Add parallel Print Page Options

Honor widows who are (A)widows indeed, but if any widow has children or grandchildren, (B)they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to [a]make some return to their parents; for this is (C)acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a (D)widow indeed and who has been left alone, (E)has fixed her hope on God and continues in (F)petitions and prayers night and day. But she who (G)lives in self-indulgence is (H)dead even while she lives. (I)And command these things 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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:4 Lit give back recompenses

Take care of[a] any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.

Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.

But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 5:3 Or Honor.

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.(A) But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,(B) for this is pleasing to God.(C) The widow who is really in need(D) and left all alone puts her hope in God(E) and continues night and day to pray(F) and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.(G) Give the people these instructions,(H) so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied(I) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Read full chapter