1 Timothy 5:2
New International Version
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

New Living Translation
Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

English Standard Version
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Berean Standard Bible
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Berean Literal Bible
elder women as mothers; and younger women as sisters, in all purity.

King James Bible
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

New King James Version
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

New American Standard Bible
to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

NASB 1995
the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

NASB 1977
the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Legacy Standard Bible
the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Amplified Bible
to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters, in all purity [being careful to maintain appropriate relationships].

Christian Standard Bible
older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
older women as mothers, and with all propriety, the younger women as sisters.

American Standard Version
the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

Contemporary English Version
and treat older women as you would your own mother. Show the same respect to younger women that you would to your sister.

English Revised Version
the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
older women as if they were your mothers, and younger women as if they were your sisters, while keeping yourself morally pure.

Good News Translation
the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with all purity.

International Standard Version
older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters, with absolute purity.

Majority Standard Bible
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

NET Bible
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters--with complete purity.

New Heart English Bible
the older women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

Webster's Bible Translation
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Weymouth New Testament
the elder women too as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with perfect modesty.

World English Bible
the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
aged women as mothers, younger ones as sisters—in all purity;

Berean Literal Bible
elder women as mothers; and younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Young's Literal Translation
aged women as mothers, younger ones as sisters -- in all purity;

Smith's Literal Translation
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Old women, as mothers: young women, as sisters, in all chastity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
with old women, like mothers; with young women, in all chastity, like sisters.

New American Bible
older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with complete purity.

New Revised Standard Version
to older women as mothers, to younger women as sisters—with absolute purity.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the elder women treat as mothers, and the younger as your sisters, with all purity.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And elder women as mothers, and those who are younger, as your sisters in all purity.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
the elder women, as mothers; the younger women, as sisters, with all purity.

Godbey New Testament
the elderly women as mothers; the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Haweis New Testament
the aged women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Mace New Testament
the elder women as mothers; the younger, as sisters, with all purity.

Weymouth New Testament
the elder women too as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with perfect modesty.

Worrell New Testament
the elder women, as mothers: younger, as sisters, in all purity.

Worsley New Testament
the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Guidelines for Reproof
1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3Honor the widows who are truly widows.…

Cross References
Titus 2:3-5
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. / In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

Colossians 3:18-21
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. / Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. ...

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Leviticus 19:32
You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

1 Corinthians 7:1-16
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations. / But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. / The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. ...

Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. / For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.

1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Ruth 3:10-11
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. / And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.

Galatians 6:1-2
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. / Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Proverbs 23:22-25
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. / Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding. / The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. ...

1 Corinthians 11:3
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.


Treasury of Scripture

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

elder.

1 Timothy 5:3
Honour widows that are widows indeed.

Matthew 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

John 19:26,27
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! …

with.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Jump to Previous
Absolute Aged Clean Elder Heart Modesty Mothers Older Ones Perfect Purity Sisters Women Younger
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Absolute Aged Clean Elder Heart Modesty Mothers Older Ones Perfect Purity Sisters Women Younger
1 Timothy 5
1. Rules to be observed in reproving.
3. Of widows.
17. Of elders.
23. A precept for Timothy's health.
24. Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.














older women as mothers
In the early Christian community, the church was often seen as a family unit, with believers relating to one another in familial terms. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where family structures were central to social life. The instruction to treat older women as mothers emphasizes respect, care, and honor, aligning with the commandment to "honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12). This approach fosters a nurturing environment within the church, where wisdom and experience are valued. The role of older women in the church is also highlighted in Titus 2:3-5, where they are encouraged to teach and guide younger women, further reinforcing their maternal role.

and younger women as sisters
The directive to treat younger women as sisters underscores the importance of purity and respect in relationships within the church. In a time when women often had limited rights and were vulnerable to exploitation, this instruction provided a safeguard against inappropriate behavior and promoted a culture of mutual respect. The familial language suggests a bond of love and protection, as seen in the relationship between siblings. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of believers being part of the family of God, as seen in passages like Romans 8:16-17, where Christians are described as children of God and co-heirs with Christ.

with absolute purity
The call for absolute purity in interactions with younger women is a strong admonition against any form of impropriety or moral compromise. This reflects the high ethical standards expected of believers, as outlined in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, which calls for sanctification and avoidance of sexual immorality. The emphasis on purity is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who elevated the moral expectations of His followers, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-28). This purity is not only physical but also encompasses thoughts and intentions, promoting a community characterized by holiness and integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
- The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance for church leadership and personal conduct.

2. Timothy
- A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this epistle.

3. Ephesus
- The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and significant early Christian community.

4. Older Women
- In the context of the church, these are women who are to be treated with respect and honor, akin to how one would treat their own mother.

5. Younger Women
- These are women who are to be treated with the same purity and respect as one would treat their own sister.
Teaching Points
Respect and Honor for All Ages
Treat older women with the same respect and honor you would give to your own mother. This fosters a culture of respect and care within the church community.

Purity in Relationships
Interactions with younger women should be marked by absolute purity, reflecting a heart and mind committed to holiness and integrity.

Family Dynamics in the Church
The church is a family, and relationships should reflect familial love and care, promoting unity and support among believers.

Role Modeling and Mentorship
Encourage older women to mentor younger women, fostering spiritual growth and maturity through shared wisdom and experience.

Guarding the Heart and Mind
Be vigilant in maintaining purity in thought and action, recognizing the influence of one's inner life on outward behavior.(2) The elder women as mothers.--The same watchful care against all assumption of superiority must also be exercised in his dealings with the Christian matrons of Ephesus.

The younger as sisters, with all purity.--In the case of the younger women, St. Paul adds to his directions respecting brotherly and sisterly regard a grave word, urging upon Timothy, and all official teachers like Timothy, to add to this self-denying, loving friendship a ceaseless watchfulness in all their conversation, so as not to afford any ground for suspicion; for, above all things, the recognised teacher of Christianity must be pure. No one can read and forget the quaint words of advice of St. Jerome: "Omnes puellas et virgines Christi, aut aequaliter ignora aut aegualiter dilige."

Verse 2. - In for with, A.V. Purity (ἀγνείᾳ); see 1 Timothy 4:12, note. See how jealously the apostle guards against any possibility of abuse of the familiar intercourse of a clergy- man with the women of his flock. They are his sisters, and ἀγνείω is to be the constant condition of his heart and character.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
older [women]
πρεσβυτέρας (presbyteras)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

mothers,
μητέρας (mēteras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

[and] younger [women]
νεωτέρας (neōteras)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 3501: (a) young, youthful, (b) new, fresh.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

sisters,
ἀδελφὰς (adelphas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 79: A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

absolute
πάσῃ (pasē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

purity.
ἁγνείᾳ (hagneia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 47: Purity, chastity. From hagnos; cleanliness, i.e. chastity.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
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