1 Timothy 5:4

KJV

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} if any {G1536} widow {G5503} have {G2192} children {G5043} or {G2228} nephews {G1549}, let them learn {G3129} first {G4412} to shew piety {G2151} at home {G2398}{G3624}, and {G2532} to requite {G287}{G591} their parents {G4269}: for {G1063} that {G5124} is {G2076} good {G2570} and {G2532} acceptable {G587} before {G1799} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, first let them learn to do their religious duty to their own family and thus repay some of the debt they owe their forebears, for this is what is acceptable in the sight of God.

Berean Standard Bible

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

American Standard Version

But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:4 provides foundational instruction for the early church regarding the care of widows, establishing the principle that children and grandchildren bear the primary responsibility for supporting their aging and needy family members. This verse underscores that demonstrating practical piety and repaying one's parents is not merely a social obligation but an act that is inherently good and pleasing in the sight of God, thereby setting the familial unit as the first line of care before church intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse in [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions on Church Conduct and Care for Widows") where the Apostle Paul provides detailed instructions to Timothy concerning various groups within the Ephesian church. Chapters 4 and 5 transition from warnings against false teachers to practical matters of church order and conduct. Specifically, [1 Timothy 5:3-16](/1_timothy/5-3-16 "1 Timothy 5:3-16 - Guidelines for Widows") focuses on the proper care for widows, distinguishing between those who are truly destitute and worthy of church support ("widows indeed") and those who have family who should care for them. Verse 4 serves as the initial criterion, establishing the family's obligation before the church assumes responsibility, thereby preventing the church from being overburdened and reinforcing the sanctity of family duties.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, as well as in Jewish tradition, the care of elderly parents and vulnerable family members was a deeply ingrained cultural and moral obligation. While there were societal safety nets, the primary responsibility for the aged and infirm typically fell to the family. Widows, especially those without adult sons, were particularly vulnerable, often facing destitution. The early Christian community, characterized by its communal care and charity, would naturally attract such vulnerable individuals. Paul's instructions here are not merely reiterating cultural norms but are sanctifying them with divine authority, ensuring that Christian charity begins at home and that the church's resources are wisely stewarded for those truly without other means of support. This also reflects the broader Old Testament emphasis on honoring parents found in passages like [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment").

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [1 Timothy](/1_timothy "The First Letter of Paul to Timothy"). Foremost is **Filial Responsibility and Practical Piety**, emphasizing that true godliness ("piety") is not just spiritual devotion but also manifests in tangible acts of care and respect towards one's family, particularly parents and grandparents. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of honoring parents, a theme echoed in [Ephesians 6:2-3](/ephesians/6-2-3 "Ephesians 6:2-3 - Honor Your Father and Mother"). Another theme is **Wise Stewardship of Church Resources**, as Paul delineates who should receive support, ensuring the church's benevolence is directed towards those genuinely in need, preventing abuse or unnecessary burdens. This also reinforces the theme of **Order and Good Conduct** within the church, where family units are seen as foundational to the larger spiritual body, and their proper functioning is pleasing to God, as stated in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nephews (Greek, _ékgonon_):** This term, often translated as "nephews" in the KJV, more accurately means "descendant" or "grandchild." Its use here broadens the scope of familial responsibility beyond immediate children to include the next generation, highlighting a multi-generational duty of care for aging relatives.
* **show piety (Greek, _eusebéō_):** Derived from a word meaning "to be pious," this term extends beyond mere religious devotion to encompass respectful and dutiful conduct within the household, particularly towards parents. It signifies a life lived in accordance with God's will, demonstrating practical godliness through tangible acts of love, care, and reverence towards one's elders.
* **to requite (Greek, _apodídōmi_):** This verb means "to give back," "repay," or "render." In this context, it emphasizes the idea of children and grandchildren compensating their parents for the care, upbringing, and sacrifices made on their behalf. It implies a reciprocal duty, a repayment of the debt of gratitude and nurture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if any widow have children or nephews":** This clause sets the condition for the subsequent instruction. It identifies a specific category of widows—those who have living descendants, whether children or grandchildren (as "nephews" is understood as "descendants" or "grandchildren"). This immediately implies that the family unit is the first line of support.
* **"let them learn first to shew piety at home":** This is a direct command to these descendants. "First" indicates priority, meaning their duty to their widowed relative precedes any church intervention. "To shew piety at home" signifies demonstrating practical godliness and reverence within their own household, specifically towards their aging kin. This "piety" is not just spiritual but involves active, tangible care and respect.
* **"and to requite their parents":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of the "piety." It's about "repaying" or "giving back" to their parents (or grandparents) for the care and nurture they received. This highlights a reciprocal obligation, a debt of gratitude expressed through practical support and honor.
* **"for that is good and acceptable before God.":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and validation for the command. Fulfilling this familial duty is not merely a social convention but an action that aligns with God's will, is morally "good," and receives His divine approval and pleasure. It elevates filial responsibility to a spiritual act.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a **Didactic Tone** throughout this passage, providing clear, direct instructions as a teacher to a student (Timothy) and, by extension, to the church. The language is **Prescriptive**, outlining specific actions and responsibilities ("let them learn," "to shew piety," "to requite"). The phrase "for that is good and acceptable before God" functions as a form of **Divine Sanction**, lending ultimate authority and motivation to the command by grounding it in God's approval. This also serves as a **Rhetorical Appeal** to the believers' desire to please God, elevating a seemingly mundane familial duty to a spiritual act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply intertwines practical ethics with profound theology, asserting that true godliness extends beyond spiritual devotion into the sphere of familial responsibility. It reflects a biblical worldview where the family is the foundational unit of society and the primary arena for demonstrating faith. By prioritizing filial care, Paul affirms the enduring significance of the Fifth Commandment ("Honor your father and your mother") within the New Covenant, showing that the principles of respect, gratitude, and provision for one's parents are timeless expressions of faith. This also speaks to the nature of Christian love, which is not merely abstract but concrete and active, beginning with those closest to us. The divine approval ("good and acceptable before God") elevates this duty from a cultural norm to a spiritual imperative, underscoring that our actions within the family are seen and valued by God.

* [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")
* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1-3 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, Obey Your Parents")
* [Mark 7:9-13](/mark/7-9-13 "Mark 7:9-13 - Jesus Condemns Corban Tradition")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 5:4 serves as a potent reminder that our Christian walk is not confined to church buildings or formal ministry but deeply impacts our domestic lives. It challenges believers to examine their relationships with their aging parents and grandparents, urging them to prioritize practical care, emotional support, and respectful honor. This "piety at home" is a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrating that our love for God is reflected in how we treat those He has placed in our immediate family. In a world where elderly care is often outsourced or neglected, this verse calls us back to a biblical standard of familial responsibility, reminding us that providing for our own is a divine mandate that brings honor to God. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and reciprocity, recognizing the sacrifices made by previous generations and seeking to "requite" them with love and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "show piety at home" to my parents or elderly relatives today?**
* **How does my current approach to family care align with or diverge from the principle of "requiting" my parents?**
* **What might it look like for my family to proactively plan for the care of aging members, embodying this biblical principle?**

### FAQ

**What does "nephews" mean in this verse, and why is it important?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "nephews" is a translation of the Greek word `ékgonon` (G1549), which more accurately means "descendants" or "grandchildren." This is important because it broadens the scope of familial responsibility beyond just immediate children to include the next generation. Paul's instruction here emphasizes that if a widow has *any* living descendants—children or grandchildren—they are the primary ones responsible for her care, not the church. This multi-generational obligation underscores the enduring nature of family duty in God's design, as seen in passages like [Psalm 78:5-7](/psalm/78-5-7 "Psalm 78:5-7 - Teaching the Next Generation").

**Why is family responsibility emphasized before church support?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes family responsibility first for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it upholds the divine order and sanctity of the family unit, which is the foundational institution for care and nurture. Secondly, it prevents the church from being unduly burdened or its resources depleted by those who have alternative means of support. This ensures that the church's charity can be directed towards those who are "widows indeed"—truly destitute and without family. Thirdly, it reinforces the principle that true godliness ("piety") is not just about public worship but also about demonstrating love and duty within one's own household, making faith practical and visible, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 15:4-6](/matthew/15-4-6 "Matthew 15:4-6 - Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees for Neglecting Parents").

**How does "good and acceptable before God" relate to this family duty?**

Answer: The phrase "good and acceptable before God" elevates this familial duty from a mere cultural expectation to a spiritual act that pleases the Lord. It signifies that fulfilling one's obligation to care for parents and grandparents is not just morally right but is also a form of worship and obedience that God approves. This divine endorsement provides strong motivation for believers to prioritize this responsibility, understanding that their actions in the home have eternal significance and are seen and valued by God, much like any act of obedience described in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 5:4 directly addresses the practical care of widows by their families, its underlying principle of filial piety and selfless service finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, though God, willingly took on human form and lived a life of perfect obedience and service, not only to His heavenly Father but also to His earthly parents. Even from the cross, in His dying moments, Jesus demonstrated ultimate filial care by entrusting His mother, Mary, to the care of His beloved disciple John, saying, "[Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Entrusts Mary to John")" This profound act underscores the enduring importance of family provision, even in the midst of His cosmic mission. Furthermore, Christ's entire life was an act of "requiting" humanity, repaying the debt of sin we could not pay, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His example calls believers to a life of self-giving love, beginning within their own families, mirroring the sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated for His church ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, Love Your Wives")). Thus, our "piety at home" becomes a reflection of the greater piety of Christ, who perfectly honored His Father and sacrificially served His family, the church.

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

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

John 19:27

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own [home].

Genesis 47:12

And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to [their] families.