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Read the Bible

International Standard Version

1 Timothy 5:25

In the same way, good works are obvious, and those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Works;  

Dictionaries:

- Holman Bible Dictionary - Works;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Laying on of Hands;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Brotherly Love;   Timothy and Titus Epistles to;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Manifest;  

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
It is the same with the good things people do. Some are easy to see. But even if they are not obvious now, none of them will stay hidden forever.
Revised Standard Version
So also good deeds are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Lykwyse also good workes are manyfest before honde and they that are other wyse canot be hid.
Hebrew Names Version
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.
New American Standard Bible
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
New Century Version
So also good deeds are easy to see, but even those that are not easily seen cannot stay hidden.
Update Bible Version
In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such that are otherwise can't be hid.
Webster's Bible Translation
Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
English Standard Version
So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.
World English Bible
In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
In like manner the good works also of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Weymouth's New Testament
So also the right actions of some are evident to the world, and those that are not cannot remain for ever out of sight.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And also goode dedis ben opyn, and tho that han hem in othere maner, moun not be hid.
English Revised Version
In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.
Berean Standard Bible
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.
Contemporary English Version
It is the same with good deeds. Some are easily seen, but none of them can be hidden.
Amplified Bible
Likewise, good deeds are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be hidden [indefinitely].
American Standard Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Likewise, good deeds are obvious; and even when they are not, they can't stay hidden.
Darby Translation
In like manner good works also are manifest beforehand, and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Etheridge Translation
So also good men are known; and those who are otherwise cannot be hid.
Murdock Translation
So also good deeds are known: and those which are otherwise cannot be hid.
King James Version (1611)
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest before hand, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.
New Living Translation
In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
New Life Bible
In the same way, good works are easy to see now. But some that are not easy to be seen cannot always be hid.
New Revised Standard
So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Likewise also the good woorkes are manifest before hande, and they that are otherwise, can not be hid.
George Lamsa Translation
Likewise also the fame of the good works of some is well known beforehand; and if their acts are otherwise, they cannot be hidden either.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
In the same way, the noble works also, are openly evident, - and, they that are otherwise, cannot be hid.
Douay-Rheims Bible
In like manner also good deeds are manifest: and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Lykewise also, good workes are manifest before hande, and they that are otherwyse can not be hyd.
Good News Translation
In the same way good deeds are plainly seen, and even those that are not so plain cannot be hidden.
Christian Standard Bible®
Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.
King James Version
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Lexham English Bible
Likewise also good works are evident, and those considered otherwise are not able to be hidden.
Literal Translation
Likewise, also the good works are plain beforehand, and those otherwise cannot 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.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Likewyse also good workes are manifest afore hade: and they that are otherwyse can not be hyd.
Mace New Testament (1729)
virtue wears no disguise, and vice cannot be long conceal'd.
New English Translation
Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.
New King James Version
Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
Simplified Cowboy Version
But the same goes for good deeds. Some are real obvious, but even those nobody knows about will not go unnoticed forever.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
Legacy Standard Bible
So also good works are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.

Contextual Overview

17 Elders who handle their dutieswho rule">[fn] well should be considered worthy of double compensation,honor">[fn] especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.Acts 28:10; Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 9:10,14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 2:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7,17;">[xr] 18 For the Scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox while it is treading out grain,"Deuteronomy 25:4">[fn] and "A worker deserves his pay."Luke 10:7">[fn]Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; 25:4; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:9;">[xr] 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.Deuteronomy 19:15;">[xr] 20 As for those who keep on sinning, rebuke them in front of everyone so that the others will also be afraid.Deuteronomy 13:11; Galatians 2:11,14; Titus 1:13;">[xr] 21 In the sight of God, Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, I solemnly call on you to carry out these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality.1 Timothy 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:14; 4:1;">[xr] 22 Do not ordainlay hands on">[fn] anyone hastily. Do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 2 John 1:1:11;">[xr] 23 Stop drinking only water, but use a little wine for your stomach because of your frequent illnesses.Psalm 104:15;">[xr] 24 The sins of some people are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment. The sinsThose">[fn] of others follow them there.Galatians 5:19;">[xr] 25 In the same way, good works are obvious, and those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

the good: 1 Timothy 3:7, Matthew 5:16, Acts 9:36, Acts 10:22, Acts 16:1-3, Acts 22:12, Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:23, Philippians 1:11

cannot: Psalms 37:5, Psalms 37:6, Matthew 6:3-6, Luke 11:33

Reciprocal: Proverbs 31:31 - and let Mark 7:24 - and would Luke 5:15 - so Acts 16:2 - was Ephesians 2:10 - good 1 Timothy 5:10 - good

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest before hand,.... The characters of some men, on the other hand, are so fair and bright; and it is so clear a point, that they have received the grace of God in truth; and have a rich furniture for the ministry; and are sound in the doctrine of faith; and are men of such godly lives and conversations, that they prevent any formal inquiry, examination, and judgment; and there can be no difficulty in admitting them at once: and therefore the above rule is not designed for such persons, but to guard against those with whom things do not appear so very clear and manifest:

and they that are otherwise cannot be hid; if they are men of bad principles or practices, they will be discovered in time; for there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed; time will make all things manifest; their errors and sins will break out, and be exposed: and therefore it is right to wait a while, and not to be quick in the reception of them into the Gospel ministry; for otherwise, much mischief may be done to the souls of men, and much dishonour brought on the ways and doctrines of Christ.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand - The character of some people is clear, and accurately understood. There can be no doubt, from their works, that they are good people. We need not wait for the day of judgment to determine that, but may treat them here as good men, and introduce them to offices which only good men can fill. The idea here is that their character may be so certain and undoubted that there need be no hesitation in setting them apart to the office of the ministry.

And they that are otherwise cannot be hid - That is, they cannot be ultimately concealed or misunderstood. There are arrangements in the divine government for bringing out the character of every man so that it may be clearly understood. The expression here refers to good men. The idea is, that there are some good men whose character is known to all. Their deeds spread a glory around them, so that no one can mistake what they are. They correspond, in respect to the publicity of their character with those mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:24, whose “sins are open beforehand;” for the good deeds of the one are as manifest as the sins of the other. But there are those who are “otherwise.” They are modest, retiring, unobtrusive, unknown. They may live in obscurity; may have slender means for doing good; may be constitutionally so diffident that they never appear on the stage of public action. What they do is concealed from the world. These correspond in respect to publicity with those mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:24, “whose deeds follow after them.” Yet, says the apostle, these cannot always be hid. There are arrangements for developing every man’s character, and it will be ultimately known what he is. The connection here, seems to be this. As Timothy 1 Timothy 5:24 was to be on his guard in introducing men into the ministry, against those whose character for evil was not developed, but who might be concealing their plans and practicing secret sins, so he was to endeavor to search out the modest, the unobtrusive, and those who, though now unknown, were among the excellent of the earth, and bring them forward to a station of usefulness where their virtues might shine on the world.

Apart from the reference of this beautiful passage 1 Timothy 5:24-25 to the ministry, it contains truth important to all:

(1) The character of many wicked people is now clearly known. No one has any doubt of it. Their deeds have gone before them, and are recorded in the books that will be open at the judgment. They might even now be judged without the formality of appearing there, and the universe would acquiesce in the sentence of condemnation.

(2) The character of many wicked people is concealed. They hide their plans. They are practicing secret iniquity. They do not mean that the world shall know what they are. More than half the real depravity of the world is thus concealed from human view, and in regard to more than half the race who are going up to the judgment there is an entire mistake as to their real character. If all the secret wickedness of the earth were disclosed, no one would have any doubt about the doctrine of human depravity.

(3) There is a process steadily going forward for bringing out the real character of people, and showing what they are. This process consists, first, in the arrangements of Providence for developing their character here. Many a man, who was supposed to be virtuous, is shown, by some sudden trial, to have been all along a villain at heart. Many a minister of the gospel, a lawyer, a physician, an officer in a bank, a merchant, whose character was supposed to stand fair, has been suffered to fall into open sin, that he might develope the long-cherished secret depravity of his soul. Secondly, the process will be completed on the final trial. Then nothing will be concealed. Every man will been seen as he is. All they whose characters were understood to be wicked here, will be seen then also to be wicked, and many who were supposed on earth to have a good character, will be seen there to have been hollow-hearted and base hypocrites.

(4) Every man in the last day will be judged according to his real character. No one, however successful he may have been here, can hope to practice a deception on his final Judge.

(5) There is a fitness and propriety in the fact that there will be a final judgment. Indeed, there must be such a judgment, in order that God may be just. The characters of people are not fully developed here. The process is not completed. Many are taken away before their schemes of iniquity are accomplished, and before their real characters are understood. If they were to live long enough on the earth, their characters would be ultimately developed here, but the divine arrangement is, that man shall not live long here, and the development, therefore, must be in the future world.

(6) The modest, the retiring, the humble, and those here unknown, will not be overlooked in the last great day. There is much good, as there is much evil in the world, that is now concealed. There are many plans of benevolence formed which they who formed them are not permitted to complete; many desires of benefiting others are cherished which there are no means of gratifying; many a deed of kindness is performed which is not blazoned abroad to the world; and many a wish is entertained for the progress of virtue, the freedom of the enslaved, the relief of the oppressed, and the salvation of the world, which can find expression only in prayer. We are not to suppose then that all that is concealed and unknown in the world is evil.

(7) There will be amazing developments in the last great day; and as it will then be seen in the revelations of the secret deeds of evil that human nature is corrupt, so it will be seen that there was much more good in the world than was commonly supposed. As a large portion of the wickedness of the earth is concealed, so, from the necessity of the case, it is true that no small portion of the goodness on earth is hidden. Wickedness conceals itself from shame, from a desire better to effect its purposes, from the dread of punishment; goodness, from its modesty, its retiring nature, and from the want of an opportunity of acting out its desires; but whatever may have been the cause of the concealment, in all cases all will be made known on the final trial - to the shame and confusion of the one class; to the joy and triumph of the other.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 1 Timothy 5:25. 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 note on 1 Timothy 3:1, c. 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!


 
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