Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Parallel translations
- WEB Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.
- KJV Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
- NKJV Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.
- NASB Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
- NLT Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
An accusation against an elder must not be received except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. This protects leaders from unfounded charges.
Overview
Paul applies the Old Testament standard of multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15) to charges against elders, guarding them from slander and frivolous accusation. Leaders are vulnerable to attack, so due process is required before any charge is entertained. This reflects God's justice, which refuses to condemn on a single, unverified word.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Matt 18:16But 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.’
- Deut 19:15A 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 Cor 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
- Deut 17:6On 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.
- Titus 1:6An 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.
- Heb 10:28Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
- Acts 25:16I 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.
- Deut 19:18–19The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother,
- John 8:17Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
- Acts 24:2–13When 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.
- John 18:29So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
- Acts 11:30This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
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Original language
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