OET interlinear 1 TIM 5:20

5:20a

But those who persist in sin: The context indicates that Paul was referring to elders. It may be helpful in some languages to make this explicit. For example, the GW says:

Reprimand those leaders who sin.

The Greek verb that the BSB translates as those who…sin is in the present tense. Paul may have used the present tense for one of two reasons:

1. He was telling Timothy what he should do if an elder became guilty of a particular sin and did not repent of it, even if he only did it once. For example, the NJB says:

   If anyone is at fault (NJB, NIV, GNT, KJV, NET, GW, NLT, REB)

2. Paul was telling Timothy what he should do if an elder was continuing to sin in a specific manner. For example, the RSV says:

   those who persist in sin (BSB, RSV, NASB, CEV, NCV)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).Knight, page 236, says, “The present active participle τοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας [=‘the ones sinning’] is understood by some to denote continued or persistent sinning (cf. NASB: ‘those who continue in sin’; RSV, ‘those who persist in sin’). One implication would be that a person who is found to have sinned but is not at the moment engaged in the sin should not be dealt with as this verse indicates. Although the note of persistence may be intended by Paul, the more probable understanding is that the accusation is found to be true and the present tense is used to designate present guilt (GNT and NEB: ‘those who commit sins’). It is the committing of sin that is at issue.” It does not seem from the context that Paul was talking about whether or not elders persist in sinning. Rather, he was talking about what believers should do when several people accuse an elder of some sin.

should be rebuked in front of everyone: Paul was telling Timothy that he should confront the leader about his sin in front of all the other believers and tell him that he has sinned.

5:20b

so that: This Greek word that the BSB translates as so that indicates the purpose for which Timothy should rebuke the elder publicly.

the others: This can refer to:

1. only the other elders (GW)

2. all the other believers (CEV)

Most English versions do not specify who the others are. However the most natural understanding of the context suggests that Paul was referring to the other elders. Therefore, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

will stand in fear of sin: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as will stand in fear of sin literally means “may have fear.” If an elder was rebuked in front of other believers, he would be ashamed. When the other elders saw how ashamed the elder was, they would be afraid to sin. They would want to avoid the same shame.