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Instructions about Specific Groups

Do not address an older man harshly[a] but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers,[b] older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters—with complete purity.

Honor[c] widows who are truly in need.[d] But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty[e] toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them.[f] For this is what pleases God.[g] But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own,[h] has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day. But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even[i] while she lives. Reinforce[j] these commands,[k] so that they will be beyond reproach. But if someone does not provide for his own,[l] especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:1 tn Or “Do not speak harshly to an older man.”
  2. 1 Timothy 5:1 tn No verb “speak” is stated in this clause, but it continues the sense of the preceding.
  3. 1 Timothy 5:3 sn The word honor here carries the double meaning of respect and financial support. This Greek word can imply both senses, and both are intended in this context.
  4. 1 Timothy 5:3 tn Grk “the real widows,” “those who are really widows.”
  5. 1 Timothy 5:4 tn Or “to practice their religion.”
  6. 1 Timothy 5:4 tn Or “and so make some repayment to their parents”; Grk “and to give back recompense to their parents.”
  7. 1 Timothy 5:4 tn Grk “for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”
  8. 1 Timothy 5:5 tn Or “left all alone.”
  9. 1 Timothy 5:6 tn For “is dead even” the Greek text reads “has died.”
  10. 1 Timothy 5:7 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
  11. 1 Timothy 5:7 tn Grk “and command these things.”
  12. 1 Timothy 5:8 tn That is, “his own relatives.”