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

1 TIMOTHY 5:25KJV
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1 Timothy 5:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:25 mean?

1 Timothy 5:25 teaches that just as some good deeds are obvious to everyone, other good deeds that are less visible will eventually come to light and cannot remain hidden. The verse reassures that all good actions, whether seen or unseen, will ultimately be recognized.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, giving practical advice about how to handle people and situations in the church. In this section, Paul has just spoken about how sins can be hidden or obvious, and now he balances that by saying the same is true for good works—some are clear right away, while others will be revealed in time.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:25

  • "πρόδηλοι" (prodeloi, translated as "manifest beforehand"): This word means "clearly evident" or "obvious." Paul uses it to describe good works that are plainly visible to everyone, emphasizing that some good deeds need no explanation because they are so clear.
  • "ἄλλως" (allōs, translated as "otherwise"): This word means "otherwise" or "in a different way." It points to good works that are not immediately obvious, suggesting there are good actions that might not be noticed at first.
  • "κρυβῆναι" (krubēnai, translated as "hid"): This word means "to be hidden" or "to remain concealed." Paul uses it to stress that even if some good works are not seen right away, they cannot stay hidden forever—they will eventually be known.

Why 1 Timothy 5:25 matters

  • 1 Timothy 5:25 clears up the idea that only public or noticeable good deeds matter; it assures readers that even unnoticed acts of goodness will eventually be recognized.
  • The verse balances Paul's earlier warning about hidden sins (verse 24) by showing that the same principle applies to good works—nothing stays hidden forever, whether bad or good.
  • This verse encourages patience and faithfulness, reminding church leaders and members that the true nature of people's actions, whether good or bad, will ultimately be revealed.

Where else these words appear

“beforehand” Greek G4271 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

“hid” Greek G2928 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

“Likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

“good” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
  • 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;