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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
Nine Centuries of Reception
9 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.
"Honour widows that are widows indeed." Be the friend of orphans; for God is "the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge of the widows." Do nothing without the bishops; for they are priests, and thou a servant of the priests. They baptize, offer sacrifice, ordain, and lay on hands; but thou ministerest to them, as the holy Stephen did at Jerusalem to James and the presbyters. Do not neglect the sacred meetings [of the saints]; inquire after every one by name. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, both in word and conduct."
Further, if we set down in order the higher and happier grades of bodily patience, (we find that)it is she who is entrusted by holiness with the care of continence of the flesh: she keeps the widow, and sets on the virgin the seal and raises the self-made eunuch to the realms of heaven.
In the first Epistle of Paul to Timothy: "Honour widows which are truly widows. But the widow that is wanton, is dead while she liveth."
So, then, a widow is not only marked off by bodily abstinence but is distinguished by virtue. It is not I who give this command but the apostle. I am not the only person to do them honor, but the teacher of the Gentiles did so first, when he said, “Honor widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow has children or nephews, let her first learn to govern her own house and to take care of her parents.” Thus we encourage every inclination of affection in a widow to love her children and to do her duty to her parents. So when discharging her duty to her parents she is teaching her children and is rewarded herself by her own compliance with duty, in that what she performs for others benefits herself.
"Honor widows, that are widows indeed." Why does he say nothing of virginity, nor command us to honor virgins? Perhaps there were not yet any professing that state, or they might have fallen from it. "For some," he says, "are already turned aside after Satan." For a woman may have lost her husband, and yet not be truly a widow. As in order to be a virgin, it is not enough to be a stranger to marriage, but many other things are necessary, as blamelessness and perseverance; so the loss of a husband does not constitute a widow, but patience, with chastity and separation from all men. Such widows he justly bids us honor, or rather support. For they need support, being left desolate, and having no husband to stand up for them. Their state appears to the multitude despicable and inauspicious. Therefore he wishes them to receive the greater honor from the Priest, and the more so, because they are worthy of it.
[Paul] is training a church still untaught in Christ and making provision for people of all stations but especially for the poor, the charge of whom has been committed to himself and Barnabas. Thus he wishes only those to be supported by the exertions of the church who cannot labor with their own hands and who are widows indeed, approved by their years and by their lives.
Paul’s intention is precisely not to give honor to women who have given only a promise of widowhood but rather to give honor to those who have clearly fulfilled the promise by their action.
Those faithful widows who have no other support must have churchly assistance.
Honor widows who are truly widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to manage their own household properly and to repay their elders. For this is acceptable in the sight of God.
Why does Paul say nothing about virgins? Perhaps they were not in their prime. And who is the truly widowed woman, he goes on to say. He ordered that she herself be honored, because they have no husbands nor children, and the matter seems to be a curse for many. Therefore, he says, she should enjoy much honor from the priest, as if restoring the reproaches from others. Or Paul calls the honor the condition of necessities.
if any widow has children. These are not truly widows. For truly they are those who are isolated on all sides.
— [OECUMENIUS] to manage their own household properly. That is, to arrange well. [end of the excerpt by Oecumenius] —
and to repay their elders. See the wisdom of the blessed Paul. Often he also urges from human reasoning. For he says, since those before you were not able to give back the recompenses (for they died), through the descendants of those, your children, you should repay them the favors which you owed to those.
— And furthermore. That children and grandchildren should first learn to revere their own household; that is, that children and grandchildren should learn to honor their own mother and to nourish and treat her well. For this is what it means to revere. And also the ancestors, that is, the grandmother. Add also to the account that this is acceptable to God.
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Summary
First Timothy 5:3, "Honour widows that are widows indeed," serves as a foundational directive from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, outlining a crucial aspect of the early church's compassionate care and responsible stewardship. This verse introduces a section dedicated to the church's obligation to support its most vulnerable members, particularly those women who are genuinely destitute and without familial support, emphasizing that such "honour" involves tangible provision and discerning aid.
Context
Literary Context
This verse initiates a significant section within 1 Timothy 5 where Paul provides specific guidelines for church leadership and community care. Having addressed general pastoral duties and the qualifications for overseers and deacons in previous chapters, Paul now turns his attention to the practical administration of the church's resources and responsibilities toward various groups. Specifically, 1 Timothy 5:3-16 offers detailed instructions concerning widows, distinguishing between those who qualify for church support ("widows indeed") and those who should be cared for by their families or are able to remarry. This careful delineation underscores the importance of both compassion and wise stewardship within the burgeoning Christian community.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish society, widows were often among the most vulnerable and marginalized members. Without a husband, who typically served as the primary provider and protector, a widow could face severe economic hardship, social ostracism, and a lack of legal standing. There were no state-sponsored social safety nets, making familial support or community charity essential for survival. The early Christian church, following the example of the Old Testament's emphasis on caring for the fatherless and the widow (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18), quickly became a vital source of support for these vulnerable individuals. The historical precedent of caring for widows is evident from the earliest days of the church, as seen in Acts 6:1-6.
Key Themes
The instruction in 1 Timothy 5:3 contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's pastoral epistles. Firstly, it highlights the theme of compassionate care for the vulnerable, a hallmark of genuine Christian faith and practice, echoing the call in James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows. Secondly, it emphasizes discernment and wise stewardship of church resources. The qualification "widows indeed" is crucial, indicating that not all widows were to receive ongoing financial support from the church, but only those who were truly destitute, without family, and living a life of godly devotion. This theme is further developed in subsequent verses of 1 Timothy 5. Finally, the concept of "honour" as provision is central. The Greek word implies more than mere respect; it denotes active material support, aligning with other biblical injunctions to honor parents or elders through tangible provision (e.g., Matthew 15:6).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb means "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere." In this context, "honour" extends beyond mere respect or reverence to encompass active, tangible provision and material support. It signifies valuing someone highly enough to meet their essential needs, often financially or through practical care.
This feminine noun refers to "a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively." It denotes a woman who has lost her husband and is therefore often in a vulnerable social and economic position. The repetition of this term in the verse, coupled with the qualifier, underscores the specific group being addressed.
This adverb means "really:--certainly, clean, indeed, of a truth, verily." When paired with "widows," it serves as a critical qualifier, distinguishing those who are truly desolate and dependent from those who might have other means of support or family to care for them. It signifies a genuine, verifiable state of need.
Verse Breakdown
"Honour widows"
This is an imperative command, instructing the church (through Timothy) to actively provide for and value women who have lost their husbands. The "honour" here is not merely a sentiment but a practical demonstration of care, involving material provision such as food, shelter, and financial assistance. It reflects the community's responsibility to uphold the dignity and well-being of its most vulnerable members.
"that are widows indeed"
This crucial qualifying phrase specifies which widows are to receive this particular form of church support. It refers to those who are genuinely desolate, without any family (children or grandchildren) to care for them, and who are truly dependent on the church for their sustenance. This distinction emphasizes the need for discernment in the distribution of church resources, ensuring that aid is directed to those in verifiable, profound need, and that family responsibilities are upheld first.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Repetition ("widows that are widows indeed") to emphasize the specific category of individuals Paul is addressing, highlighting the importance of discernment. This repetition serves as a Qualifier, narrowing the focus from all widows to a select group meeting specific criteria for church support. The use of the Imperative Mood ("Honour") underscores the command's authoritative and obligatory nature, presenting the care for these widows not as an option but as a divine mandate for the Christian community. Furthermore, the word "honour" functions as a form of Metonymy or Synecdoche, where the concept of respect and high regard stands for the tangible actions of material provision and support that flow from such esteem.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This directive in 1 Timothy 5:3 deeply reflects God's character and the nature of His covenant people. Throughout Scripture, God consistently identifies Himself as the defender and provider for the vulnerable, especially the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner. This divine concern is mirrored in the church's mandate to care for those who are marginalized and without recourse, demonstrating that true faith is active and compassionate. The church, as God's household, is called to embody His justice and mercy, ensuring that no member of the community is left in destitution. This instruction also highlights the principle of wise stewardship, balancing boundless compassion with responsible management of communal resources, ensuring that generosity is both heartfelt and strategic.
Reflection and Application
The timeless instruction to "honour widows that are widows indeed" calls the contemporary church to a profound reflection on its commitment to compassionate care and responsible stewardship. It challenges believers to actively identify and support the truly vulnerable within their communities, extending beyond just widows to include any who are genuinely destitute, marginalized, and without a safety net. This requires not only a heart of compassion but also a spirit of discernment, ensuring that resources are directed to those in authentic need while upholding the biblical principle of familial responsibility. For individuals, it prompts us to consider how we can personally contribute to the welfare of the needy, whether through direct financial support, practical assistance, or advocating for the vulnerable. For churches, it serves as a reminder to establish clear, compassionate, and wise policies for benevolence, balancing the call to radical generosity with the imperative to be good stewards of God's provision.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "honour" mean in the context of 1 Timothy 5:3?
In 1 Timothy 5:3, the word "honour" (Greek: timáō) means much more than just showing respect or reverence. While respect is certainly implied, the primary sense here is that of providing tangible, material support. It signifies valuing someone highly enough to meet their essential needs, such as food, shelter, and financial assistance. This understanding aligns with other biblical uses of "honour," such as Matthew 15:6, where "honouring" parents involves providing for them, especially in their old age. For widows, this meant ensuring their basic survival and dignity in a society where they often lacked support.
Who are the "widows indeed" that Paul refers to?
The phrase "widows indeed" (Greek: óntōs chḗra) refers to a specific category of widows who were truly desolate, without any family members (children or grandchildren) able or willing to support them, and who were entirely dependent on the church for their sustenance. Paul elaborates on this in the subsequent verses of 1 Timothy 5, describing them as older women (at least sixty years old, 1 Timothy 5:9), who had lived a life of godly devotion, prayer, and good works (1 Timothy 5:5). This distinction was crucial for the early church to wisely steward its resources and ensure that aid was directed to those in genuine, verifiable need, rather than those who had other means of support or who could remarry.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The instruction to "honour widows that are widows indeed" finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord consistently demonstrated profound compassion for the marginalized and vulnerable, embodying the very heart of God who is a "father to the fatherless and protector of widows" (Psalm 68:5). Jesus' ministry was marked by His active care for the poor, the sick, and those on the fringes of society, as seen in His healing of countless individuals and His teaching on radical generosity (e.g., Matthew 25:34-40). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to continue this ministry, becoming His hands and feet in the world. By honoring and providing for "widows indeed," believers participate in Christ's ongoing work of compassion, reflecting His sacrificial love and demonstrating the tangible reality of the Kingdom of God. This act of care is not merely social work but a spiritual act of worship, an extension of the very character of Christ who gave Himself for the needy, ultimately fulfilling the law's demands for justice and mercy through grace.