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And whoever does not provide for relatives, especially for those who are living with him, has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

A woman should not be enrolled as a widow if she is not at least sixty years old. In addition, she must have been married only once, 10 and have a reputation for good works by bringing up her children, offering hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints,[a] helping those in distress, and being active in all kinds of good work.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:10 Washing the feet of the saints, i.e., the faithful, was a ritual of hospitality (see Lk 7:44; Jn 13:1ff). It was necessary because the roads were dusty and the footwear consisted of sandals.

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied(A) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds,(B) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,(C) washing the feet(D) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble(E) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

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