1 Timothy 5:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

1 Timothy 5:4 provides crucial guidance on the responsibility of family members towards their aging or needy relatives, particularly widows, before the church steps in to provide support. This verse highlights the foundational importance of familial piety and duty in the early Christian community.

Context

In 1 Timothy Chapter 5, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy, his protégé and leader of the church in Ephesus, on various aspects of church order, conduct, and the care of different groups within the congregation. A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to the proper way of caring for widows. Paul outlines specific criteria for who should be officially enrolled as a "widow indeed" for church support. Verse 4 establishes the primary principle that family members, namely children and grandchildren, bear the initial responsibility for their widowed relatives, emphasizing that this domestic duty is paramount.

Key Themes

  • Filial Responsibility: The verse places a strong emphasis on children and grandchildren fulfilling their duty to care for their parents and grandparents. This responsibility is not merely a cultural expectation but a divine command.
  • Order of Care: It establishes a clear hierarchy of care: the family is the first line of support. Only when family support is genuinely absent or insufficient should the church assume responsibility for a widow's material needs. This principle helps prevent the church from being unduly burdened and reinforces the importance of family bonds.
  • Practical Piety: "Piety at home" refers to practical, everyday expressions of faith and reverence, particularly towards one's elders. It signifies that true godliness is not just about spiritual devotion but also manifests in tangible acts of love and care within the family unit.
  • Divine Approval: The phrase "for that is good and acceptable before God" underscores the spiritual significance of this familial duty. Fulfilling one's obligation to care for parents and grandparents is an act that is pleasing in God's sight, reflecting His character and commands.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "nephews" in this verse (Greek: ekgona) is better understood in its original context as "grandchildren" or "descendants." This broadens the scope of familial responsibility beyond immediate children to include the next generation, highlighting a multi-generational duty of care. The term "piety" (Greek: eusebeo) here 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 by honoring parents and giving back for their upbringing.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our first sphere of Christian service often begins within our own homes. Believers are called to prioritize the care and respect for their aging or needy family members, especially parents and grandparents. This includes practical support, emotional care, and showing due reverence for those who raised them. It challenges us to ensure that our faith is not merely theoretical but is demonstrated through tangible acts of love and responsibility towards our own kin. Furthermore, it provides a guideline for churches to evaluate needs wisely, encouraging families to step up first, thereby strengthening both family units and the church community in its compassionate outreach to those truly in need, which is good and acceptable before God.

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.

  • 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.
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