1 Timothy 5:11

Translations

Modern

But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,

Traditional

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

Literal

But refuse younger widows; for when they might grow wanton against Christ, they want to marry,

Latin

Adolescentiores autem viduas devita: cum enim luxuriatæ fuerint in Christo, nubere volunt:

Original

Greek

English

But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,

Notes

1 Timothy 5:11–12

their first faith: If Paul was concerned about a second marriage to non-Christians, this phrase might refer to their Christian faith (see 5:14). They would give up this faith by entering a marriage with a pagan (worshiper of false gods). This would probably separate them from Christ. It is also possible that Paul and the church recognized a special category of “sacred widowhood” (see 5:5; compare Acts 9:36–37). These widows entered this category by making a vow.

1 Timothy 5:11–15

Younger widows who could still have children needed a different approach. Paul worried that false teachers were leading them into error.

1 Timothy 5:3–16

A widow without wealth or family was alone in a world that did not support her. The Christian community was expected to care for such widows among its members (see Deuteronomy 10:17–19; Isaiah 1:17; compare Acts 6:1–6; James 1:27). Some suggest this passage implies a religious order of widows in the first-century AD church at Ephesus. However, there is no obvious evidence of such an order, only of a ministry to help community members without financial means.

1 Timothy 5:1–6:2

Proper behavior in God's spiritual household involves everyone, including:

the old and young (5:1–2),
widows (5:3–16),
old people (5:17–25), and
slaves (6:1–2a).

Showing respect within the household goes beyond social boundaries.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Concern for the Poor Social Justice

Related verses

1 Timothy 5:14
So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.
Hosea 13:6
When they had pasture, they became satisfied; when they were satisfied, their hearts became proud, and as a result they forgot Me.
James 5:5
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.
1 Corinthians 7:39–40
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.
Isaiah 3:16
The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles—
Deuteronomy 32:15
But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked—becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.
1 Timothy 4:3
They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
Revelation 18:7
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’
2 Peter 2:18
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
1 Timothy 5:9
A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband,

Parallels

Ruth 1:1–5

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Church Meetings Timothy, First Letter to Widow

Topics

Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Christian Minister: Duties of Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Talebearer: General Scriptures Concerning Widow: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

1 Timothy 5:11

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Parallels?