1 Timothy 5:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.

NIV: So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

NASB: Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach;

CSB: Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us.

NLT: So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

KJV: I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

NKJV: Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

In contrast with the concerns Paul gave regarding younger widows in verses 11 through 13, he encourages younger widows to do four things.

First, he recommends young widows get married. The modern reader should keep in mind that marriage, in that day and age, was far more "businesslike" than modern concepts of romance. Even then, Paul is not recommending some kind of cold, hasty approach. Rather, as the rest of this passage shows, he seems to be recommending the younger widows to "move forward," so to speak. To resume a normal life, where possible, rather than falling on the charity of the church.

Remarriage can be greatly beneficial to a young widow. This was even more applicable in an era where a woman's primary means of support was her family and children. The one requirement Scripture gives is that the new spouse should be a believer (1 Corinthians 7:39).

Second, younger widows who remarry are encouraged to "bear children." This goes along with the theme of normalcy, and of "moving forward" as much as possible. God clearly encourages mixed families here, offering hope to those who bring together children from a previous marriage. This also connects again with the concept of childbearing Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:15.

Third, young widows who remarry are to "manage their households." This general command is another reference to being productive and caring for one's family.

Fourth, a younger widow was to live in such a way that Satan would have no room to attack her (1 Timothy 5:15). First Peter 5:8 also warns about Satan fulfilling the role of "adversary."

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.