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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 5:9 A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/5-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/54_1Ti_05_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 5:9 - Support for Widows" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man," /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:8">◄</a> 1 Timothy 5:9 <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5.htm">New International Version</a> No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let a widow be enrolled, being not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/amp/1_timothy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> A widow is to be put on the list [to receive regular assistance] only if she is over sixty years of age, [having been] the wife of one man, <a href="/csb/1_timothy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> No widow is to be enrolled on the list for support unless she is at least sixty years old, has been the wife of one husband, <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> No widow should be placed on the official support list unless she is at least 60 years old, has been the wife of one husband, <a href="/asv/1_timothy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/cev/1_timothy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> For a widow to be put on the list of widows, she must be at least 60 years old, and she must have been faithful in marriage. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Any widow who had only one husband and is at least 60 years old should be put on your list [of widows]. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> Do not add any widow to the list of widows unless she is over sixty years of age. In addition, she must have been married only once <a href="/isv/1_timothy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> A widow may be put on the widows' list if she is at least sixty years old and has been the wife of one husband. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, <a href="/net/1_timothy/5.htm">NET Bible</a> No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let not a widow be taken into the number under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> No widow is to be put on the roll who is under sixty years of age. <a href="/web/1_timothy/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A widow—do not let her be enrolled under sixty years of age, having been a wife of one husband, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Let a widow be enrolled, being not less than sixty years old, the wife of one man, <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A widow -- let her not be enrolled under sixty years of age, having been a wife of one husband, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Let not a widow be chosen less than sixty years, having been wife of one man,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Let a widow be chosen of no less than threescore years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Let a widow be chosen who is no less than sixty years of age, who was the wife of one husband, <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years old, married only once, <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Let a widow be put on the list if she is not less than sixty years old and has been married only once;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When you select a worthy widow to help, select therefore one who is not less than three score years, who has been the wife of one man only, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Therefore you shall choose a widow who is not less than sixty years old, who had one husband,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let a widow be put on the list, if she is not under sixty years, having been the wife of one man, <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Let a widow not be taken into account under three score years, the wife of one husband, <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let no widow be put on the list under sixty years of age, who hath been the wife of one husband, <a href="/mace/1_timothy/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Let none be put upon the list of widows, but such as are at least threescore years of age, and have been married but once: <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> No widow is to be put on the roll who is under sixty years of age. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let a widow be enrolled, when she has become not less than sixty years old, having been a wife of one man, <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let not a widow be chosen into the number under sixty years old, <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Support for Widows</a> …8If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9<a href="/greek/5503.htm" title="5503: Chēra (N-NFS) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">A widow</a> <a href="/greek/2639.htm" title="2639: katalegesthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- To enter in a list, register, enroll. From kata and lego; to lay down, i.e. to enrol.">should be enrolled</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonuia (V-RPA-NFS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">if she is</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1640.htm" title="1640: elatton (Adj-ANS-C) -- Less, smaller; poorer, inferior. Or elatton el-at-tone'; comparative of the same as elachistos; smaller.">at least</a> <a href="/greek/1835.htm" title="1835: hexēkonta (Adj-GNP) -- Sixty. The tenth multiple of hex; sixty.">sixty</a> <a href="/greek/2094.htm" title="2094: etōn (N-GNP) -- A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.">years old,</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynē (N-NFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">the wife</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: henos (Adj-GMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">of one</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andros (N-GMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">man,</a> 10and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a> In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ... <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a> Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. <a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Ruth 1:1-5</a> In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. / The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there. / Then Naomi’s husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons, ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm">1 Corinthians 7:8-9</a> Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. / But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Luke 2:36-37</a> There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, / and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a> You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless. <a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-21</a> Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. / Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this. / If you are harvesting in your field and forget a sheaf there, do not go back to get it. It is to be left for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ... <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a> Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” <a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a> The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a> A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a> As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. / Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. / Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. ... <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36-39</a> In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39-40</a> 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. / In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. <a href="/1_kings/17-8.htm">1 Kings 17:8-16</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” ... <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-7</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let not a widow be taken into the number under three score years old, having been the wife of one man.a widow.<a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3,4</a> Honour widows that are widows indeed… taken.<a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">1 Timothy 5:11,14</a> But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; … <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Luke 2:36,37</a> And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; … having.<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2,12</a> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; … <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10,11,39,40</a> And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Age</a> <a href="/acts/1-26.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/luke/2-5.htm">List</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Roll</a> <a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Sixty</a> <a href="/acts/27-37.htm">Threescore</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Widows</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">Age</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">List</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-12.htm">Roll</a> <a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Sixty</a> <a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Threescore</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">Unless</a> <a href="/revelation/18-7.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Widows</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 5</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Rules to be observed in reproving.</a> 3. <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Of widows.</a> 17. <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Of elders.</a> 23. <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">A precept for Timothy's health.</a> 24. <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A widow should be enrolled In the early church, the care of widows was a significant concern, reflecting the biblical mandate to care for the vulnerable (<a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>). The term "enrolled" suggests an official list or register, indicating a structured approach to providing for widows. This reflects the church's role in social welfare, a continuation of the Jewish tradition of caring for widows (<a href="/deuteronomy/14-29.htm">Deuteronomy 14:29</a>). The enrollment likely involved both material support and a commitment to service within the church community, as seen in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a>, where the early church appointed deacons to ensure fair distribution of resources to widows.if she is at least sixty years old The age of sixty was considered a threshold for old age in the ancient world, marking a transition to a period of life where remarriage was less likely and physical labor more challenging. This age requirement ensured that the church's resources were directed toward those most in need and less able to support themselves. It also reflects a cultural understanding of life stages, where sixty was seen as an age of wisdom and respect, aligning with the biblical emphasis on honoring the elderly (<a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Leviticus 19:32</a>).faithful to her husband This phrase underscores the importance of marital fidelity, a value deeply rooted in biblical teaching (<a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-12</a>). The original Greek implies a "one-man woman," suggesting a widow who was devoted to her husband during their marriage. This requirement highlights the moral and ethical standards expected of those receiving church support, ensuring that the widow's life exemplified Christian virtues. It also parallels the qualifications for church leaders, such as elders and deacons, who are similarly described as "one-woman men" (<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2, 12</a>), emphasizing consistency in character expectations across the church community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/w/widows.htm">Widows</a> In the early church, widows were often left without support and were a vulnerable group. The church took on the responsibility of caring for them, especially those who were truly in need. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of the Apostle Paul, Timothy was entrusted with the leadership of the church in Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to guide him in church administration and pastoral care. 3. <a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a> The author of the letter, Paul was an apostle who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of churches across the Roman Empire. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was stationed, Ephesus was a major center of early Christianity and a place where Paul had previously ministered. 5. <a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a> The community of believers in the first century who were navigating how to live out their faith and care for one another in a predominantly non-Christian society.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_caring_for_widows.htm">The Importance of Caring for Widows</a> The early church set a precedent for caring for those in need, particularly widows, who were often without support. This reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. <a href="/topical/c/criteria_for_church_support.htm">Criteria for Church Support</a> Paul provides specific criteria for enrolling widows, emphasizing the need for discernment and stewardship in church resources. This teaches us to be wise and intentional in our support of others. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_marriage.htm">Faithfulness in Marriage</a> The requirement for a widow to have been the wife of one man highlights the value of faithfulness and commitment in marriage, which is a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church. <a href="/topical/a/age_and_maturity.htm">Age and Maturity</a> The age requirement of sixty years old suggests a level of maturity and life experience that is valued in the church community. It reminds us to honor and learn from those who have walked faithfully with God for many years.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5</a> <a href="/q/did_early_christians_enforce_1_tim_5_9-10.htm">Is there historical or archeological confirmation that early Christian communities enforced the strict widow qualifications described in 1 Timothy 5:9–10? </a> <a href="/q/elders_and_deacons'_qualifications.htm">What are the qualifications for elders and deacons?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_roles_and_duties_of_nuns.htm">What are the roles and duties of nuns?</a> <a href="/q/was_apostle_paul_ever_married.htm">Was apostle Paul ever married?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old.--The question respecting the assistance to be afforded to the poor and destitute widows of the great Asian Church reminded St. Paul of an organisation, consisting of widowed women, which had grown out of the needs of Christianity. He would lay down some special rules here to be observed by his friend and disciple. What, now, is this organisation commended to Timothy in these special directions? Here, and here only in the New Testament, do we find it alluded to; but the instructions in this passage are so definite, so precise, that it is impossible not to assume in the days of Timothy and of Paul, in some, if not in all the great churches, the existence of an official band of workers, consisting of widows, most carefully selected from the congregation of believers, of a somewhat advanced age, and specially distinguished for devotion--possessing, each of these, a high and stainless reputation--they were an official band of workers, a distinct order, so to speak; for these widows, formally entered on the Church's list, could not possibly represent those poor and desolate widows, friendless and destitute, spoken of above. The minimum age of sixty years would also exclude many; and the advice of St. Paul to the younger ones to marry again could never have been addressed to women wanting even many years of the requisite "sixty." Were these poor souls to be formally shut out from receiving the Church's alms? Again, those on the list could never be the same persons whom we hear of as deaconesses (<a href="/romans/16-1.htm" title="I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:">Romans 16:1</a>, and in the Christian literature of the second century). The active duties of the office would have been utterly incompatible with the age of sixty, the minimum age at which these were to be entered on the list. We then conclude these "widows" were a distinct and most honourable order, whose duties, presbyteral rather than diaconic, apparently consisted in the exercise of superintendence over, and in the ministry of counsel and consolation to, the younger women.--That they sat unveiled in the assemblies in a separate place by the presbyters; that they received a special ordination by laying on of hands; that they wore a peculiar dress--were distinctions probably belonging to a later age.Having been the wife of one man.--Of the conditions of enrolment in this "order," the first--that of age--has been alluded to; the second--"having been the wife of one man"--must not be understood in the strictly literal sense of the words. It is inconceivable that the hope of forming one of the highly honoured band of presbyteral women depended on the chance of the husband living until the wife had reached the age of sixty years. Had he died in her youth, or comparative youth, the Apostle's will was that the widow should marry again. (See <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm" title="I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.">1Timothy 5:14</a>, where St. Paul writes, "I will that the younger women marry," &c.)The right interpretation of the words is found in some such paraphrase as, "If in her married life she had been found faithful and true." The fatal facility of divorce and the lax state of morality in Pagan society, especially in the Greek and Asiac cities, must be taken into account when we seek to illustrate and explain these directions respecting early Christian foundations.While unhesitatingly adopting the above interpretation of the words "wife of one man," as faithfully representing the mind of St. Paul, who was legislating here, it must be remembered, for the masses of believers whose lot was cast in the busy world (see his direct command in <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm" title="I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.">1Timothy 5:14</a> of this chapter, where the family life is pressed on the younger widow, and not the higher life of solitude and self-denial), still those expositors who adopt the stricter and sterner interpretation of "wife of one man"--viz., "a woman that has had only one husband"--have, it must be granted, a strong argument in their favour from the known honour the univircae obtained in the Roman world. So Dido, in 'n. iv. 28, says--"Ille meos, primus qui me sibi junxit, amoresAbstulit, ille habeat secum, servetque sepulcher." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Let none be enrolled as a widow for let not a widow be taken into the number, A.V. Let none be enrolled, etc. The proper translation seems certainly to be (Ellicott, Alford, Huther, etc.), let a woman be enrolled as a widow not under sixty years old; i.e. χήρα a is the predicate, not the subject. It follows that the word "widow" here is used in a slightly different sense from that in the preceding verses, viz. in the technical sense of one belonging to the order of widows, of which it appears from the word καταλεγέσθω there was a regular roll kept in the Church. We do not know enough of the Church institutions of the apostolic age to enable us to say positively what their status or their functions were, but doubtless they were the germ from which the later development (of which see Bingham, bk. 7. <a href="/1_timothy/4.htm">1 Timothy 4</a>.) took its rise. We may gather, however, from the passage before us that their lives were specially consecrated to the service of God and the Church; that they were expected to be instant and con-slant in prayer, and to devote themselves to works of charity; that the apostle did not approve of their marrying again after their having embraced this life of widowhood, and therefore would have none enrolled under sixty years of age; and generally that, once on the roll, they would continue there for their life. Enrolled (καταλεγέσθω); only here in the New Testament or (in this sense) in the LXX.; but it is the regular classical word for enrolling, enlisting, soldiers, etc. Hence our word "catalogue." In like manner, in the times of the Empress Helena, the virgins of the Church are described as ἀναγεγραμμένας ἐν τῷ τῆς ἐκκλησίας κανόνι (Socr., 1:17), "registered in the Church's register," or list of virgins. Under three score years old. A similar rule was laid down in several early canons, which forbade the veiling of virgins before the age of forty. This care to prevent women from being entangled by vows or engagements which they had not well considered, or of which they did not know the full force, is in striking contrast with the system which allows young girls to make irrevocable vows. The participle γεγονυῖα, "being," belongs to this clause (not as in the A.V. to the following one), as Alford clearly shows, and as the R.V. also indicates, by putting having been in italics; though it does not translate γεγονυῖα in this clause, unless possibly the word "old" is considered as representing γεγονυῖα. It should be, Let none be enrolled as widows, being under sixty years of age. The wife of one man; see above, <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a>, the similar phrase, "the husband of one wife" (which likewise stands without any participle), and the note there. To which may be added that it is hardly conceivable that St. Paul should within the compass of a few verses (see ver. 14) recommend the marriage of young widows, and yet make the fact of a second marriage an absolute bar to a woman being enrolled among the Church widows. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>A widow Χήρα (Chēra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively. should be enrolled καταλεγέσθω (katalegesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2639.htm">Strong's 2639: </a> To enter in a list, register, enroll. From kata and lego; to lay down, i.e. to enrol. if she is γεγονυῖα (gegonuia) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. [at least] ἔλαττον (elatton) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_1640.htm">Strong's 1640: </a> Less, smaller; poorer, inferior. Or elatton el-at-tone'; comparative of the same as elachistos; smaller. sixty ἑξήκοντα (hexēkonta) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1835.htm">Strong's 1835: </a> Sixty. The tenth multiple of hex; sixty. years [old], ἐτῶν (etōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> A year. Apparently a primary word; a year. [the] wife γυνή (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. of one ἑνὸς (henos) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. man, ἀνδρὸς (andros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:9 Let no one be enrolled as (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/5-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>