FocusRespect and support for widows
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes family responsibilities from the church's continuing support, placing provision for one's household within faithful conduct.
interpretation 1 Timothy 5:8
KJVBut if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Read it in context
Instructions Regarding Widows and Family Responsibility
Start reading at 1 Timothy 5:1 (1 Timothy 5:1 to 1 Timothy 5:16).
The passage provides instructions for the church's care of widows and the responsibilities of family members.
- 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
- 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
- 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
- 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
- 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
- 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
- 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
- 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
- 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
- 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
- 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
- 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
- 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
- 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
- 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
- 5:16 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 4:1–6:21): Paul instructs Timothy in teaching and caring for the congregation, including its older and younger members, widows, elders, servants, and wealthy members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The theme is the grave importance of providing for one's own family, particularly those within one's household, as a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that neglecting one's family responsibilities, specifically providing for them, is a denial of the faith and worse than the conduct of an unbeliever.
- What is the literary style? Pastoral epistle, providing instructions for church leadership and conduct.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 62 to 64.
- When does the event take place? The instructions given in this epistle apply to the time after Paul's first Roman imprisonment, when Timothy was serving in Ephesus.
Where
- Where did it happen? The instructions are directed to Timothy in Ephesus, concerning the conduct and responsibilities within the church there.
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Macedonia when he wrote this epistle.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Instructions Regarding Widows and Family Responsibility (1 Timothy 5:1 to 1 Timothy 5:16). Start reading at 1 Timothy 5:1. The passage provides instructions for the church's care of widows and the responsibilities of family members.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse emphasizes the individual's responsibility to care for their own family members, particularly in the context of the church's care for widows. It establishes that family provision is a primary duty, preceding the church's obligation to support those who have no family to care for them. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage reflects the principle of love and care that God demonstrates towards His people, and which believers are called to emulate. While not directly naming Christ, the command to provide for one's own aligns with the character of God, who provides for His creation and His children. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to prioritize the physical and spiritual needs of their immediate and extended families. Failing to provide for one's own household is presented as a serious spiritual failing, indicating that practical care for family is an essential demonstration of faith. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:3, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 1 Timothy 5:16, Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:11-13
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- and specially Gen 30:30 Isa 58:7 Matt 7:11 Luke 11:11-13 2 Cor 12:14 Gal 6:10
- he hath 2 Tim 3:5 Titus 1:16 Rev 2:13 Rev 3:8
- and is Matt 18:17 Luke 12:47-48 John 15:22 2 Cor 2:15-16 2 Cor 6:15
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 5
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
Elders and Timothy's judgment
1 Timothy 5:17–25FocusHonour, evidence, and impartiality
Connection to the wholeDirections about support, accusations, correction, and laying on hands require careful judgment without prejudice or haste.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
The charge and the gospel
1 Timothy 1:1–20FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation Prayer, conduct, and leadership
1 Timothy 2:1–3:16FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation The final charge
1 Timothy 6:3–21FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.