1TI 5:17-20

Honoring Elders

17Let the elders who lead well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor strenuously in the word and in teaching.

18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing," and, "The worker is worthy of his wages."

19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

20Those who sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may have fear.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, leadership roles were deeply tied to honor and respect, particularly within voluntary associations like early Christian communities. Elders were mature, respected figures who presided over these groups, often overseeing teaching and governance. The mention of 'double honor' reflects the cultural expectation of material support for leaders, akin to Roman patronage systems where benefactors were rewarded for their service. The laborious toil of elders in teaching and instruction aligns with the Jewish tradition of honoring Torah teachers, who were often supported by the community. The reference to muzzling an ox draws from Deuteronomy 25:4, a Jewish text familiar to the audience, emphasizing that workers deserve their wages. The requirement of two or three witnesses for accusations mirrors Jewish legal practice (Deut. 19:15), ensuring fairness and protecting leaders from slander. Public rebuke of sinning elders underscores the community’s commitment to integrity while maintaining order.

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How other translations render this

1TI 5:17

KJV: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
BSB: Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Koinōnos: Let the elders who lead well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor strenuously in the word and in teaching.

1TI 5:18

KJV: For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
BSB: For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
Koinōnos: For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing," and, "The worker is worthy of his wages.

1TI 5:19

KJV: Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
BSB: Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Koinōnos: Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

1TI 5:20

KJV: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
BSB: But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
Koinōnos: Those who sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may have fear.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

1TI 5:17

already ruling:The word translated 'already ruling' here implies a position of leadership and care, like a shepherd tending a flock, rather than simply holding authority.
elders:The term 'elders' refers to those who held a position of respect and leadership within the community, often due to their age and experience, similar to a council of respected community leaders.
straining:The word translated 'straining' suggests intense, exhausting effort, often to the point of weariness, indicating a demanding and laborious task.
[the] word:The word translated '[the] word' can refer to a spoken message, a teaching, or even the divine message itself, carrying a sense of authoritative communication.