1 Timothy 5:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry

NIV: As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.

NASB: But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married,

CSB: But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry

NLT: The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry.

KJV: But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

NKJV: But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,

In 1 Timothy 5:9, Paul specifically calls on the church to prioritize older widows in their care and charity. Here, this is explicitly emphasized. Timothy is to flatly reject giving such extensive support to non-elderly widows. In the context of this passage, "younger" widows were those under age sixty (1 Timothy 5:9). Paul uses the Greek word katalegesthō here, which literally refers to a written catalog, register, or list. This strongly implies that the early house churches kept an organized ledger to determine which widows received regular care from the church's finances and volunteers.

Paul also specifies the reasons why non-elderly widows were not to be added to this list. First and foremost, they were able and likely to remarry. Paul's reference to their "passions" likely contrasts a widow's passion to devote herself entirely to Christ with the desire to marry. Being remarried is not wrong (1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1–16), but would take away their status as a "true widow" who serves the church (1 Timothy 5:3, 10). Instead, she would have other family obligations. The following verse adds further details in this regard, followed by additional spiritual warnings in verses 13 through 15.

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.