I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

1 TIMOTHY 5:21KJV
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1 Timothy 5:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:21 mean?

1 Timothy 5:21 is a strong instruction from Paul to Timothy, telling him to carry out his responsibilities fairly and without favoritism, keeping in mind that God, Jesus Christ, and the chosen angels are witnesses. Paul emphasizes that Timothy must not show partiality or preference when dealing with matters in the church.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus, giving him guidance on how to handle church issues, especially concerning elders and discipline. By invoking God, Jesus, and the elect angels, Paul stresses the seriousness of Timothy’s duty and the importance of impartiality in leadership. This verse fits into a section where Paul is urging careful, just treatment of people in the church community.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:21

  • The word "partiality" is from the Greek προσωποληψία (prosōpolēpsia), which means showing favoritism or bias. Paul’s use of this word highlights that Timothy must not let personal preferences influence his decisions.
  • The phrase "elect angels" uses the Greek ἐκλεκτοῖς ἀγγέλοις (eklektois angelois), meaning "chosen angels." This is unusual in Paul’s letters and adds weight, showing that Timothy’s actions are observed not just by people, but by heavenly beings as well.
  • The verb "observe" is from φυλάσσω (phylassō), meaning to guard or keep carefully. Paul is urging Timothy to pay close attention to these instructions, not just follow them casually.

Why 1 Timothy 5:21 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that church leaders can make decisions based on personal relationships or favoritism; Paul insists on absolute fairness.
  • By mentioning God, Jesus, and the elect angels as witnesses, Paul raises the stakes, reminding Timothy that his actions are seen and judged by the highest authorities.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about church discipline and leadership, showing that justice and impartiality are essential qualities for anyone in spiritual authority.

Where else these words appear

“charge” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
  • Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

“elect” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“observe” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

“without” Greek G5565 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
  • Romans 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
  • Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)