The Support of Widows

Support[a] widows(A) who are genuinely in need. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God(B) and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.(C) Command this also, so that they will be above reproach. But if anyone does not provide(D) for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith(E) and is worse than an unbeliever.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:3 Lit Honor

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.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:7 Or Keep commanding