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1 Timothy 5:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Timothy 5:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
1 Timothy 5:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Timothy 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:
2the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.
3Honor widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The elder women as mothers, etc.] When they offend in any point, they are to be reasoned, and argued, and pleaded with, as children should with their mothers; (see <280202>Hosea 2:2) and are to be considered as mothers in Israel, and to be treated with great tenderness and respect. The younger as sisters; using the freedom as a brother may with a sister; and considering them as sisters in Christ, and in a way becoming the relation, tell them their faults freely and privately, but with all purity: in such manner as to preserve chastity in looks, in words, and actions.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“with all purity--respectful treatment of the other sex will promote "purity."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The elder women as mothers - Showing still the same respect for age, and for the proprieties of life. No son who had proper feelings would rebuke his own mother with severity. Let the minister of religion evince the same feelings if he is called to address a “mother in Israel” who has erred. The younger as sisters - With the feelings which you have toward a sister. The tender love which one has for a beloved sister would always keep him from using harsh and severe language. The same mildness, gentleness, and affection should be used toward a sister in the church. With all purity - Nothing could be more characteristic of Paul’s manner than this injunction; nothing could show a deeper…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“elder: Ti1 5:3; Mat 12:50; Joh 19:26, Joh 19:27 with: Ti1 4:12; Phi 4:8; Th1 5:22; Ti2 2:22 1 Timothy 5:3”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Timothy 5 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification