1 Timothy 5:9

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

Let {G2639} not {G3361} a widow {G5503} be taken into the number {G2639} under {G1640} threescore {G1835} years old {G2094}, having been {G1096} the wife {G1135} of one {G1520} man {G435},

Let a widow be enrolled on the list of widows only if she is more than sixty years old, was faithful to her husband,

A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,

Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

1 Timothy 5:9 is part of Paul’s detailed instructions to Timothy regarding the proper care and administration of widows within the early church at Ephesus. This verse specifies two key qualifications for a widow to be formally supported or "taken into the number" – likely a register of widows who received regular financial aid and potentially served the church in specific ways.

Context

In 1 Timothy chapter 5, Paul lays out guidelines for how Timothy, as a young leader, should interact with different age groups and social categories within the church, including elders, younger men and women, and specifically widows. Paul emphasizes the church's responsibility to care for its needy members, especially genuine widows who are truly destitute (1 Timothy 5:3). However, he also provides discerning criteria to ensure that church resources are used wisely and that those supported truly meet the qualifications for such care. The "number" refers to a formal roll or register of widows who were deemed eligible for ongoing support and perhaps a specific role of prayer and service, as seen in the early church's practice of caring for widows in Acts 6:1.

Key Themes

  • Discerning Stewardship: Paul's instructions highlight the importance of careful stewardship of church funds. Resources were not to be disbursed indiscriminately but with wisdom and discernment to ensure genuine need and worthy character.
  • Character and Reputation: The qualifications emphasize the moral standing and life testimony of those receiving support. This was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the church and ensuring that those associated with its formal ministry or care were blameless.
  • Commitment and Stability: The age and marital history requirements suggest a desire for stability and a proven track record of faithfulness, indicating that the widow was unlikely to remarry or have other means of support, and was fully committed to the church.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "threescore years old" simply means sixty years old. This age likely signified a point where a woman was less likely to remarry and would typically have fewer familial obligations or means of support, making her truly dependent on the church.

The phrase "having been the wife of one man" is a translation of the Greek `henos andros gynē` (ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή). This is often debated, but most scholars interpret it similarly to the qualification for elders and deacons being "the husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). It generally implies a woman known for her marital fidelity and purity, having been faithful to one husband throughout her life, even if widowed. It speaks to a reputation of moral uprightness and commitment in marriage, rather than necessarily meaning she could never remarry after widowhood (which Paul addresses later in the chapter for younger widows).

Practical Application

While the specific cultural context of formal "widow rolls" may differ today, the underlying principles remain highly relevant for the church:

  • Compassionate Care with Wisdom: The church is called to care for the vulnerable, especially the elderly and genuinely needy, reflecting God's heart for the defenseless. However, this care should always be administered with wisdom, discernment, and good stewardship of resources.
  • Importance of Character: Those who receive significant support or serve in formal capacities within the church should ideally exhibit a life of faithfulness and good reputation. This honors God and protects the church's testimony.
  • Supporting the Truly Needy: The emphasis on age and marital history underscores the focus on supporting those whose need is genuine and long-term, rather than enabling dependency where self-sufficiency is possible.
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.
  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
  • 1 Timothy 5:11

    But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
  • Luke 2:36

    And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
  • 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 Corinthians 7:10

    ¶ And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:11

    But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to [her] husband: and let not the husband put away [his] wife.
  • 1 Timothy 5:3

    ¶ Honour widows that are widows indeed.

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