1 Timothy 5:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith.

NIV: Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.

NASB: thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge.

CSB: and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge.

NLT: Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge.

KJV: Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

NKJV: having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.

Younger widows who were "enrolled" in the church's support system would potentially be remarried, and therefore "incur condemnation." The idea that this would be condemnable, especially if marriage was not wrong, can be puzzling to modern readers. The reason is that the "true widows" prioritized by the church are those fully devoted to serving others as a result of their support from the congregation (1 Timothy 5:10). Upon remarrying, this commitment would be broken. In ancient times, a pledge or commitment was considered of tremendous importance. The church's charity, then, is to prioritize those who are truly needy, not merely those waiting for a better situation.

This is also the reason the Bible often warns against taking oaths—sometimes referred to in context as "swearing." For example, Jesus said, "…do not take an oath at all…" (Matthew 5:34). James taught, "But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation" (James 5:12). The death of John the Baptist gives one example of why this could be a problem in a culture which treated such vows as absolutely binding. King Herod promised his daughter by oath she could have anything she wanted, up to half the kingdom. When she asked for the head of John the Baptist, Mark 6:26 states, "And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her."

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.