In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.
Parallel translations
- WEB In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.
- KJV Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
- NKJV Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
- NASB Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
- NLT In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
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
Likewise good works are usually evident, and even those not immediately seen cannot stay hidden. Genuine character, good or bad, will finally be revealed.
Overview
Paralleling his point about sins, Paul observes that good works too become manifest in time, and even unnoticed ones cannot remain concealed forever. This reassures that faithful service, though sometimes overlooked, is seen by God. It encourages patient discernment in evaluating people and confidence that the Lord will bring all true fruit to light.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Prov 10:9He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
- Luke 11:33No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.
- Matt 6:3–6But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
- Ps 37:5–6Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.
- Acts 22:12There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,
- Acts 16:1–3Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.
- Gal 5:22–23But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- Acts 9:36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.
- 1 Tim 3:7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- Acts 10:22“Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.”
- Matt 5:16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Phil 1:11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
There is 'one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all' — the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.
How 1 Timothy 5:25 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.