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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 5:3 Lit Honor

Honor widows who are really widows. If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some repayment to their parents, for this is pleasing in God’s sight.(A) The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,(B) but the widow[a] who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.(C) Give these commands as well, so that they may be above reproach.(D) And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.(E)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 5.6 Gk she