1 Timothy 5:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

NIV: and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

NASB: having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

CSB: and is well known for good works —that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work.

NLT: She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?

KJV: Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

NKJV: well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

This verse continues Paul's description of the "true widows" who are to be prioritized as the church seeks to provide material support. In addition to the two requirements in verse 9, Paul now gives five specific requirements and a general summary.

First, the woman should have a reputation of Christian conduct. Some see this as a general statement with the remaining attributes as specific examples.

Second is a reference to raising children. As with the reference to husbands, this is not meant to imply that she must have given birth. Rather, it refers to her actually caring for any children she might have had, without abandoning them.

Third is a reputation for hospitality. This trait was also noted as a qualification for overseers in 1 Timothy 3:2.

Fourth, she has "washed the feet of the saints." The literal act of washing feet was a servant's job, yet Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as an example (John 13). Some debate whether the instance in this verse is literal, or a general reference to serving others. More than likely, Paul means this in both ways (John 13:14–16). While foot-washing is not commanded as a literal requirement for Christians, it was probably practiced as a cultural norm in his era. In other words, the command is general, but the reference would have also referred to women in Paul's day who had physically washed the feet of others.

The list concludes with a general summary, indicating that the woman should be known for her commitment to Christ-like behavior. Good works seem to bookend the specific traits in this verse. For this reason, many interpret these traits as an overall representation of the "true widows" a church should help, rather than as a literal list of absolute requirements. In either case, the widow the church assists should be beyond marrying age (1 Timothy 5:9) and known for her godly character and good works.

As with other verses in this section, Paul's intent is to avoid the church wasting resources which could be better used on the truly needy. Those who can provide for themselves, have family to provide for them, or who are simply looking for a lifestyle boost are not those on whom the church should be focused.

First Timothy 5:3–16 gives Paul's instructions regarding priority in the care of widows. Since church resources are finite, it is important to focus attention on those who are most needy. In this case, Paul refers to such women as ''true widows.'' Those who are younger or more capable should not be given an excuse for laziness or gossip. And, family members have the first and foremost responsibility for caring for each other. The guidelines given here focus attention on the most vulnerable women and avoid enabling immodest behaviors.

First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.