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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
Six Centuries of Reception
4 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.
But if it is praiseworthy to have one’s soul free from this failing of greed, how much more glorious is it to gain the love of the people by liberality. This should be neither too freely shown to those who are unsuitable, nor too sparingly bestowed upon the needy.… There is also another kind of liberality which the apostle teaches, “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her assist them. Let the church not be burdened so that it may assist those who are real widows.” Useful, then, is liberality of this sort.
Observe how again he speaks of those as "widows indeed," who are left destitute, and have no resource from any other quarter. It was better to have it so. For thus two great objects were attained. Those had an opportunity of doing good, whilst these were honorably maintained, and the Church not burdened. And he has well said, "If any believer." For it is not fit that believing women should be maintained by unbelievers, lest they should seem to stand in need of them. And observe how persuasively he speaks; he has not said, "let them maintain them expensively," but "let them relieve them." "That the Church," he says, "may relieve them that are widows indeed." She therefore has the reward of this help also, for she that helps the Church, helps not her only, but those widows too whom the Church is thus enabled to maintain more bountifully.
“But none of those reclining at table understood why he said this to him. For some thought that, because Judas held the purse, Jesus says to him, ‘Buy the things that we need for the feast,’ or that he should give something to the poor.” Therefore, the Lord, too, had a purse. Keeping safe the offerings from the faithful, he distributed both to the needs of his people and to others in need. The paradigm for handling church money was thereby established: We should understand that his teaching that one must not take thought of tomorrow was taught for this purpose, that no money should be kept by the saints, but that God should not be served for money and that justice should not be abandoned because of a fear of need. For the apostle too, looking ahead to the future, said, “If any believing woman has widowed relatives, let her provide sufficiently for them so that the church not be burdened, in order that it can have enough for true widows.”
If a faithful man or woman has widows, let them be supported, and let the Church not be burdened, so that it may provide adequately for the truly widows.
If a faithful man. He repeated: If a faithful man or woman has widows. For if they were unfaithful, it would not be necessary for them to be supported by them, lest the faithful appear to be in need of the unfaithful. Moreover, the laws also concern those who obey them, not those who are not subject to them.
let him provide for them. Let the matter be done lightly. For through this, let them support, Paul meant the necessary nourishment.
so that the Church is not burdened. So the faithful, supporting their own widows, also contribute to the widows of the Church. Just as the Church, not being burdened, and for this reason nourishing more abundantly those it nourishes, namely truly the widows, that is, those unprotected and isolated.
and that those who are truly widows. Truly widows are those who are abandoned on all sides. For he who does this, Paul says, not only supports them if he provides for them, but also greatly helps the rest, granting them relief.
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Summary
1 Timothy 5:16 provides crucial instructions regarding the care of widows within the early Christian community, emphasizing that believing family members bear the primary responsibility for supporting their widowed relatives. This directive aims to prevent the church from being unduly burdened, thereby enabling its resources to be reserved for those who are "widows indeed"—those truly destitute and without any other means of support. The verse underscores principles of family responsibility, wise stewardship of church resources, and discerning benevolence.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's comprehensive pastoral instructions to Timothy concerning the proper ordering and conduct of the church in Ephesus. Chapter 5 specifically addresses how to treat different groups within the congregation, including elders, younger men and women, and particularly widows. Paul dedicates a significant portion of the chapter (verses 3-16) to the care of widows, outlining criteria for who should be officially supported by the church. Verse 16 serves as a culminating instruction, reinforcing the principle established in earlier verses (e.g., 1 Timothy 5:4) that family members should first fulfill their obligations before the church assumes responsibility. It acts as a practical application of the preceding theological and ethical considerations regarding church benevolence.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish society, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society. Without a husband, they often lacked legal protection, economic means, and social standing. There were no state-sponsored social welfare programs, making family or community support essential for survival. The early church, following Jewish tradition (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18), quickly established ministries of care for its needy members, especially widows, as evidenced in Acts 6:1-6. However, this benevolent work also presented challenges, including potential abuse or unsustainable demands on church resources. Paul's instructions here reflect a pragmatic and ethical approach to managing these challenges, ensuring that genuine need was met while preventing exploitation or misallocation of limited funds.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in 1 Timothy and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights Family Responsibility, asserting that the care of one's own household, particularly vulnerable relatives, is a primary Christian duty. This echoes the broader biblical principle of honoring parents and caring for one's own, as seen in Ephesians 6:2 and even Paul's earlier statement in 1 Timothy 5:8. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Wise Stewardship of Church Resources. By directing family members to provide support, Paul ensures that the church's treasury is not unnecessarily depleted, allowing it to focus its benevolence on those truly without any other recourse—the "widows indeed." This reflects a commitment to responsible financial management and discerning compassion, ensuring that the church's charitable efforts are both effective and sustainable, a principle also seen in the early church's organization of care in Acts 6.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "trustworthy" or "trustful." In this context, it refers to a "believer" or "faithful one." The phrase "man or woman that believeth" specifies that the responsibility for care falls upon members of the Christian community who have widowed relatives. This highlights that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but includes practical outworkings of love and duty within the family unit.
Meaning "to avail for," "to help," or "to be sufficient for." This verb denotes providing practical, material assistance and support. When applied to family members, it means they are to provide adequately for their widowed relatives, ensuring their needs are met. When applied to the church, it signifies the church's role in providing for those truly in need. The repetition of this word emphasizes the act of provision as the core duty.
An adverb meaning "really," "certainly," or "of a truth." This crucial qualifier distinguishes between widows who merely fit the demographic description and those who are genuinely destitute and have no family support. Paul uses this term to emphasize the authenticity of the need, ensuring that church resources are directed to those who are truly without other means and are therefore legitimate recipients of corporate Christian benevolence.
Verse Breakdown
"If any man or woman that believeth have widows"
This clause establishes the scope of the instruction. It refers to any Christian individual, male or female, who has widowed relatives (e.g., a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or daughter-in-law) within their extended family. The emphasis is on the believer's household, implying that Christian faith should manifest in practical care for one's own kin.
"let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged"
This is the core command. The believing family members are explicitly instructed to "relieve them," meaning to provide for their material needs. The immediate consequence and purpose of this family provision are "that the church be not charged" or burdened. This highlights a principle of responsible stewardship, preventing the church's resources from being drained by needs that should rightfully be met by family.
"that it may relieve them that are widows indeed"
This final clause articulates the ultimate goal and the church's specific role. By ensuring that family members fulfill their responsibilities, the church's capacity to "relieve" (provide for) those who are "widows indeed" is preserved. This refers to widows who are genuinely without any family support, truly desolate, and meet the specific criteria for church enrollment and support outlined earlier in the chapter (e.g., being sixty years old, having a good reputation, devoted to good works, 1 Timothy 5:9-10).
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his instructions with clarity and force. There is a clear Contrast established between widows who have believing family members capable of support and "widows indeed" who are genuinely destitute. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nuanced application of benevolence. The repetition of the verb "relieve" (Greek: eparkéō) creates Emphasis, underscoring the central action of providing care, whether by family or by the church. The entire passage carries a strong Didactic Tone, characteristic of Paul's pastoral epistles, as he provides direct, practical instructions for the orderly and ethical functioning of the church. The use of the qualifying phrase "widows indeed" acts as a form of Specification, narrowing the scope of the church's primary financial responsibility to a truly vulnerable and deserving subset of widows.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical balance between individual and family responsibility and the corporate benevolence of the church. Theologically, it resonates with God's consistent concern for the vulnerable and marginalized throughout Scripture, particularly widows, orphans, and the poor. However, it also emphasizes that this divine compassion is to be channeled through ordered and responsible human structures, starting with the family. The principle of wise stewardship of resources is paramount, ensuring that the church's charitable efforts are not haphazard but strategic, maximizing their impact for those truly in desperate need. This reflects a mature understanding of Christian love, which is not merely sentimental but practical, discerning, and ordered, aiming to foster responsibility while genuinely alleviating suffering.
Reflection and Application
1 Timothy 5:16 offers enduring wisdom for believers and churches today. In an era where social welfare systems often exist, the verse still challenges us to prioritize family responsibility. It reminds us that caring for our elderly and vulnerable relatives is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual one, a tangible expression of our faith. For churches, it serves as a vital guide for benevolence ministries, urging careful discernment in distributing aid. It encourages us to establish clear criteria, ensuring that resources are directed to those with genuine, pressing needs who lack other support, rather than becoming a substitute for family duty. This approach fosters both compassion and responsibility, preventing dependency and ensuring that the church's capacity to serve is preserved for its most critical functions. Ultimately, it calls us to embody a holistic love that is both generous and wise, reflecting God's own character in our care for others.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "widows indeed" mean in this context?
The phrase "widows indeed" (Greek: ontōs chērai) refers to a specific category of widows who are truly desolate and have no family members capable or willing to support them. Paul outlines several criteria for these "widows indeed" in 1 Timothy 5:3-15. They are typically older (at least sixty years old), have a proven record of godliness and good works, and are completely dependent on the church for their sustenance because they have no children or grandchildren to care for them. The distinction is crucial for the church's responsible stewardship of its limited resources, ensuring that aid goes to those with genuine and undeniable need.
Does this verse imply that the church should not help all widows, only those without family?
This verse does not suggest that the church should never help widows who have family. Instead, it establishes a clear priority: family members who are believers have the primary responsibility to care for their widowed relatives. The purpose of this directive is to prevent the church from being "charged" or unduly burdened by responsibilities that rightfully belong to the family. By ensuring family members fulfill their duties, the church's resources are preserved to "relieve them that are widows indeed"—those who are truly destitute and have no other means of support. It's a matter of wise stewardship and discerning compassion, ensuring that the most vulnerable who lack any other support system are adequately cared for by the community of faith.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Timothy 5:16 provides practical instructions for church administration, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and motivation in Christ. Jesus consistently demonstrated profound compassion for the vulnerable, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and identifying with the marginalized (e.g., Matthew 9:36). His life was a testament to selfless service, culminating in His ultimate act of love on the cross. He became poor that we, through His poverty, might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9), providing for our greatest spiritual destitution. The church, as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), is called to continue this ministry of compassion, reflecting His character and extending His care to a broken world. Our acts of charity, whether within our families or through the church's benevolence, are not merely social obligations but an overflow of the grace we have received from Christ, a tangible expression of His love working through us to provide for those in need, both physically and spiritually.