1 Timothy 5:12

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

Having {G2192} damnation {G2917}, because {G3754} they have cast off {G114} their first {G4413} faith {G4102}.

This brings them under condemnation for having set aside the trust they had at first.

and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.

having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

1 Timothy 5:12 (KJV) states, "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith." This verse, situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning church order, specifically addresses the situation of younger widows who had made a commitment to serve the church.

Context

In 1 Timothy chapter 5, Paul gives detailed guidance on how the church should care for various groups, including widows. He distinguishes between older, truly destitute widows who dedicated themselves to pious works (verses 3-10) and younger widows. Paul advises against enrolling younger widows in the official list of church-supported widows (verse 11) because he anticipates that their natural desires might lead them to remarry, thereby breaking a prior commitment or "first faith" they made to devote themselves to church service. This verse highlights the spiritual consequence of such a broken vow.

Key Themes

  • The Seriousness of Commitments: The verse underscores the gravity of vows or solemn commitments made to God and the church. Paul views the breaking of such a pledge as a serious matter, leading to a form of condemnation.
  • Consequences of Broken Vows: The phrase "having damnation" (Greek: krima) refers to a judgment or condemnation. It does not necessarily imply eternal hell, but rather a negative verdict or spiritual discredit for failing to uphold a sacred promise. This judgment arises from having "cast off" or rejected their initial fidelity.
  • "First Faith" as a Pledge: "Their first faith" refers to the initial commitment, pledge, or conviction these younger widows made, likely when they sought to be enrolled among the church's official widows. This commitment probably included a dedication to celibacy and devoted service to Christ, akin to a spiritual vow. Their desire to remarry, while not inherently sinful, conflicted with this specific prior pledge, leading to the condemnation mentioned.
  • Danger of Idleness: Paul also warns in the preceding verses about the tendency for younger widows to become idle, gossips, and busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13), which can contribute to their desire to abandon their commitments and seek an easier path.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "damnation" is krima (κρίμα), which means "judgment," "condemnation," or "a verdict." In this context, it signifies a negative judgment or disciplinary consequence for breaking a specific vow, rather than the eternal damnation of the lost. The phrase "cast off" comes from atheteō (ἀθετέω), meaning "to set aside," "to nullify," "to reject," or "to break." This emphasizes a deliberate abandonment of their initial commitment. "First faith" (prōtēn pistin - πρώτην πίστιν) here signifies an initial pledge or fidelity, not necessarily a loss of saving faith, but a departure from a specific solemn commitment made in their Christian walk.

Practical Application

While this verse specifically addresses young widows in the early church, its principles resonate deeply for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • The Sanctity of Vows: Any commitment made to God, whether formal or informal, should be taken seriously. As Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
  • Steadfastness in Service: Believers are called to be faithful and steadfast in their devotion and service to Christ. Wavering in commitment or allowing worldly desires to supersede spiritual pledges can lead to spiritual consequences and a loss of integrity.
  • Avoiding Idleness: The context links the breaking of vows to idleness. Engaging actively in productive and godly pursuits helps maintain spiritual focus and prevents distractions that can lead to spiritual compromise.

Ultimately, 1 Timothy 5:12 encourages believers to live lives of integrity, honoring their commitments to God and maintaining their initial fervent devotion and purpose in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 3:1

    ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

  • Galatians 1:6

    ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

  • 1 Corinthians 11:34

    And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

  • 1 Peter 4:17

    For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

  • Revelation 2:4

    Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

  • Revelation 2:5

    Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
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