1 Timothy 5:19

“Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.”
1 Timothy 5:19 · direct translation from the Greek

With the Greek beneath

Do notμὴacceptπαραδέχουan accusationκατηγορίανagainstκατὰan elderπρεσβυτέρουexceptἐκτὸς εἰ μὴon the basis ofἐπὶtwoδύοorἢthreeτριῶνwitnesses.μαρτύρων

Both texts require “two or three witnesses” to accept an accusation.

They share words that are rare in the original, without a quotation.

acceptπαραδέχουparadechou

accept, welcome

Accept, receive.

an accusationκατηγορίανkatēgorian

charge, accusation

Accusation, a charge against someone.

an elderπρεσβυτέρουpresbyterou

elder

A leader of the people or of believers.

exceptἐκτὸςektos

outside, except

Outside, out of; "the outside"; also except.

twoδύοdyo

two

Two.

threeτριῶνtriōn

three

Three.

witnessesμαρτύρωνmartyrōn

witness

Someone who tells what they saw or heard.

This recalls Deuteronomy 19:15.

18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is threshing,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

19 · This verse (above)

20Those who sin rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may have fear.