1 Timothy 5:25

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

American Standard Version (1901)

In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

Bible in Basic English

In the same way, there are good works which are clearly seen; and those which are not so, may not be kept secret.

Douay-Rheims 1899

In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.

Free Bible Version

Similarly some good works are obvious, and even those that are hidden won't be for long.

Geneva Bible 1599

Likewise also the good woorkes are manifest before hande, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.

King James (Authorized) Version

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise can not be hid.

Translation for Translators

Similarly, although some people do good things openly, with the result that people know what they have done, some people do good things secretly, yet the good things that they have done cannot remain secret either.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Likewise, some good works are openly known, but even the others cannot be hidden.

Noah Webster Bible

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

World English Bible

In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.

Young's Literal Translation

in like manner also the right works are manifest beforehand, and those that are otherwise are not able to be hid.

Context

A Charge to Timothy

²⁴The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.²⁵In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

Summary

This verse reminds believers that the true nature of people's actions, whether good or bad, will eventually be revealed. It encourages patience and trust in God's justice, knowing that He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness. The verse underscores the importance of integrity and sincerity in one's conduct, as nothing can remain concealed before the eyes of the Lord. Ultimately, it serves as a call to live with honesty and righteousness, recognizing that God will ultimately judge every deed.

Commentary

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Likewise also the good works of some - Though those who are very holy and very useful in the Church cannot be unknown, yet there are others not less holy who need to be brought forward; who do much good in private; and their character and good works are not fully known till after diligent inquiry. These are they who do not let their left hand know what their right doeth. 1. After so long and minute an examination of the subjects in this chapter, little remains to be said in the way of farther and more satisfactory explanation. The whole account concerning the widows, who they were, and what their provision, and what their occupation, and how supported, are to me questions of considerable difficulty. In the notes I have given the best account of the different subjects in my power. If the reader be satisfied and edified, I have gained my end. 2. On the subject of the imposition of hands, or what is vulgarly but improperly called ordination, I have not said much here, having given my views of the subject elsewhere in these notes. See on Ti1 3:1 (note), etc. I must again state my conviction that what is said on this subject in this chapter, and indeed in the epistle, is rather to be understood prophetically; and to have been intended for a much lower age of the Christian Church. That any person should, from impure or secular motives, desire to be appointed to the ministerial office at such a time, when poverty and persecution were the least they would reasonably expect, to me seems altogether inexplicable. But that many, after the Church got accredited and established, and an ample revenue appointed for its ministers by emperors and kings, should wish to get into the priesthood for its emoluments, is a melancholy truth, which every year's experience testifies. To those who have the authority from the state to appoint ministers for the Church, this chapter reads a solemn and awful lesson. And not to them only, but to all who have the appointment of ministers or preachers in every sect and party. How few are there who would kindle a fire on God's altar were there not secular emoluments attending it! I am afraid the Scottish poet spoke the truth who said: - "'Tis gow'd maks sogers feight the fiercer, Without it, preaching wad be scarcer." Gold or money is the primum mobile through every department of life. Proh dolor!