Read & explore together
Honoring Elders
This short part of 1 Timothy gives clear instructions about church elders. It speaks about honour, support, careful handling of accusations, and public correction when sin is established.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In these verses, the letter addresses how elders should be treated within the church. The passage focuses on elders who lead well, especially in teaching, and then explains both proper support and proper accountability. It stays practical, using Scripture and direct instructions about witnesses and rebuke.
1 Timothy 5:17–20Main takeaway
Church elders are to be honoured for faithful work, yet they are also to be held accountable with fairness and seriousness.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Honour for elders who lead wellThe passage begins by saying elders who "rule well" are worthy of "double honor". In this setting, honour includes real recognition, because the next verse speaks about wages.
Explanation
The passage begins by saying elders who "rule well" are worthy of "double honor". In this setting, honour includes real recognition, because the next verse speaks about wages. Special notice is given to elders who work hard in "the word and in teaching", showing that teaching ministry matters greatly.
02Scripture supports material supportVerse 18 gives two supporting sayings. "You shall not muzzle the ox" pictures a worker not being blocked from receiving benefit while working.
Explanation
Verse 18 gives two supporting sayings. "You shall not muzzle the ox" pictures a worker not being blocked from receiving benefit while working. "The laborer is worthy of his wages" states the point directly. Together they support giving proper provision to those who labour in ministry.
03Accusations must be handled carefullyThe letter then turns from honour to protection against careless charges. An accusation against an elder is not to be received without "two or three witnesses".
Explanation
The letter then turns from honour to protection against careless charges. An accusation against an elder is not to be received without "two or three witnesses". This instruction does not remove accountability. It requires fairness, care, and evidence before a serious charge is accepted.
04Public sin requires public rebukeVerse 20 shows that proven sin among elders must not be ignored. "Those who sin" are to be reproved "in the sight of all".
Explanation
Verse 20 shows that proven sin among elders must not be ignored. "Those who sin" are to be reproved "in the sight of all". The purpose given is that "the rest also may be in fear". The passage treats leadership as both an honoured role and a responsible one.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What kind of elders are called worthy of double honour in this passage?
Look closely at the description in verse 17, including both ruling well and labouring in the word and teaching.
02How does verse 18 help explain what "double honour" includes?
Notice that the supporting sayings speak about an ox receiving benefit while working and a labourer receiving wages.
03What two safeguards appear in verses 19 and 20 when an elder is accused of wrong?
One safeguard concerns witnesses before an accusation is received, and the other concerns what happens when sin is established.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Timothy 5:17–20
17Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
19Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses.
20Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.