1 Timothy 5:19 “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimo…”

1 Timothy 5:19

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

World English Bible

Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses.

American Standard Version

Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

Geneva Bible 1599

Against an Elder receiue none accusation, but vnder two or three witnesses.

Darby Translation

Against an elder receive not an accusation unless where there are two or three witnesses.

Young's Literal Translation

Against an elder an accusation receive not, except upon two or three witnesses.

Bible in Basic English

Do not take as true any statement made against one in authority, but only if two or three give witness to it.

.mt-body { max-height: none !important; -webkit-mask-image: none !important; mask-image: none !important; } .mt-bar { display: none !important; } .o-trans::after { display: block !important; }

Cross references

“receive”

Titus 1:6 Acts 25:16 John 18:29 Acts 24:2–13

Titus 1:6 · BSB

An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.

Acts 25:16 · BSB

I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand a man over before he has had an opportunity to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges.

John 18:29 · BSB

So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”

Acts 24:2–13 · BSB

When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation.

“two”

Matthew 18:16 Deuteronomy 19:15 2 Corinthians 13:1 Deuteronomy 17:6 Hebrews 10:28 John 8:17

Matthew 18:16 · BSB

But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

Deuteronomy 19:15 · BSB

A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

2 Corinthians 13:1 · BSB

This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Deuteronomy 17:6 · BSB

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness.

Hebrews 10:28 · BSB

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

John 8:17 · BSB

Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

Also

Acts 11:30

Acts 11:30 · BSB

This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

Read 1 Timothy 5