1 Timothy 5:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Honor widows who are truly widows.

NIV: Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.

NASB: Honor widows who are actually widows;

CSB: Support widows who are genuinely in need.

NLT: Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.

KJV: Honour widows that are widows indeed.

NKJV: Honor widows who are really widows.

Building upon the treatment of older women as mothers and younger women as sisters in verse 2, Paul changes to a discussion of widows. While the term most literally means a woman who has lost her husband to death, in that culture the term was more often used for women who were also childless. This is why Paul specifies special concern for "widows who are truly widows." Honor included the respect given to parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3) as well as God's treatment of widows as expressed in the Old and New Testaments (James 1:27).

Those who are "truly widows" or "really" widows in need narrows the discussion from all women whose husbands have died. Rather, Paul is concerned with a particular group of widows in the church congregation who fit specific criteria. These criteria are discussed in the following verses and include distinctions between older and younger widows, the character traits of widows, and widows who should be cared for primarily by their own biological family members, rather than the church.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 5:35:58 AM