1 Timothy 5:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.

NIV: But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

NASB: But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives.

CSB: however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.

NLT: But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives.

KJV: But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

NKJV: But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.

Prior verses have discussed the need for the church to care for "true widows," defined as those who truly are alone and unable to care for themselves. Clearly, though, not all elderly or single women are legitimately in need of the church's charity. For example, in contrast to the "true widow," who prays to God for help, are those women who are selfish and ungodly. Paul uses the Greek term spatalōsa here. This refers to someone who is consumed with pleasure, sensuality, or materialism.

Such a woman is described as being "dead even while she lives," echoing the spiritual emptiness of worldly living. This is the same sentiment seen from Paul in Romans 8:6 and from John in Revelation 3:1. The Greek behind the phrase "dead even while she lives" is literally "has died while alive." An ungodly widow is still alive, but is as good as dead since she does not live for God. The church can help any person to show God's love, but was not required to do so for widows who lived for self rather than God. Verses 9–10 reveal a godly widow was known for being a "one man woman," and had a reputation for good works.

Not every woman who has lost family or a husband will be known for having a reputation of good works (1 Timothy 5:10). It stands to reason that some of the women taking support from the church in Ephesus were living sensual, extravagant, ungodly lives. Paul warns against this here as well as in 1 Timothy 5:13.

The goal in mind is for the church not to be "burdened" (1 Timothy 5:16), but to help widows who are sincerely in need, with no other help, who are following the Lord. Resources which could greatly help a suffering "true widow" are wasted on a woman who is only looking for selfish pleasure.

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.