1 Timothy 5:11

KJV

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the younger {G3501} widows {G5503} refuse {G3868}: for {G1063} when {G3752} they have begun to wax wanton against {G2691} Christ {G5547}, they will {G2309} marry {G1060};

Complete Jewish Bible

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they begin to feel natural passions that alienate them from the Messiah, they want to get married.

Berean Standard Bible

But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,

American Standard Version

But younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:11 instructs Timothy to "refuse" younger widows from the church's formal support roster, not out of a lack of compassion, but due to a discerning understanding of their spiritual vulnerability. Paul observes that these younger women, if enrolled and left without proper structure, might succumb to worldly desires, becoming spiritually "wanton against Christ," leading them to seek remarriage out of undisciplined impulse rather than godly intention, thereby abandoning their initial commitment to the Lord and the church's service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's comprehensive instructions to Timothy regarding the proper administration and conduct within the Ephesian church, specifically concerning different demographics. Chapter 5 focuses heavily on the care for widows, elders, and younger members. Paul distinguishes between "widows indeed" (verses 3-10), who are truly destitute, godly, and deserving of church support, and younger widows, who are the subject of verses 11-16. The immediate narrative flow reveals Paul's concern for the church's resources and reputation, ensuring that its benevolent efforts are wisely stewarded and do not inadvertently foster idleness or spiritual compromise among its members.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, widows, especially those without family support, were among the most vulnerable members of society. The early church, following the example of Christ's compassion, took on a significant role in caring for these women, often providing material support and a sense of community. This care, however, came with expectations of godly conduct and commitment, particularly for those who might have pledged themselves to a life of service or celibacy within the church's formal "order of widows." The phrase "wax wanton against Christ" reflects a cultural understanding of a restless, undisciplined spirit, often associated with a desire for sensual indulgence or a rejection of established norms. Paul's advice also acknowledges the societal expectation for women to marry, bear children, and manage households, which for younger widows was generally considered the appropriate path.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline epistles. It highlights the theme of **discerning stewardship** within the church, emphasizing that benevolence must be administered with wisdom to prevent misuse of resources and to promote genuine godliness. It underscores the importance of **spiritual commitment and discipline**, contrasting a life devoted to Christ with one swayed by worldly desires, as seen in the warning against those who "have begun to wax wanton against Christ." The passage also touches on the theme of **avoiding idleness and its pitfalls**, which Paul further elaborates on in [1 Timothy 5:13](/1_timothy/5-13 "1 Timothy 5:13 - Idleness and Busybodies"), where he warns that idleness can lead to gossip and meddling. Finally, it addresses the **appropriate role and conduct of women**, particularly regarding marriage and household management, encouraging younger widows to marry and raise families as a means of avoiding the spiritual dangers outlined in this verse, as advised in [1 Timothy 5:14](/1_timothy/5-14 "1 Timothy 5:14 - Paul's Advice for Younger Widows").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **refuse (Greek, _paraitéomai'_):** This verb means "to beg off, deprecate, decline, shun, avoid, reject." In this context, it implies a firm but not necessarily harsh rejection of younger widows from being formally enrolled for church support. It's a practical, administrative decision based on discernment, not a personal condemnation. The church is to decline their inclusion in a specific program, recognizing that it might lead to spiritual detriment for them.
* **wax wanton against (Greek, _katastrēniáō'_):** This powerful compound verb literally means "to become voluptuous against" or "to grow restive/unruly against." It evokes the image of an animal kicking against the yoke or becoming rebellious. Applied to individuals, it signifies a lack of self-control, a restless desire for sensual pleasure, or a rebellion against spiritual discipline and commitment. The addition "against Christ" emphasizes that this wantonness is not merely a personal failing but a direct affront to their covenant and devotion to the Lord.
* **marry (Greek, _gaméō'_):** This verb means "to wed (of either sex)." While marriage itself is honorable, the context here suggests that for these younger widows, the desire to marry stems from a "wanton" spirit—a restless, undisciplined desire for worldly comforts or pleasures—rather than a godly motivation or a sober assessment of their situation. Their desire for marriage is presented as a symptom of their spiritual rebellion, not necessarily the cause.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the younger widows refuse:"** Paul instructs Timothy to decline formal enrollment and support for younger widows. This is a pragmatic directive, distinguishing them from the "widows indeed" who meet specific criteria for church aid. The refusal is rooted in a concern for their spiritual well-being and the wise stewardship of church resources.
* **"for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ,"** This clause provides the reason for the refusal. The phrase describes a spiritual state where these younger widows become restless, undisciplined, and rebellious against their commitment to Christ. This "wantonness" implies a turning away from spiritual devotion towards worldly desires, a lack of self-control, and a disregard for their previous vows or spiritual discipline.
* **"they will marry;"** This is the consequence or manifestation of their "wantonness." The desire to marry, in this specific context, is portrayed as driven by unbridled desires and a spiritual restlessness that leads them away from their commitment to Christ and the church's service. It's not the act of marriage itself that is condemned, but the ungodly motivation and spiritual state from which it springs.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** by implicitly setting the younger widows apart from the "widows indeed" mentioned earlier in the chapter, highlighting the different considerations for each group. The phrase "wax wanton against Christ" utilizes vivid **Imagery**, evoking the powerful metaphor of an animal kicking against a yoke, symbolizing a rebellious and undisciplined spirit that resists submission to Christ's lordship. This imagery serves as a strong **Admonition**, warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of allowing worldly desires to override one's commitment to faith. The verse also functions as a direct **Instruction** from Paul to Timothy, guiding him in practical church administration and pastoral care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Timothy 5:11, while specific to the early church's care for widows, offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian commitment and the dangers of spiritual complacency. It underscores that true devotion to Christ demands self-control and a rejection of worldly "wantonness." The passage highlights the church's responsibility not only to provide for the needy but also to exercise discernment, ensuring that its benevolence fosters genuine godliness and does not inadvertently enable spiritual decline or idleness. It reminds believers that our motivations for life's choices, even seemingly good ones like marriage, are critically important and must align with our primary allegiance to Christ. This verse serves as a sober reminder that a lack of spiritual discipline can lead to a turning away from God, even if the outward actions appear innocuous.

* [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - Work Ethic")
* [1 Corinthians 7:9](/1_corinthians/7-9 "1 Corinthians 7:9 - Marriage as a Safeguard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges contemporary believers and church leaders to consider the depth of our commitment to Christ and the wisdom with which we manage our lives and church resources. For individuals, it prompts self-examination: Are our desires and life choices truly submitted to Christ, or are we allowing a "wanton" spirit—a restless, undisciplined pursuit of worldly comforts or fleeting pleasures—to subtly pull us away from our devotion? It reminds us that idleness and a lack of purpose can open doors to spiritual compromise. For the church, it emphasizes the need for discerning leadership in all areas, from pastoral care to financial stewardship. While compassion is paramount, wisdom dictates that support and opportunities should be offered in ways that encourage spiritual growth, responsibility, and genuine commitment, rather than fostering dependency or enabling behaviors that detract from a vibrant walk with Christ. We are called to live with intentionality, ensuring our motivations are pure and our lives reflect our allegiance to our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to "wax wanton" against Christ, allowing undisciplined desires to pull me away from my spiritual commitments?**
* **How can my church exercise greater discernment in its ministries and benevolent efforts to ensure they foster genuine spiritual growth and responsibility among members?**
* **What is the primary motivation behind my significant life decisions (e.g., career, relationships, finances)—is it rooted in devotion to Christ or in worldly desires?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul "refuse" younger widows from church support?**

Answer: Paul's instruction to "refuse" younger widows (1 Timothy 5:11) was a pragmatic and discerning measure, not a rejection of their person. He observed that if formally enrolled for church support, younger widows, who still had the capacity and natural inclination to marry, might become idle and develop a "wanton" spirit against Christ. This "wantonness" refers to a restless, undisciplined desire for worldly pleasures and a turning away from their initial spiritual commitment. By refusing their formal enrollment, Paul aimed to prevent them from falling into idleness, gossip, and spiritual compromise, which he elaborates on in [1 Timothy 5:13](/1_timothy/5-13 "1 Timothy 5:13 - Idleness and Busybodies"). Instead, he encouraged them to marry, bear children, and manage their households, as stated in [1 Timothy 5:14](/1_timothy/5-14 "1 Timothy 5:14 - Paul's Advice for Younger Widows"), as a more suitable and spiritually healthy path for them.

**What does "wax wanton against Christ" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "wax wanton against Christ" (Greek: _katastrēniáō_) signifies a state of spiritual restlessness, indiscipline, and rebellion. It carries the imagery of an animal kicking against its yoke, refusing to be constrained. Applied to individuals, it describes a person who, having made a commitment to Christ, begins to disregard that commitment, allowing worldly desires, sensual impulses, or a lack of self-control to dominate their will. This "wantonness" is directed "against Christ" because it represents a betrayal of the devotion and obedience owed to Him. It's not merely a personal failing but a direct affront to one's covenant relationship with the Lord, leading to choices that prioritize self-gratification over spiritual fidelity.

**Does this verse forbid remarriage for widows?**

Answer: No, this verse does not forbid remarriage for widows. In fact, just a few verses later, Paul explicitly encourages younger widows to marry, bear children, and manage their households (see [1 Timothy 5:14](/1_timothy/5-14 "1 Timothy 5:14 - Paul's Advice for Younger Widows")). The issue in 1 Timothy 5:11 is not remarriage itself, which Paul views as honorable, but the *motivation* and *spiritual state* behind the desire for it. If the desire to marry stems from a "wanton" spirit—a restless, undisciplined pursuit of worldly pleasure or a rebellion against one's commitment to Christ—then it is problematic. Paul's concern is with the spiritual health and integrity of the younger widows and the church, not with the institution of marriage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 5:11 addresses specific administrative and pastoral concerns within the early church, its underlying principles powerfully point to Christ. The "wantonness against Christ" highlights that our ultimate allegiance and spiritual fidelity are due to Him alone. Any desire or pursuit that pulls us away from disciplined devotion to Christ is a form of spiritual rebellion, echoing the call in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters") that "no one can serve two masters." Christ is the true "husband" to His church, the one to whom all believers are betrothed in pure devotion, as described in [2 Corinthians 11:2](/2_corinthians/11-2 "2 Corinthians 11:2 - Betrothal to Christ"). The spiritual discipline Paul advocates for these widows is a microcosm of the broader call for all believers to live lives of self-control and purpose, being "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Our true fulfillment and spiritual security are found not in worldly pursuits or undisciplined desires, but in unwavering commitment to Christ, who gave Himself for the church to make her holy and blameless ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Thus, the warning against wantonness is ultimately a call to embrace the liberating discipline of a life wholly centered on and submitted to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Hosea 13:6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

James 5:5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Isaiah 3:16

¶ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.