5:4 5:4

1 Timothy 5:5

5:6 5:6

Bible Versions

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
Now {G1161} she that is a widow {G5503} indeed {G3689}, and {G2532} desolate {G3443}, trusteth {G1679} in {G1909} God {G2316}, and {G2532} continueth {G4357} in supplications {G1162} and {G2532} prayers {G4335} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}.
Now the widow who is really in need, the one who has been left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.
The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

First Timothy 5:5 provides a specific description of the "widow indeed" whom the early church was called to support. Paul distinguishes between various types of widows, emphasizing that true spiritual widowhood is characterized by a profound dependence on God and continuous devotion to prayer, especially in her desolate circumstances.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the proper care and administration of the church, particularly concerning its responsibility towards its vulnerable members. Chapter 5 focuses on different age groups and social statuses, with a significant portion dedicated to widows. Paul outlines criteria for which widows should be officially enrolled and supported by the church (1 Timothy 5:3). The "widow indeed" is contrasted with younger widows who might be tempted to remarry or become idle, and with those who have family members able to support them (1 Timothy 5:16). This verse highlights the spiritual qualities that distinguish a truly needy and worthy widow.

Key Themes

  • True Widowhood and Desolation: The phrase "widow indeed" (Greek: chēra ontōs) signifies a woman who is genuinely without familial support and often in a state of isolation or vulnerability (Greek: memonoménē, "desolate"). Her circumstances drive her to a deeper reliance on God.
  • Trust in God: The core characteristic is her unwavering faith and hope placed in God. She doesn't rely on human institutions or family, but actively "trusteth in God" as her ultimate provider and protector. This trust is not passive but an active posture of hope and reliance.
  • Persistent Prayer and Supplication: Her trust in God manifests in a life of continuous prayer. The phrase "continueth in supplications and prayers night and day" emphasizes her consistent devotion and communication with God. This spiritual discipline is both a comfort in her solitude and a testament to her faith. It echoes the example of figures like Anna in the Gospels.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "widow indeed" translates the Greek chēra ontōs, emphasizing authenticity and genuineness. She is truly a widow in the sense of being without worldly support. The term "desolate" comes from memonoménē, meaning "left alone" or "isolated," underscoring her lack of human provision. Her "trusteth in God" is from ēlpiken epi ton theon, indicating an active hope placed *upon* God. The combination of "supplications and prayers" (deēsesin kai proseuchais) refers to specific requests made to God (supplications) alongside general worship and communion (prayers), highlighting a rich and varied prayer life that is maintained "night and day," signifying constant devotion and perseverance.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • For the Vulnerable: It provides a powerful example for anyone experiencing desolation, loneliness, or a lack of human support. It encourages placing ultimate trust in God, who is described elsewhere as a father of the fatherless and a judge of widows.
  • The Power of Prayer: The "widow indeed" serves as a model of persistent prayer, reminding us that constant communication with God is a vital response to life's challenges and a demonstration of faith (Romans 12:12). Her example mirrors the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18.
  • Church Responsibility: The verse implicitly calls the church to identify and genuinely care for those who are truly in need and demonstrating sincere faith and dependence on God. It emphasizes the spiritual character of those worthy of the church's special care.
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.

  • Luke 2:37

    And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

  • 1 Timothy 5:3

    ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32

    But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • 1 Timothy 5:16

    If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

  • Luke 18:1

    ¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

  • 1 Peter 3:5

    For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  • Psalms 91:4

    He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.
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