1 Timothy 5:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 5:17 outlines the church's responsibility to honor and financially support its spiritual leaders, particularly those who diligently dedicate themselves to the demanding work of teaching and preaching God's Word. This verse establishes a principle of valuing effective spiritual governance and recognizing the unique labor involved in proclaiming sound doctrine, ensuring that those who shepherd the flock are adequately cared for.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy regarding the administration and order of the church in Ephesus. [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for Church Conduct") as a whole deals with various demographics within the church—older men and women, younger individuals, and widows—providing specific guidance on how they should be treated and supported. Paul transitions from discussing the care of genuine widows in [1 Timothy 5:3-16](/1_timothy/5-3-16 "1 Timothy 5:3-16 - Care for Widows") to the proper recognition and remuneration of elders, who hold positions of spiritual authority and responsibility. The principle articulated in [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders") is immediately reinforced by the subsequent verse, [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Support for Laborers"), which cites both Old Testament law and a saying of Jesus to underscore the right of those who labor to be paid.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, "honor" (Greek: _timē_) often carried the connotation of material compensation or public recognition, not merely abstract respect. Leaders, whether civic or religious, were typically supported by the community they served. For the early Christian church, which was often a counter-cultural movement, establishing clear guidelines for the support of its leaders was crucial for its stability and growth. Unlike pagan priests who often derived income from temple sacrifices, Christian leaders relied on the voluntary contributions of the community. This verse addresses the practical necessity of enabling elders to devote themselves fully to ministry without being burdened by the need to earn a living through secular means, a concept echoed in other apostolic instructions concerning financial support for those who preach the gospel.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders") contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Timothy](/1_timothy "1 Timothy - Pastoral Epistles") and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the **importance of sound leadership** within the church, highlighting the need for elders who "rule well" (effectively manage and shepherd). Secondly, it underscores the **value of diligent labor in the Word and doctrine**, positioning biblical teaching and preaching as central to the church's health and growth. Thirdly, it establishes the principle of **adequate financial support for those in full-time ministry**, linking "honor" directly to material provision, thereby ensuring that spiritual leaders can dedicate themselves to their calling without distraction. This theme of supporting those who minister is consistently taught throughout the New Testament, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 9:1-14](/1_corinthians/9-1-14 "1 Corinthians 9:1-14 - The Right of Apostles to Support") and [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Sharing with Teachers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** From a comparative form meaning "older," this term refers to mature, experienced individuals who hold positions of leadership and oversight in the early church. They are the spiritual leaders, often synonymous with overseers (_episkopos_) or pastors, responsible for shepherding the flock and maintaining doctrinal purity.
* **Rule (Greek, _proḯstēmi'_):** Meaning "to stand before," "to preside over," "to manage," or "to govern," this word implies effective administration, good stewardship, and spiritual guidance. It denotes an active, leading role in the church's affairs, encompassing both spiritual oversight and practical management.
* **Double (Greek, _diploûs'_):** Literally meaning "two-fold," this adjective modifies "honor" and strongly suggests a greater degree of something. In this context, it implies a significant or ample measure of honor, which, given the surrounding discussion, includes substantial financial remuneration in addition to respect and esteem.
* **Labour (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "fatigue," this verb signifies to toil, to work hard to the point of exhaustion, or to exert oneself strenuously. It highlights the intense effort, dedication, and weariness involved in the faithful and diligent teaching and preaching of God's Word.
* **Doctrine (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** From a word for "teacher," this noun refers to instruction, whether the act of teaching or the content of what is taught. In the New Testament, it consistently refers to sound Christian teaching, emphasizing the importance of accurate and authoritative biblical instruction for the spiritual health of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the elders that rule well":** This phrase identifies the primary subjects of Paul's instruction: those mature, experienced leaders within the church who effectively manage, guide, and shepherd the congregation. The emphasis is on the quality of their leadership – they must "rule well," implying competence, integrity, and spiritual efficacy in their oversight.
* **"be counted worthy of double honour":** This is the core directive regarding how such elders should be treated. "Honour" (_timē_) encompasses both profound respect and, crucially, financial remuneration. The adjective "double" signifies a generous or ample measure of this honor, indicating that their compensation should be substantial and reflective of the value of their work. This implies more than mere subsistence, but a provision that allows them to focus on their ministry.
* **"especially they who labour in the word and doctrine":** This clause specifies a particular group of elders who warrant even greater recognition and support. While all elders are expected to rule well, those who dedicate themselves to the arduous task of studying, teaching, and preaching God's Word ("the word and doctrine") are singled out for special emphasis. "Labour" (_kopiáō_) underscores the demanding, often exhausting, nature of this specific aspect of ministry, highlighting its critical importance for the spiritual nourishment and growth of the church.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Emphasis** through the use of the word "especially," drawing particular attention to the elders who are dedicated to teaching and preaching. This highlights Paul's prioritization of sound doctrine and the demanding nature of its proclamation. There is also a strong element of **Instruction** or **Exhortation**, as Paul directly commands how the church should treat its leaders, using prescriptive language ("Let...be counted worthy"). Furthermore, the concept of "double honour" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, not necessarily implying precisely twice the normal honor, but rather a significantly greater, ample, or generous amount of respect and financial support, underscoring the high value placed on their service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological principle that those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, particularly the proclamation and teaching of God's truth, are worthy of substantial support from the community they serve. It establishes a divine pattern for the church's responsibility to its leaders, ensuring that the vital work of ministry is not hindered by material concerns. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament concept that those who serve in the temple should live by the temple, and it is consistently upheld throughout the New Testament as a practical outworking of Christian stewardship and appreciation for spiritual gifts. The emphasis on "labouring in the word and doctrine" underscores the supreme importance of biblical literacy and theological grounding for the health and maturity of the church, recognizing that faithful teaching is foundational to spiritual growth and protection from error.

* [Deuteronomy 25:4](/deuteronomy/25-4 "Deuteronomy 25:4 - Do Not Muzzle the Ox")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - The Lord Ordained Support for Preachers")
* [Galatians 6:6](/galatians/6-6 "Galatians 6:6 - Share with Your Teacher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 5:17 serves as a profound reminder to believers of their ongoing responsibility to honor and support those who faithfully shepherd and teach them. It challenges us to move beyond mere passive respect to active, tangible appreciation for the demanding work of ministry. This includes not only verbal affirmation and prayer but also ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to "labouring in the word and doctrine" are freed from financial anxieties, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their calling. For church members, it's an invitation to generosity and discernment, recognizing the immense spiritual value provided by sound biblical teaching. For church leaders, it's a call to integrity and diligence in their "ruling well" and in their commitment to the Word, knowing that their faithful service is indeed worthy of this "double honour."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I currently honor and support the spiritual leaders in my church?**
* **How does my understanding of "double honour" influence my giving and my attitude towards those who "labour in the word and doctrine"?**
* **Am I truly valuing the diligent work involved in preparing and delivering sound biblical teaching, or do I take it for granted?**
* **What steps can my church take to better ensure that its elders, especially those who teach, are adequately supported?**

### FAQ

**What does "double honour" specifically mean in this verse?**

Answer: "Double honour" (Greek: _diploûs timē_) in [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders") refers to both a heightened degree of respect and, significantly, ample financial compensation. While "honor" certainly includes esteem and reverence, the context, particularly the subsequent verse [1 Timothy 5:18](/1_timothy/5-18 "1 Timothy 5:18 - Support for Laborers") which quotes Old Testament law about not muzzling an ox and the saying "The laborer is worthy of his wages," strongly indicates material provision. Therefore, "double honour" means that elders who rule well, and especially those who labor intensely in teaching and preaching, should receive a generous and substantial level of both respect and financial support from the church. This ensures they can dedicate themselves fully to their ministry without being burdened by the need to earn a living elsewhere.

**Does this verse imply that all elders should be paid?**

Answer: This verse suggests that elders who "rule well" should be counted worthy of "double honour," and it places special emphasis on those who "labour in the word and doctrine." While not every elder in every church context may be in a full-time, paid position, the principle here is that the church has a responsibility to adequately support those who dedicate significant time and effort to its spiritual leadership and, critically, to its teaching ministry. The emphasis is on the value of the work. For those elders whose primary calling and labor is in the word and doctrine, the expectation of financial support is clearly articulated, allowing them to devote themselves fully to this demanding task, as seen in the broader New Testament teaching on supporting those who preach the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:1-14](/1_corinthians/9-1-14 "1 Corinthians 9:1-14 - The Right of Apostles to Support")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders") directly addresses the church's responsibility to its human leaders, it ultimately points to Christ as the supreme example and the ultimate source of all true honor and spiritual provision. Jesus Himself, the Good Shepherd, "ruled well" by perfectly fulfilling the will of the Father and laying down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). He is the Word incarnate, the very embodiment of "the word and doctrine" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who "labored" to the point of exhaustion and death to accomplish our salvation ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - He Shall See the Labor of His Soul")). The principle of supporting those who minister the Word finds its highest justification in the fact that they are ambassadors for Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), proclaiming His gospel and building up His body. Thus, honoring and supporting these elders is, in essence, an act of honoring Christ Himself, who commissioned them and empowers their ministry, ensuring that His kingdom continues to advance through the faithful proclamation of His truth ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

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.

Cross-References

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.