1 Timothy 5:17

¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Let {G515} the elders {G4245} that rule {G4291} well {G2573} be counted worthy {G515} of double {G1362} honour {G5092}, especially {G3122} they who labour {G2872} in {G1722} the word {G3056} and {G2532} doctrine {G1319}.

The leaders who lead well should be considered worthy of double honor, especially those working hard at communicating the Word and at teaching.

Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:17

The Apostle Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 5:17 provides vital guidance on how the early church, and by extension, the church today, should value and support its spiritual leaders. This verse specifically addresses the "elders" who serve in leadership roles.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's practical advice to his young protégé, Timothy, concerning the proper conduct and order within the church at Ephesus. Chapter 5 of 1 Timothy focuses on how to treat various groups within the church community, including older men and women, younger individuals, and widows. Following his directives on caring for widows, Paul transitions to the treatment and support of those who hold significant spiritual authority and responsibility within the congregation. The principle of supporting those who minister is further reinforced in the very next verse, 1 Timothy 5:18, which quotes Old Testament law regarding not muzzling an ox while it treads out the corn.

Key Themes

  • Valuing Church Leadership: The phrase "counted worthy of double honour" signifies a high degree of respect and esteem for those who faithfully lead the church. It underscores the importance of acknowledging the spiritual authority and pastoral care provided by elders.
  • Financial Support for Ministers: While "honour" certainly includes respect, the context strongly suggests financial remuneration. In the ancient world, "honour" often carried the implication of material compensation or reward. Given the preceding discussion on supporting widows and the subsequent verse about the ox, it is understood that elders who dedicate themselves to ministry should be adequately provided for, enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties without undue financial burden. This aligns with other New Testament teachings on supporting those who preach the Gospel, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:14.
  • Prioritizing Teaching and Preaching: The phrase "especially they who labour in the word and doctrine" highlights a specific group of elders. While all elders are expected to "rule well" (manage the church effectively), special emphasis is placed on those whose primary ministry involves diligent study, teaching, and preaching of God's Word. This indicates the profound importance Paul placed on sound doctrine and robust biblical instruction for the spiritual health and growth of the church.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Elders": The Greek word is presbyteros (πρεσβύτερος), referring to mature, experienced individuals who hold positions of leadership and oversight in the church. These are the spiritual leaders often described as overseers or pastors.
  • "Rule well": This translates the Greek proistēmi (προΐστημι), which means "to stand before," "to preside over," "to manage," or "to govern." It implies effective administration, good stewardship, and spiritual guidance. The qualifications for such leaders are outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:7-9.
  • "Double honour": The word for "honour" is timē (τιμή). While it means respect and esteem, in this context, especially when paired with "labour" and the subsequent verse about the ox, it strongly implies financial compensation or material support in addition to reverence.
  • "Labour in the word and doctrine": This phrase uses the Greek word kopiao (κοπιάω), which means to toil, to work hard to the point of exhaustion. It signifies the intense effort and dedication required for faithful teaching and preaching of God's truth.

Practical Application

1 Timothy 5:17 serves as a foundational principle for how churches should relate to their spiritual leaders. It calls believers to:

  1. Show Respect and Esteem: Actively honor and respect those who faithfully lead and shepherd the congregation.
  2. Provide Adequate Support: Ensure that elders, particularly those who devote their lives to the demanding work of teaching and preaching, are financially supported, allowing them to serve without distraction. This support enables them to dedicate themselves fully to the ministry of the Word and prayer, as described in Acts 6:4.
  3. Value Sound Teaching: Recognize and appreciate the vital role of biblical instruction in spiritual growth and protection from false doctrine. The diligent labor of those who teach God's Word is indispensable for the church's health and maturity.
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.

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12

    And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:13

    And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

  • Galatians 6:6

    Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • Luke 10:7

    And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • Hebrews 13:7

    Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of [their] conversation.

  • 2 Timothy 2:6

    The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
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