1 Timothy 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.

Well reported of {G3140} for {G1722} good {G2570} works {G2041}; if {G1487} she have brought up {G5044} children, if {G1487} she have lodged strangers {G3580}, if {G1487} she have washed {G3538} the saints {G40}' feet {G4228}, if {G1487} she have relieved {G1884} the afflicted {G2346}, if {G1487} she have diligently followed {G1872} every {G3956} good {G18} work {G2041}.

and is known for her good deeds — as one who has reared her children well, showed hospitality, washed the feet of God’s people, helped those in trouble, and engaged in all kinds of good work.

and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

Commentary

1 Timothy 5:10 provides specific criteria for widows to be officially recognized and supported by the early church. Following the age requirement of sixty years old mentioned in the previous verse, this verse outlines the character and conduct that demonstrated a life of genuine faith and service.

Context

In his letter to Timothy, Paul addresses various aspects of church order and conduct within the Ephesian community. Chapter 5 specifically deals with how the church should care for different groups, including elders, younger members, and particularly widows. The early church had a system for supporting widows who were truly destitute and had no family to care for them. However, this support was not indiscriminate; it was reserved for those who had lived lives exemplary of Christian devotion and service, demonstrating their commitment through tangible actions. This verse helps establish the moral and practical qualifications for such church enrollment.

Key Themes

  • A Life of Good Works: The overarching theme is that a person's faith should be evident through their deeds. The phrase "well reported of for good works" signifies a reputation built on consistent, positive actions that reflect Christian values.
  • Family Nurturing: "If she have brought up children" emphasizes the importance of faithfulness within the family unit. This suggests a history of responsible care and spiritual guidance in her own household.
  • Hospitality: "If she have lodged strangers" highlights the crucial practice of hospitality in the early church. Providing shelter and welcome to fellow believers, especially traveling missionaries or those in need, was a vital expression of Christian love and solidarity (see also Romans 12:13).
  • Humble Service: "If she have washed the saints' feet" points to an act of humble, practical service. This echoes the example set by Jesus Himself washing His disciples' feet, symbolizing a willingness to perform even the lowliest tasks out of love for others.
  • Compassion for the Afflicted: "If she have relieved the afflicted" underscores the importance of compassion and active care for those in distress, sickness, or poverty. This demonstrates a heart sensitive to suffering and a willingness to offer practical aid.
  • Diligence and Consistency: "If she have diligently followed every good work" implies a consistent, active, and zealous pursuit of doing good. It's not about isolated acts but a pattern of life dedicated to serving God and others.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "well reported of" translates the Greek word martyroumenē (μαρτυρουμένη), meaning "having testimony borne to her" or "having a good reputation." This isn't just self-proclamation but a public acknowledgment of her character. The "good works" (Greek: kalois ergois, καλοῖς ἔργοις) refer to deeds that are inherently good, honorable, and beautiful, reflecting God's character. The phrase "relieved the afflicted" comes from eparkesen thlibomenous (ἐπαρκέσεν θλιβομένους), meaning "to come to the aid of those in distress" or "to succor the oppressed," highlighting active assistance rather than passive sympathy.

Practical Application

While these specific criteria were for widows seeking church support in the early church, the principles remain timeless for all believers. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through a life of active love, service, and compassion. Our "good works" are not a means to earn salvation, but rather the natural outflow and evidence of a transformed life in Christ (as Ephesians 2:10 teaches). It encourages believers to cultivate a reputation for kindness, hospitality, and practical care for those in need, consistently pursuing every opportunity to do good.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to 1 Timothy: A Guide for Church Leadership The Role of Women in Ministry: Interpreting 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 Does God Promise Health and Wealth? (The Prosperity Gospel) The Role of Men in the Church and Family Honoring Your Parents as an Adult

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  • Titus 3:8

    [This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

  • Acts 9:36

    ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

  • Titus 2:7

    In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

  • Titus 3:1

    ¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • Luke 7:44

    And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.
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