Honor widows who are actually (A)widows; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, (B)they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is (C)acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is actually a (D)widow and has been left alone (E)has set her hope on God, and she continues in (F)requests and prayers night and day. But she who (G)indulges herself in luxury is (H)dead, even while she lives. [a](I)Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has (J)denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

A widow is to be (K)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been (L)the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for (M)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has (N)shown hospitality to strangers, if she (O)has washed the [b]saints’ feet, if she has (P)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:7 Or Keep commanding
  2. 1 Timothy 5:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people

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