1 Timothy 5:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

NIV: If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

NASB: If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.

CSB: If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.

NLT: If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.

KJV: If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

NKJV: If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

This provides Paul's summary and conclusion regarding instructions for widows. This verse emphasizes that Paul has been specifically speaking to believers in the church. Here, he clarifies that Christians are to care for their relatives who were widows, whether believers or unbelievers. Specifically, younger women are commanded in this verse to care for older women who are widows. The group referred to here with the word "them" could include a mother, grandmothers, and possibly other extended family members.

One important reason for this care is the fact that church resources are limited. Money, materials, and manpower are not infinite. This was even more relevant in the persecuted days of the early church. Churches need to concentrate their help on "those who are truly widows" (1 Timothy 5:3).

Interestingly, and importantly, for those who did qualify, the church is not being instructed to merely send money. They are ordered to "care" for them as well (James 1:27). This care could include meeting a wide variety of needs, including food, housing, medical care, and other practical needs. A needs often forgotten in the concept of "care," as well, is simple fellowship (Acts 2:42). Believers need the companionship and closeness of other Christians almost as much as they need food and water (Hebrews 10:24–25).

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.