1 Timothy 5:11

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

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};

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.

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

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

Commentary

Context of 1 Timothy 5:11

In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the Apostle Paul provides detailed instructions to Timothy, his protégé and leader of the church in Ephesus, concerning the proper care and conduct within the Christian community. Specifically, verses 3-16 address the church's responsibility towards widows. Paul distinguishes between older, truly destitute widows who have proven their godliness and dedication (often referred to as 'widows indeed' in 1 Timothy 5:3 and subsequent verses) and younger widows. This passage reflects the early church's vital role in social welfare and spiritual guidance, especially for vulnerable groups.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Discernment in Church Support: Paul instructs Timothy to "refuse" younger widows from being formally enrolled in the church's register for support. This was not a rejection of their person, but a practical measure to ensure resources and responsibilities were appropriately managed.
  • Spiritual Commitment vs. Worldly Desires: The core concern is expressed in the phrase "when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ." This indicates a spiritual rebellion or a turning away from their initial commitment to Christ, possibly made when they sought the church's care or committed to a life of service. Their desire to marry, in this context, is depicted as stemming from a lack of spiritual discipline or a return to worldly pursuits, rather than a godly decision.
  • Potential for Idleness and Misconduct: Paul elaborates in later verses (1 Timothy 5:13) that younger widows, if supported without proper direction, might fall into idleness, gossip, and meddling, leading them to break their faith.
  • The Option of Remarriage: While this verse highlights the negative motivation for remarriage, Paul actually encourages younger widows to marry, bear children, and manage their households in 1 Timothy 5:14, viewing it as a way to avoid the pitfalls mentioned here. The issue in verse 11 is the *attitude* and *reason* for seeking marriage, which is "wantonness against Christ."

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "wax wanton against Christ" is significant. The Greek word translated "wax wanton" is katastrēniaō (καταστρηνιάω), which literally means "to grow restive," "to become unruly," or "to behave wantonly." It evokes the image of an animal kicking against the yoke or becoming rebellious. Applied to individuals, it suggests a lack of self-control, a restless desire for sensual pleasure, or a rebellion against spiritual discipline. The addition "against Christ" emphasizes that this wantonness is not merely a personal failing but a direct affront to their commitment and covenant with the Lord.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 5:11 offers several valuable lessons:

  • Wisdom in Church Leadership: Churches should exercise discernment in how they allocate resources and responsibilities, ensuring that care fosters spiritual growth and not idleness or spiritual decline.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Commitment: This verse underscores the seriousness of one's commitment to Christ. Our desires and choices should align with our devotion, not contradict it. We are called to live with self-control and purpose, rather than letting worldly desires lead us astray.
  • Avoiding Idleness: Paul consistently warns against idleness, which can lead to various sins, including gossip and spiritual apathy. Believers are encouraged to be productive and engaged in meaningful service or work.
  • Motivation Matters: While marriage is honorable, the verse teaches that the motivation behind our decisions, even good ones, is crucial. Are our choices driven by godly principles and commitment to Christ, or by restless, undisciplined desires?
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 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.
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