1 Timothy 5:5

KJV

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:5 meticulously describes the "widow indeed," a specific category of vulnerable women in the early church deemed worthy of official support. Paul portrays her as genuinely desolate and without human provision, a circumstance that profoundly deepens her reliance on God. Her distinguishing marks are an unwavering trust in the Almighty and a life characterized by continuous, fervent supplications and prayers, demonstrating a spiritual discipline that endures "night and day."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning the administration and internal order of the church in Ephesus. Chapter 5 specifically addresses the care of various demographics, with a significant portion dedicated to widows. Paul distinguishes between different types of widows, emphasizing that not all were eligible for the church's formal support. The "widow indeed" of [1 Timothy 5:5](/1_timothy/5-5 "1 Timothy 5:5 - The Widow Indeed") is contrasted with younger widows who might remarry or become idle ([1 Timothy 5:11-15](/1_timothy/5-11-15 "1 Timothy 5:11-15 - Younger Widows")) and with those who have family members capable of providing for them ([1 Timothy 5:16](/1_timothy/5-16 "1 Timothy 5:16 - Family Responsibility for Widows")). Paul's directives aim to ensure that church resources are wisely stewarded and directed towards those truly in need who also exhibit genuine spiritual character, as outlined in [1 Timothy 5:3](/1_timothy/5-3 "1 Timothy 5:3 - Honoring Widows").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, women, particularly widows, were highly vulnerable without the protection and provision of a male family member. Society offered few safety nets beyond the immediate family. Jewish tradition, rooted in the Old Testament, emphasized care for widows and orphans, often viewing it as a measure of a community's righteousness. The early Christian church, in its nascent stages, became a unique social structure that extended this care, often stepping in where traditional family support was absent or insufficient. This context highlights the profound desolation a widow could experience and the radical nature of the church's commitment to its most vulnerable members, provided they met certain criteria of genuine need and spiritual devotion.

* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes to several key themes within 1 Timothy and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **church's responsibility for the vulnerable**, particularly those who are truly without other means of support. Secondly, it highlights the **nature of authentic faith and dependence on God**, especially in times of profound desolation. The "widow indeed" serves as a model of someone whose circumstances drive her into deeper reliance on God rather than despair. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **spiritual discipline of persistent prayer** as a vital expression of trust and a source of strength. Her continuous "supplications and prayers night and day" echo the devotion of figures like the prophetess [Anna in the Gospel of Luke](/luke/2-37 "Luke 2:37 - Anna's Devotion"), who served God with fasting and prayer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **widow (Greek, _chḗra'_):** From G5503, denoting a woman who has lost her husband. In this context, it specifically refers to one who is truly without familial support, emphasizing a state of genuine lack and vulnerability.
* **desolate (Greek, _monóō'_):** From G3443, meaning to isolate or bereave. This word profoundly describes her state of being "left alone" or "bereft" of human provision and protection, underscoring her profound need and isolation.
* **trusteth (Greek, _elpízō'_):** From G1679, meaning to expect or confide; to hope. This verb signifies an active, unwavering hope and confidence placed *in* God, not merely a passive resignation but a dynamic reliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now she that is a widow indeed":** This phrase introduces the specific subject of Paul's instruction, defining a particular type of widow. The adverb "indeed" (Greek: _ontōs_) emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of her status, distinguishing her from others who might be called widows but do not meet the criteria for church support. She is truly a widow in the fullest sense of being without worldly provision.
* **"and desolate":** This clause further clarifies the condition of the "widow indeed." The Greek term for "desolate" (Greek: _memonoménē_) implies being left alone, isolated, or bereft of family or societal support. Her circumstances are such that she has no one else to rely on. This deep state of isolation is a key factor in her qualification for special church care.
* **"trusteth in God":** This is the core spiritual characteristic of the "widow indeed." Her desolation does not lead to despair but to an active, unwavering hope and confidence placed solely in God. Her trust is not in human institutions or family members, but in the divine, acknowledging God as her ultimate provider, protector, and comforter. This trust is the foundation of her spiritual life.
* **"and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day":** This final clause describes the practical manifestation of her trust in God. The "widow indeed" is characterized by a persistent and consistent life of prayer. "Supplications" (Greek: _deēseis_) refers to specific petitions or requests made to God, while "prayers" (Greek: _proseuchais_) encompasses more general worship and communion. The phrase "night and day" is a merism signifying unceasing, continuous devotion, demonstrating her deep spiritual discipline and reliance on God as her constant refuge and source of strength.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is implicitly used, as the "widow indeed" stands apart from other categories of widows discussed in the surrounding verses, highlighting her unique spiritual and material qualifications. The phrase "night and day" functions as a **merism**, where two opposing parts (night and day) are used to represent a complete whole (continuous, unceasing activity). This emphasizes the unwavering consistency of her prayer life. Furthermore, the "widow indeed" serves as a **type** or **embodiment** of genuine spiritual dependence and devotion, her life becoming a living example of profound trust in God amidst desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The "widow indeed" embodies a profound theological truth: true spiritual dependence blossoms most fully when human resources are exhausted. Her desolation, rather than leading to despair, becomes the crucible in which her unwavering trust in God is forged and demonstrated. This radical reliance on the Almighty aligns with God's character as the ultimate provider and protector, particularly for the vulnerable. Her consistent prayer life is not merely a coping mechanism but a vibrant expression of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and accessibility. This example challenges believers to cultivate a similar posture of complete reliance on God, especially when facing life's inevitable seasons of desolation or lack, recognizing that our greatest strength is often found in our utter dependence on Him.

* [Psalm 68:5](/psalm/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless and Defender of Widows")
* [Luke 18:1](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1 - Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Romans 12:12](/romans/12-12 "Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in Hope, Patient in Tribulation, Continuing Steadfastly in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The portrait of the "widow indeed" in 1 Timothy 5:5 offers timeless lessons for all believers, extending far beyond the specific demographic of widows. Her defining characteristics—genuine desolation, unwavering trust in God, and persistent prayer—provide a powerful model for navigating life's challenges. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and material security, this verse calls us to a radical dependence on God, especially when our human support systems fail or our circumstances leave us feeling isolated. It reminds us that periods of desolation can be divine invitations to deepen our trust in the One who truly sees and provides. Her continuous "supplications and prayers night and day" underscore the transformative power of a consistent prayer life, urging us to cultivate an ongoing dialogue with God, not just in moments of crisis, but as a daily posture of faith and communion. For the church, this passage serves as a vital reminder to discern and genuinely care for those among us who are truly in need, both materially and spiritually, recognizing that their profound dependence on God is a testament to His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my personal circumstances, particularly those of perceived lack or desolation, drive me to a deeper and more profound trust in God?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more consistent and persistent prayer life, mirroring the "night and day" devotion of the "widow indeed"?**
* **How can my local church community better identify and support those among us who are genuinely "desolate" and demonstrating sincere faith and reliance on God?**

### FAQ
**What does "widow indeed" mean, and why is it important in this passage?**

Answer: The term "widow indeed" (Greek: _chḗra ontōs_) in [1 Timothy 5:5](/1_timothy/5-5 "1 Timothy 5:5 - The Widow Indeed") refers to a specific category of widows whom the early church was to officially support. It signifies a woman who is genuinely without any other means of human or familial support, truly "desolate" (_memonoménē_). Paul distinguishes this type of widow from younger widows who might remarry ([1 Timothy 5:11](/1_timothy/5-11 "1 Timothy 5:11 - Younger Widows")) or those who have family members capable of caring for them ([1 Timothy 5:16](/1_timothy/5-16 "1 Timothy 5:16 - Family Responsibility for Widows")). The importance lies in both her material need and, crucially, her spiritual character: she "trusteth in God" and "continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." This combination of genuine desolation and profound spiritual devotion made her a prime candidate for the church's special care, ensuring that resources were directed towards those who were truly dependent on God and lacked other provisions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound dependence of the "widow indeed" on God, manifested in her unwavering trust and ceaseless prayer, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect expression in Jesus Christ. While she trusts in God, the New Covenant reveals that this God is fully embodied in Jesus, the Son. Her desolation, driving her to divine reliance, foreshadows the believer's complete dependence on Christ for salvation, sustenance, and comfort. Just as she "continueth in supplications and prayers night and day," so too did Christ model a life of constant communion with the Father, often withdrawing to pray for extended periods ([Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")). He is the ultimate answer to the desolate heart, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")). Furthermore, the church's compassionate care for the "widow indeed" is a direct outworking of Christ's own heart for the vulnerable, reflecting His ministry of compassion and justice ([Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - The Appointment of the Seven")). In Christ, the abstract "trust in God" becomes a personal, relational faith in the living Lord who is both our High Priest interceding for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")) and the very source of our hope and strength ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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

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.