1 Timothy 5:3-4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:3

Honor ( τίμα ). The use of the verb τιμάω in the comment on the fourth commandment in Matthew 15:4-6 , where the withholding of the honor due consists in saying, "It is corban, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me," and so withholding the honor due, shows clearly that in the notion of honoring is included that material support which their condition as widows required. So again in Matthew 15:17 of this chapter, the " double honor" due to elders who labor in the Word... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:4

Hath for have, A.V.; grandchildren for nephews, A.V.; towards their own family for at home, A.V.; this for that, A.V.; acceptable in the sight of for good and acceptable before, A.V. and T.R. Grandchildren ( ἔκγονα ; only here in the New Testament, but common in the LXX . and in classical Greek); descendants, children or grandchildren (as on the other hand, πρόγονοι in this verse includes grandparents as well as parents). In Latin nepotes, "descendants;" nos neveux (in French), "our... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Timothy 5:3

Honour widows - The particular attention and respect which are enjoined here, seem to refer to the class of widows who were supported by the church, and who were entrusted with the performance of certain duties toward the other female members, see 1 Timothy 5:9. It is to be remembered that the contact of the sexes was much more circumscribed in Oriental countries than it is among us; that access to the female members of the church would be much less free than it is now, and that consequently... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Timothy 5:4

But if any widow have children - Who would be dependent on her care, and who might themselves contribute to her support.Or nephews - The word nephew now commonly means the son of a brother or sister. Formerly the English word also meant grandchildren, or descendants of any description. Webster. The Greek word here - ἔκγονα ekgona - has the latter meaning. It denotes those “sprung from or born of;” and then descendants of any kind - sons, daughters, grandchildren. The Greek word would not, in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Timothy 5:3-4

1 Timothy 5:3-4. Honour And endeavour honourably to support from the public stock; widows Whose destitute circumstances recommend them as the certain objects of charity. According to the Greek commentators, the widows of whom the apostle speaks in this passage were aged women appointed by the church to instruct the young of their own sex in the principles of the Christian faith, and who, for that service, were maintained out of the funds of the church. This opinion is rendered probable by... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:1-16

5:1-6:21 VARIOUS KINDS OF PEOPLE IN THE CHURCHThe young, the old and the widows (5:1-16)It may at times have been difficult for Timothy to deal with those who were older or those who were of the opposite sex. Paul therefore reminds him to be careful how he treats people, and always to show fitting courtesy and to act with moral uprightness (5:1-2).The church must care for those of its members who are in need. But the church does not have a duty to support financially those elderly people who... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Timothy 5:3

indeed. See John 8:36 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Timothy 5:4

if. App-118 .2. a. any . App-123 . children. App-108 . nephews = grandchildren or other descendants. Greek. ekgonos . Only here. Shakespeare in Othello uses the word nephews for grandchildren, show piety at home = treat reverently (Greek. eusebeo . Only here and Acts 17:23 ) their own household. requite = return recompenses (Greek. amoibe . Only here) to. parents. Greek. progonos . Only here and a Tim. 1 Timothy 1:3 . acceptable . Greek. apodektos . Only here and 1 Timothy 2:3 . ... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Timothy 5:3

Honor widows that are widows indeed.Honor ... "That is, maintain out of the common stock."[4] Spence affirmed the same thing, "The widow is not merely to be honored, but she is also to be assisted out of the alms of the faithful."[5] This construction of the word "honor" goes back to our Lord's command that "honor thy father and mother" forbade use of the device of Corban to avoid their financial assistance" (Matthew 15:4-6). The same word occurs again in 1 Timothy 5:17, below, where likewise... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Timothy 5:4

But if any widow have 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.Their own family ... This is not to be restricted to parents only, or even to grandparents. Lenski's comment on the Greek words so translated has the following, "They are used with reference to dutifulness toward God, and toward one's country, or one's family, including parents, grandparents, and other... read more

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