Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 5:24

To avoid a falsely favourable estimate, remember that while some men’s sins are notoriously evident (πρόδηλοι) and lead the way to judgement (i.e. they go before like heralds, as it were), the sins of other men are hidden and follow the perpetrators (i.e. their sin will find men out at last, but it does not always proclaim the impending judgement beforehand). The practical inference is that one in Timothy’s position dare not rest satisfied with formal negative evidence as to the character of those upon whom he lays hands; ‘nothing to their discredit’ is not a sufficient guarantee, unless careful and detailed enquiry has been made.

προδήλος only occurs again in N.T. at Hebrews 7:14, and in LXX. at Jdt 8:29; 2Ma 3:17; 2Ma 14:39.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

1 Timothy 5:24

Old Testament

New Testament