TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Timothy 5:3–16. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Directions are here given concerning the taking of widows into the number of those who were employed by the church and had maintenance from the church: Honour widows that are widows indeed. Honour them, that is, maintain them, admit them into office. There was in those times an office in the church in which widows were employed, and that was to tend the sick and the aged, to look to them by the direction of the deacons. We read of the care taken of widows immediately upon the first forming of the Christian church (Act 6:1), where the Grecians thought their widows were neglected in the daily ministration and provision made for poor widows. The general rule is to honour widows that are widows indeed, to maintain them, to relieve them with respect and tenderness.
I.It is appointed that those widows only should be relieved by the charity of the church who were pious and devout, and not wanton widows that lived in pleasure, Ti1 5:5, Ti1 5:6. She is to be reckoned a widow indeed, and it to be maintained at the church's charge, who, being desolate, trusteth in God. Observe, It is the duty and comfort of those who are desolate to trust in God. Therefore God sometimes brings his people into such straits that they have nothing else to trust to, that they may with more confidence trust in him. Widowhood is a desolate estate; but let the widows trust in me (Jer 49:11), and rejoice that they have a God to trust to. Again, Those who trust in God must continue in prayer. If by faith we confide in God, by prayer we must give glory to God and commit ourselves to his guidance. Anna was a widow indeed, who departed not from the temple (Luk 2:37), but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. But she is not a widow indeed that lives in pleasure (Ti1 5:6), or who lives licentiously. A jovial widow is not a widow indeed, not fit to be taken under the care of the church. She that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives, is no living member of the church, but as a carcase in it, or a mortified member. We may apply it more generally; those who live in pleasure are dead while they live, spiritually dead, dead in trespasses and sins; they are in the world to no purpose, buried alive as to the great ends of living.
II.Another rule he gives is that the church should not be charged with the maintenance of those widows who had relations of their own that were able to maintain them. This is mentioned several times (Ti1 5:4): If any widow have children or nephews, that is grandchildren or near relations, let them maintain them, and let not the church be burdened. So Ti1 5:16. This is called showing piety at home (Ti1 5:4), or showing piety towards their own families. Observe, The respect of children to their parents, with their care of them, is fitly called piety. This is requiting their parents. Children can never sufficiently requite their parents for the care they have taken of them, and the pains they have taken with them; but they must endeavour to do it. It is the indispensable duty of children, if their parents be in necessity, and they in ability to relieve them, to do it to the utmost of their power, for this is good and acceptable before God. The Pharisees taught that a gift to the altar was more acceptable to God than relieving a poor parent, Mat 15:5. But here we are told that this is better than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices; this is good and acceptable, etc. He speaks of this again (Ti1 5:8), If any provide not for his own, etc. If any men or women do not maintain their own poor relations who belong to them, they do in effect deny the faith; for the design of Christ was to confirm the law of Moses, and particularly the law of the fifth commandment, which is, Honour thy father and mother; so that those deny the faith who disobey that law, much more if they provide not for their wives and children, who are parts of themselves; if they spend that upon their lusts which should maintain their families, they have denied the faith and are worse than infidels. One reason why this care must be taken that those who are rich should maintain their poor relations, and not burden the church with them is (Ti1 5:16) that it may relieve those who are widows indeed. Observe, Charity misplaced is a great hindrance to true charity; there should be prudence in the choice of the objects of charity, that it may not be thrown away upon those who are not properly so, that there may be the more for those who are real objects of charity.
III.He gives directions concerning the characters of the widows that were to be taken into the number to receive the church's charity:
not under sixty years old, nor any who have divorced their husbands or been divorced from them and have married again; she must have been the wife of one man, such as had been a housekeeper, had a good name for hospitality and charity, well reported of for good works. Observe, Particular care ought to be taken to relieve those, when they fall into decay, who, when they had wherewithal, were ready to every good work. Here are instances of such good works as are proper to be done by good wives: If she have brought up children: he does not say, If she have borne children (children are a heritage of the Lord), that depends on the will of God; but, if she had not children of her own, yet if she had brought up children. If she have lodged strangers, and washed the saints' feet; if she have been ready to give entertainment to good Christians and good ministers, when they were in their travels for the spreading of the gospel. Washing of the feet o their friends was a part of their entertainments. If she have relieved the afflicted when she had ability, let her be relieved now. Observe, Those who would find mercy when they are in distress must show mercy when they are in prosperity.
IV.He cautions them to take heed of admitting into the number those who are likely to be no credit to them (Ti1 5:11):
The younger widows refuse: they will be weary of their employments in the church, and of living by rule, as they must do; so they will marry, and cast off their first faith. You read of a first love (Rev 2:4), and here of a first faith, that is, the engagements they gave to the church to behave well, and as became the trust reposed in them: it does not appear that by their first faith is meant their vow not to marry, for the scripture is very silent on that head; besides the apostle here advises the younger widows to marry (Ti1 5:14), which he would not if hereby they must have broken their vows. Dr. Whitby well observes, "If this faith referred to a promise made to the church not to marry, it could not be called their first faith." Withal they learn to be idle, and not only idle, but tattlers, etc., Ti1 5:13. Observe, It is seldom that those who are idle are idle only, they learn to be tattlers and busy-bodies, and to make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. Those who had not attained to such a gravity of mind as was fit for the deaconesses (or the widows who were taken among the church's poor), let them marry, bear children, etc., Ti1 5:14. Observe, If housekeepers do not mind their business, but are tattlers, they give occasion to the adversaries of Christianity to reproach the Christian name, which, it seems, there were some instances of, Ti1 5:15. We learn hence,
1.In the primitive church there was care taken of poor widows, and provision made for them; and the churches of Christ in these days should follow so good an example, as far as they are able.
2.In the distribution of the church's charity, or alms, great care is to be taken that those share in the public bounty who most want it and best deserve it. A widow was not to be taken into the primitive church that had relations who were able to maintain her, or who was not well reported of for good works, but lived in pleasure: But the younger widows refuse, for, when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry.
3.The credit of religion, and the reputation of Christian churches, are very much concerned in the character and behaviour of those that are taken into any employment in the church, though of a lower nature (such as the business of deaconesses), or that receive alms of the church; if they do not behave well, but are tatlers and busy-bodies, they will give occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
4.Christianity obliges its professors to relieve their indigent friends, particularly poor widows, that the church may not be charged with them, that it may relieve those that are widows indeed: rich people should be ashamed to burden the church with their poor relations, when it is with difficulty that those are supplied who have no children or nephews, that is, grand-children, who are in a capacity to relieve them.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
And again: "But the younger widows pass by: for when they shall be wanton in Christ, they wish to marry; having judgment, because they have cast off their first faith."
But if you admit one younger into the order of widows, and she cannot bear her widowhood in her youth, and marries, she will procure indecent reflections on the glory of the order of the widows, and shall give an account to God; not because she married a second time, but because she has "waxed wanton against Christ"
"The younger widows refuse, for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry"; that is, when they have become scornful and luxurious. For as in the case of a just man, we might say, "Let her depart, for she has become another's." He shows therefore that though they chose widowhood, it was not the choice of their judgment. So then a widow, by the state of widowhood, is espoused to Christ. For He has said, "I am the defender of the widows and the father of the orphans." He shows that they do not choose widowhood as they ought, but wax wanton: however he bears with them. Elsewhere indeed he says, "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Why then, you ask, did Paul forbid young women to remain as widows even if they were willing?… Do you not see that it is not those who wish to keep their widowhood but rather those who prefer to marry after being widowed whom he forbids to remain as widows and to be appointed to that holy company? And he does so very wisely. For if you should intend to engage in second marriages, he says, do not profess widowhood. For breaking a promise is much worse than not promising at all.
Paul himself has condemned women who chose widowhood but then do not desire to abide by their decision.
When the apostle says elsewhere, “I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule their households,” he recommends the good of marriage with wisdom and apostolic authority. He does not impose the duty of bearing children. It is not to be treated as it were a law to be observed, at least in the case of those who have chosen the state of continence. Finally, he makes it clear why he has said this, by adding, “Give the adversary no occasion for abusing us. For already some have turned aside after Satan.” By these words he wishes us to understand that for the young widows whom he thought it fitting to be married, continence would have been better than marriage, but that it was better for them to marry than to turn aside after Satan, that is, by looking back to former things after having chosen the excellent state of chastity in virginity or widowhood, to abandon it and to perish.
But refuse younger widows; for when they have indulged themselves against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith.
But refuse younger widows. Therefore, when the struggle becomes greater among virgins, nowhere does it seem to express the observation of time? Because they have come to this point from a greater fervor of faith, indeed a certain necessity follows which solitude brings. Or because, also speaking about virgins, that it should be constant and careful for those who belong to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:32), great diligence was applied.
for when they have indulged themselves against Christ. Perhaps there were some who had acted this way. But see that truly widows are also joined to Christ: however, those who are joined to him are placed in the order of virgins. "For I betrothed you, he says, to one husband, pure virgin, to present you to Christ." (2 Cor. 11:2) And these things are fitting for every Church. But what does it mean, "when they have indulged themselves against"? it means, when they become foolish, when they become pampered, that is, when they become arrogant, when they become proud over Christ, not accepting Him as a bridegroom, then they fall away into marriage. For they did not choose widowhood with a judgment of reason.
Because they have abandoned the first faith. Paul speaks of the covenant with Christ. For they agreed to be joined to Christ: but they reject Him and turn to earthly marriages. After this, indeed, they fall into another sin, namely idleness. Therefore, he ordered not only men to work, but also women. For every evil arises from idleness.
Continue studying 1 Timothy 5:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why did Paul "refuse" younger widows from church support?
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. Instead, he encouraged them to marry, bear children, and manage their households, as stated in 1 Timothy 5:14, as a more suitable and spiritually healthy path for them.
What does "wax wanton against Christ" mean?
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?
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). 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 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. 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). 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). 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.