1 Timothy 5:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:9 provides specific criteria for widows to be formally enrolled for church support, stipulating that only those at least sixty years old and with a proven history of marital fidelity—"having been the wife of one man"—should be admitted to this special register. This verse is part of Paul's broader instructions to Timothy on the proper administration of church affairs, emphasizing both compassionate care for the truly needy and wise stewardship of communal resources, ensuring that those supported embody a blameless character and genuine dependence on the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's detailed instructions to Timothy, his protégé in Ephesus, regarding the pastoral care and administration of the church. Chapter 5 specifically addresses how Timothy should relate to different demographics within the congregation, including elders, younger men and women, and, most extensively, widows. Paul begins by urging honor for "widows who are truly widows" ([1 Timothy 5:3](/1_timothy/5-3 "1 Timothy 5:3 - Honoring True Widows")), distinguishing them from those who have family to support them or who are younger and might remarry. The criteria in [1 Timothy 5:9-10](/1_timothy/5-9-10 "1 Timothy 5:9-10 - Qualifications for Enrolled Widows") serve to define who qualifies for formal, ongoing church support, setting a high bar for character and demonstrated faithfulness, which is then contrasted with warnings against younger widows who might become idle or gossips ([1 Timothy 5:11-15](/1_timothy/5-11-15 "1 Timothy 5:11-15 - Warnings for Younger Widows")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, widows were often among the most vulnerable members of society, particularly if they had no family to support them. Unlike men, women typically had limited means of earning a living, and their social standing was largely tied to their male relatives. The early Christian church, following the example of Jewish tradition and Jesus's own compassion, placed a high priority on caring for the poor and marginalized, especially widows and orphans ([James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion")). The concept of a "widows' roll" or "number" likely refers to a formal register of women who received regular financial assistance from the church and possibly served in specific capacities, such as prayer or practical service, similar to the early church's deaconesses or those mentioned in [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - The Appointment of Deacons"). The age of sixty would have been considered advanced, signifying a stage of life where remarriage was less likely and financial independence often diminished.
* **Key Themes:** The instructions in [1 Timothy 5](/1_timothy/5 "1 Timothy 5 - Instructions for Church Conduct") contribute to several key themes within the letter and broader Pauline corpus. One prominent theme is **Discerning Stewardship**, highlighting the church's responsibility to manage its resources wisely and ensure that aid is directed to those genuinely in need and deserving of support, rather than being disbursed indiscriminately. Another is **Character and Reputation**, as the qualifications for enrolled widows, much like those for overseers and deacons ([1 Timothy 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Leaders")), emphasize a blameless life, moral integrity, and a proven track record of faithfulness. This ensures the integrity of the church's witness and ministry. Finally, the theme of **Order and Administration** is evident, as Paul provides practical guidelines for the organized and effective functioning of the church, ensuring that its compassionate mission is carried out with wisdom and structure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **widow (Greek, _chḗra_):** This feminine noun refers to a woman who has lost her husband through death. In the context of the early church, it specifically denotes a woman who is not only without a husband but also often without other means of support, making her dependent on the community. Paul's detailed instructions in 1 Timothy 5 aim to distinguish between "true widows" who are genuinely destitute and faithful, and those who might be younger, have family support, or whose lifestyle does not align with the church's standards for formal care.
* **taken into the number (Greek, _katalégō_):** Derived from _kata_ (down) and _legō_ (to lay, to choose, to count), this verb literally means "to lay down" or "to enroll." In this context, it signifies being formally registered or placed on a list for official church support and potentially a specific ministry role. This implies a formal, administrative process within the early church, distinguishing those who received regular aid from the general body of believers, and underscoring the structured nature of their care for the vulnerable.
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ_):** While literally meaning "woman," in this context, it specifically refers to a "wife." The phrase "having been the wife of one man" (Greek: _henos andros gynē_) is a crucial qualification. Similar to the requirement for elders and deacons to be "the husband of one wife" ([1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers"); [Titus 1:6](/titus/1-6 "Titus 1:6 - Qualifications for Elders")), this phrase emphasizes a life characterized by marital fidelity and purity. For a widow, it signifies a woman whose entire married life was marked by faithfulness to a single husband, demonstrating a steadfast and morally upright character, rather than necessarily prohibiting remarriage after widowhood (which Paul addresses for younger widows later in the chapter).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not a widow be taken into the number":** This opening clause sets a clear directive, indicating a prohibition or restriction on who can be formally enrolled for church support. The phrase "taken into the number" implies a formal register or list, signifying a specific group of widows who would receive ongoing care and perhaps engage in particular ministries, such as prayer or service. The "not" (Greek: _mē_) implies a qualified negation, suggesting that this is a matter of wise discernment rather than an absolute rule against all widows.
* **"under threescore years old":** This specifies the first qualification: the widow must be at least sixty years old. "Threescore" is an archaic term for sixty. This age requirement likely served several practical purposes: it indicated that the woman was past childbearing years, less likely to remarry, and typically beyond the age of active employment, thus ensuring genuine need and long-term dependence on the church rather than potential for self-sufficiency or new family obligations.
* **"having been the wife of one man":** This is the second, and perhaps most debated, qualification. It speaks to the widow's marital history and character. Interpreted similarly to the parallel phrase for male church leaders, it most likely refers to a woman known for her singular devotion and fidelity to one husband throughout her life. This implies a reputation for moral uprightness, sexual purity, and steadfast commitment within marriage, which was crucial for those formally supported by or serving the church, ensuring their life testimony was above reproach.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's instruction in [1 Timothy 5:9](/1_timothy/5-9 "1 Timothy 5:9 - Qualifications for Enrolled Widows") primarily employs **Prescriptive Language**, issuing direct commands and qualifications for church administration. The phrase "Let not a widow be taken into the number" is a clear imperative, characteristic of Paul's practical guidance to Timothy. There is also an element of **Administrative Language** or **Legal Language**, as Paul outlines specific criteria for inclusion on a formal "roll" or "number," akin to a register. This structured approach highlights the early church's developing organizational framework. The qualifications themselves, particularly "having been the wife of one man," serve as a form of **Character Qualification**, emphasizing the moral and relational integrity expected of those who would represent the church and receive its formal support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The criteria for enrolling widows in [1 Timothy 5:9](/1_timothy/5-9 "1 Timothy 5:9 - Qualifications for Enrolled Widows") underscore the church's dual commitment to compassionate care and responsible stewardship. Theologically, it reflects God's heart for the vulnerable, as seen throughout Scripture, while also emphasizing the importance of discernment in ministry. The church, as God's household, is called to reflect His character in its care for the needy, but also to maintain integrity and order in its practices. The qualifications ensure that resources are directed towards those who genuinely embody the values of faithfulness and dependence, preventing abuse or misdirection of charitable efforts and upholding the church's witness in the community.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "God's Love for the Vulnerable")
* [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "God, Defender of Widows")
* [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Care for Widows in the Early Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 5:9, while culturally specific in its "widows' roll," offers timeless principles for the church's ministry of care. It challenges us to balance our heartfelt compassion for the vulnerable with wise and discerning stewardship of resources. How do we ensure that our acts of charity are not only generous but also effective, fostering true need rather than enabling dependency? This verse prompts us to consider the character and life testimony of those we support or empower in ministry, recognizing that integrity reflects on the entire body of Christ. It calls us to cultivate a culture where faithfulness and blamelessness are valued, not as prerequisites for God's love, but as essential for effective witness and responsible leadership within the church. Ultimately, it encourages us to emulate God's own care for the marginalized, doing so with both profound love and practical wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our church balance the biblical call to care for the needy with the principle of wise stewardship of resources?**
* **In what ways can the "character and reputation" of those receiving church support or serving in ministry be affirmed or evaluated today?**
* **What modern equivalents exist for the "widows' roll," and how can we apply the discernment principles of 1 Timothy 5:9 to these contexts?**

### FAQ
**What does "taken into the number" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Taken into the number" (Greek: _katalégō_) refers to being formally enrolled or placed on a specific register or list within the early church. This list was likely for widows who would receive ongoing financial support from the church and potentially served in a recognized capacity, such as a ministry of prayer or service. It signifies a formal, administrative recognition of their status and need, distinguishing them from other widows who might have familial support or different circumstances. It implies a structured system for allocating church resources and recognizing certain members for specific roles.

**What does "having been the wife of one man" mean for a widow?**

Answer: This phrase (Greek: _henos andros gynē_) is a moral and character qualification, similar to the requirement for male church leaders to be "the husband of one wife" ([1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers"); [Titus 1:6](/titus/1-6 "Titus 1:6 - Qualifications for Elders")). For a widow, it means she has lived a life of singular marital fidelity, having been devoted to one husband throughout her married life. It emphasizes a reputation for sexual purity, faithfulness, and moral uprightness in her marital history. It does not necessarily prohibit remarriage after widowhood, as Paul later advises younger widows to remarry ([1 Timothy 5:14](/1_timothy/5-14 "1 Timothy 5:14 - Paul's Advice for Younger Widows")), but rather speaks to a consistent and blameless character demonstrated through her past marital conduct.

**Why was the age requirement of "under threescore years old" (sixty years old) so important?**

Answer: The age requirement of sixty years old served several practical and theological purposes. At this age, a woman was generally considered past childbearing years and less likely to remarry, which would shift her dependency or responsibilities. It also often signified a stage of life where physical labor was difficult, and financial independence might be limited, ensuring that those enrolled were genuinely destitute and dependent on the church. The age also implied a lifetime of experience and a proven track record of faithfulness, aligning with the character qualifications for formal church support and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 5:9 provides practical administrative guidelines for the early church, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself embodied perfect compassion for the vulnerable, consistently ministering to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, including widows ([Luke 7:11-17](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son"); [Mark 12:41-44](/mark/12-41-44 "Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Offering")). His life demonstrated the perfect balance of love and wisdom, always discerning true need and responding with divine grace. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to continue this ministry of compassion, reflecting His heart for the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Caring for the Least of These")). The emphasis on character and faithfulness for enrolled widows points to the transformative power of Christ's redemption, which calls all believers to live lives of integrity and devotion, becoming new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the church's care for its widows, administered with wisdom and integrity, is a tangible expression of Christ's ongoing care for His people, demonstrating His love and the order of His kingdom to a watching world.

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

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.