rich and well-born--should possess representatives among the ordained ministers. This is at least possible when we consider the vast number of slaves--not a few of them, too, possessing high culture--in the world known by St. Paul and Timothy. . . .

Verse 25. - In like maturer for likewise, A.V.; there are good works that are evident for the good works of some are manifest beforehand, A.V.; such as for they that, A.V. There are good works, etc. It is much best to understand πινῶν, as the A.V. does, and render the good works of some, answering to τινῶν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι of ver. 24. Such as are otherwise - i.e., not manifest beforehand - cannot be hid. "They will be seen and recognized some time or other" (Ellicott). Alford seems to catch the true spirit of the passage when he says, "The tendency of this verse is to warn Timothy against hasty condemnation, as the former had done against hasty approval. Sometimes thou wilt find a man's good character go before him.... but where this is not so.... be not rash to condemn: thou mayest on examination discover it there be any good deeds accompanying him: for they... cannot be hidden."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In the same way,
ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5615: In like manner, likewise, just so. From hos and an adverb from autos; as thus, i.e. In the same way.

good
καλὰ (kala)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

deeds
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

[are] obvious,
πρόδηλα (prodēla)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4271: Manifest to all, evident, very clear. From pro and delos; plain before all men, i.e. Obvious.

and even
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the [ones that]
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

are
ἔχοντα (echonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

[inconspicuous]
ἄλλως (allōs)
Adverb
Strong's 247: Otherwise, things that are otherwise. Adverb from allos; differently.

cannot
δύνανται (dynantai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

remain hidden.
κρυβῆναι (krybēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 2928: To hide, conceal, lay up. A primary verb; to conceal.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:25 In the same way also there (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 5:24
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