5:15 5:15

1 Timothy 5:16

5:17 5:17

Bible Versions

If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
If any {G1536} man {G4103} or {G2228} woman that believeth {G4103} have {G2192} widows {G5503}, let them relieve {G1884} them {G846}, and {G2532} let {G916} not {G3361} the church {G1577} be charged {G916}; that {G2443} it may relieve {G1884} them that are widows {G5503} indeed {G3689}.
If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, she should provide relief for them — the congregation shouldn’t be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are really in need.
If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.
If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:16 addresses the practical and ethical responsibilities concerning the care of widows within the early Christian community, distinguishing between those who have family support and those who truly depend on the church.

Context

In 1 Timothy Chapter 5, the Apostle Paul provides specific instructions to Timothy regarding various groups within the church, including elders, younger men and women, and particularly widows. This section reflects the early church's commitment to social welfare and compassionate care for its most vulnerable members. However, resources were not limitless, and Paul sought to establish order and prevent abuse or undue burden on the church's treasury. The instruction here follows a discussion about who should be enrolled in the church's official list of widows for support, emphasizing a distinction between those truly destitute and those with family capable of providing care.

Key Themes

  • Family Responsibility: The verse strongly emphasizes that believers with widowed relatives have a primary duty to care for them. This principle highlights the importance of the family unit as the first line of support, upholding the biblical command to honor parents and care for one's own household.
  • Wise Stewardship of Church Resources: By instructing family members to "relieve them," Paul aims to prevent the church from being overburdened financially. This ensures that the church's limited resources can be preserved for "widows indeed" (Greek: ontōs chērai), those who are truly without any other means of support and are genuinely dependent on the community. This aligns with the early church's practice of organizing support for the needy, as seen in Acts 6:1.
  • Order and Efficiency: Paul’s directives bring order to the church’s benevolence ministry, preventing potential misuse or strain on its capacity to serve. It’s about ensuring that care is distributed fairly and effectively to those who need it most, reflecting a principle of good governance within the Christian community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "relieve them" comes from the Greek word eparkesato, meaning "to be sufficient for," "to assist," or "to support." It denotes practical, material provision. The term "widows indeed" (Greek: ontōs chērai) is significant. It distinguishes genuine widows, who are truly desolate and have no other means of support, from those who might technically be widows but have family members able to care for them. This careful distinction underscores Paul's concern for discernment and responsible allocation of resources.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • The enduring importance of family care: Christians are called to prioritize caring for their immediate and extended families, especially the elderly and vulnerable, before relying solely on external support systems.
  • Responsible church stewardship: Churches must wisely manage their resources, ensuring that charitable funds are directed towards those with genuine and pressing needs, rather than becoming a substitute for family responsibility. This involves careful discernment and administration in benevolence ministries.
  • Balanced compassion: While the church is called to be compassionate, this compassion must be exercised with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that help goes to those who truly have no other options, fostering responsibility rather than dependency.

In essence, 1 Timothy 5:16 teaches a balanced approach to Christian charity: family first, then the church for those truly in need, ensuring that love is expressed practically and resources are used wisely for the glory of God and the good of His people.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 5:3

    ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.

  • 1 Timothy 5:5

    Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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