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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 5:5 The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/5-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/54_1Ti_05_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 5:5 - Support for Widows" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/5-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/5-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.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/5-4.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:4">◄</a> 1 Timothy 5:5 <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:6">►</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> The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now she who is a widow indeed, and being left alone, has hope in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now a woman who is really a widow and has been left [entirely] alone [without adequate income] trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; <a href="/asv/1_timothy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> A widow who is really in need is one who doesn't have any relatives. She has faith in God, and she keeps praying to him night and day, asking for his help. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A widow who has no family has placed her confidence in God by praying and asking for his help night and day. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> A widow who is all alone, with no one to take care of her, has placed her hope in God and continues to pray and ask him for his help night and day. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> A woman who has no other family members to care for her and who is left all alone has placed her hope in God and devotes herself to petitions and prayers night and day. <a href="/net/1_timothy/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A widow who is really in need, friendless and desolate, has her hopes fixed on God, and continues at her supplications and prayers, night and day;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_timothy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers. <a href="/web/1_timothy/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Now she who is a widow indeed and desolate, has her hope set on God and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And she who is really a widow and desolate, has hoped on God, and remains in the supplications and in the prayers night and day, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now she who is a widow indeed, and being left alone, has hope in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And she who is really a widow and desolate, hath hoped upon God, and doth remain in the supplications and in the prayers night and day, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And she truly a widow, and forsaken, has hoped in God, and remains in supplications and prayers night and day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, let her trust in God, and continue in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But she who is truly a widow and is destitute, let her hope in God, and let her be urgent in supplications and prayers, night and day. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Bible</a> The real widow, who is all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The real widow, left alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now she who is indeed a widow and destitute, trusts in God, and is constant in prayers and supplications both night and day. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But whoever is truly a widow and is alone, her hope is upon God and continues in prayer and in supplication, night and day;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But she that is a widow indeed, and left alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> She who is truly a widow, and left alone, hopes in God, and abides in prayers and supplication night and day; <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But she who is a widow indeed, and abandoned to solitude, hopeth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> as for the widow, who is really such, and without any assistance, let her place all her hopes in God, and be assiduous in supplication and prayer. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A widow who is really in need, friendless and desolate, has her hopes fixed on God, and continues at her supplications and prayers, night and day; <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now she that is really a widow, and left alone, has set her hope on God, and continues in supplications and prayers, night and day. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now she, that is really a widow and desolate, hopeth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/5-5.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=648" 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> …4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The widow who is</a> <a href="/greek/3689.htm" title="3689: ontōs (Adv) -- Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.">truly</a> <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.">in need</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3443.htm" title="3443: memonōmenē (V-RPM/P-NFS) -- To leave alone (solitary), forsake. From monos; to isolate, i.e. Bereave.">left all alone</a> <a href="/greek/1679.htm" title="1679: ēlpiken (V-RIA-3S) -- To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide.">puts her hope</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">in</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4357.htm" title="4357: prosmenei (V-PIA-3S) -- From pros and meno; to stay further, i.e. Remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in.">continues</a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nyktos (N-GFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeras (N-GFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">in her</a> <a href="/greek/1162.htm" title="1162: deēsesin (N-DFP) -- Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.">petitions</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4335.htm" title="4335: proseuchais (N-DFP) -- From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.">prayers.</a> 6But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.…<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="/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="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a> 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="/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="/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/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a> He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. <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="/psalms/146-9.htm">Psalm 146:9</a> The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates. <a href="/jeremiah/49-11.htm">Jeremiah 49:11</a> Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” <a href="/ruth/1-16.htm">Ruth 1:16-17</a> But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1</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. <a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Mark 12:40</a> They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.” <a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-13</a> because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. <a href="/1_kings/17-9.htm">1 Kings 17:9-16</a> “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.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” ... <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. ... <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Proverbs 15:25</a> The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.a widow.<a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3</a> Honour widows that are widows indeed.<a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Romans 1:5,12,20,21</a> By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: … <a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32</a> But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:and desolate.<a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Isaiah 3:26</a> And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.<a href="/isaiah/49-21.htm">Isaiah 49:21</a> Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?<a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a> Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.trusteth.<a href="/ruth/2-12.htm">Ruth 2:12</a> The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.<a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a> He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.<a href="/isaiah/12-2.htm">Isaiah 12:2</a> Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.continueth.<a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a> And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.<a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1,7</a> And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; … <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a> Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Continueth</a> <a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Family</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-12.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Hopes</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Need</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-4.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Really</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-7.htm">Trusteth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Widow</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Continueth</a> <a href="/revelation/17-16.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">Family</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Help</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">Hope</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Hoped</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">Hopes</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Need</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Really</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/job/4-18.htm">Trusteth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">Widow</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>The widow who is truly in need This phrase highlights the biblical concern for widows, who were often among the most vulnerable in society. In ancient times, widows lacked the social and economic support that a husband provided, making them reliant on the community and family for sustenance. The Old Testament law provided specific instructions for the care of widows (<a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-21</a>), and the early church continued this practice (<a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a>). The emphasis here is on genuine need, distinguishing between those who have no other means of support and those who might have family to care for them.and left all alone This underscores the isolation and vulnerability of the widow in question. In the cultural context of the first century, family was the primary support system. A widow "left all alone" would have no children or relatives to care for her, making her plight more severe. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the lonely and marginalized (<a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5-6</a>).puts her hope in God The widow's reliance on God is a central theme, reflecting a deep faith and trust in His provision. This mirrors the biblical call for believers to place their trust in God rather than in human means (<a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Psalm 146:9</a>). The widow's hope in God serves as a model of faith for all believers, emphasizing the importance of spiritual dependence over material security.and continues night and day This phrase indicates the widow's persistent and unwavering devotion. The reference to "night and day" suggests a life characterized by constant prayer and reliance on God, reminiscent of the call to "pray without ceasing" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>). This continuous devotion is a testament to her faith and commitment.in her petitions and prayers The distinction between petitions and prayers may suggest both specific requests and general communication with God. This reflects the biblical practice of bringing all concerns before God (<a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a>). The widow's life of prayer is a powerful example of faithfulness and spiritual discipline, aligning with the broader scriptural call to seek God earnestly (<a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/w/widow.htm">Widow</a> In the context of 1 Timothy, a widow is a woman who has lost her husband and is without means of support. The early church had specific instructions on how to care for widows, emphasizing 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 in the first century. His letters provide theological insights and practical instructions for the early church. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was stationed as a church leader. 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 the challenges of living out their faith in a predominantly pagan society. The care of widows was a significant concern for the early church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> Widows are encouraged to place their hope in God, reflecting a deep trust and reliance on His provision and care. <a href="/topical/p/persistent_prayer.htm">Persistent Prayer</a> The call to continue in petitions and prayers night and day highlights the importance of a consistent and devoted prayer life. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The church is called to recognize and support those who are truly in need, ensuring that no one is left without care. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_devotion.htm">Spiritual Devotion</a> The example of widows who dedicate themselves to prayer serves as a model for all believers to prioritize spiritual devotion. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_church.htm">Role of the Church</a> The church has a responsibility to discern and provide for those who are genuinely in need, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable.<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/bible's_guidance_for_overcoming_depression.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer for overcoming depression?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_remarriage.htm">What does the Bible say about remarriage after widowhood?</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/why_does_1_tim_5_14_advise_widows_to_remarry.htm">Why does 1 Timothy 5:14 instruct younger widows to remarry, seemingly contradicting Paul's advice to remain single in other passages like 1 Corinthians 7:8?</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>(5) Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate.--St. Paul, after mentioning this exception to the fit objects of the Church's charity and protection, again returns to this special class of helpless ones: "the widows indeed"--a class, no doubt, in those days of selfish luxury and of extreme misery and hopelessness, often utterly neglected, and not unfrequently left to starve and to perish in want and misery.It has been asked why, in these official directions to Timothy, the question of relief of poor Christian widows comes so prominently forward. We find also that, in the first years which succeeded the Ascension, many widows in Jerusalem seemed to have been dependent on the Church for sustenance (<a href="/acts/6-1.htm" title="And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.">Acts 6:1</a>). Now we should expect to find in the Church of Christ the same loving care which was taken in the old days, when Israel was a great nation, of these solitary and unhappy women. (Comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm" title="You shall not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:">Deuteronomy 24:17</a>, where we find special laws respecting the garments of widows never to be taken in pledge. See, too, such passages as <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm" title="You shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.">Exodus 22:22</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/27-19.htm" title="Cursed be he that perverts the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.">Deuteronomy 27:19</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm" title="Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.">Isaiah 1:17</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/7-6.htm" title="If you oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:">Jeremiah 7:6</a>; also <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm" title="To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!">Isaiah 10:2</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm" title="And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, said the LORD of hosts.">Malachi 3:5</a>.) Still, this hardly accounts for the statement of <a href="/acts/6-1.htm" title="And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.">Acts 6:1</a> and these lengthened directions to Timothy. It is more than probable that there were, especially in these Eastern cities, a very large class of these desolate and unprotected women. The practice of polygamy is accountable for this, in the first instance; and the rigid morality of the Christian teaching would place a bar to the female convert from heathenism relapsing into a life where moral restraints were utterly disregarded. The charities of the early Church, especially in Oriental cities, were, without doubt, heavily burdened with this grave and increasing charge--provision for these poor desolate women; and it was to relieve the congregations in some degree that St. Paul wrote these elaborate instructions to Timothy, warning him, as the chief minister of the Ephesian Church, against an indiscriminate charity, and at the same time providing him with a system of severe restraints to be imposed upon the assisted women. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Hath her hope set on for trusteth in, A.V. A widow indeed (see ver. 3). Desolate (μεμονωμένη; only here in the New Testament, rare in Greek versions of Old Testament, frequent in classical Greek); literally, left alone, or made solitary, which is also the exact meaning of "desolate," from solus, alone. A widow with children or grandchildren able to support her is not altogether desolate. As regards the connecting δέ, rendered "now" both in the A.V. and the R.V., Bishop Ellicott rightly renders it "but." The apostle is contrasting the condition of the ὄντες χήρα, who has only God to look to for help, and who passes her time in prayer, with that of the widow with children and grandchildren. The second "but" in ver. 6 is no real objection; the widow who "giveth herself to pleasure ' is contrasted in her turn with the devout prayerful widow whose conduct has just been described. The inference intended to be drawn, as Ellicott justly remarks, is that the one is eminently fit, and the other eminently unfit, to be supported at the common charge of the Church. Hath her hope set on God (see <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">1 Timothy 4:10</a>). Supplications and prayers (see <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a>, note). Night and day. Perhaps by night and by day would express the genitive better (<a href="/matthew/2-14.htm">Matthew 2:14</a>; <a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7</a>), as indicating time when, rather than time how long. In <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a>, Anna the prophetess is said to worship "with lastings and supplications night and day (νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν)," where the accusative conveys rather more the notion of vigils prolonged through the night. As regards the order of the words, "day and night," or "night and day," there seems to be no rule. St. Mark always has "night and day" (<a href="/mark/4-7.htm">Mark 4:7</a>; <a href="/mark/5-5.htm">Mark 5:5</a>); St. Luke uses both (<a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a>; <a href="/luke/18-7.htm">Luke 18:7</a>; <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Acts 9:24</a>; <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a>; <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a>). St. Paul always "night and day," as in this passage (<a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-10.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:10</a>; <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:8</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">2 Timothy 1:3</a>). St. John always "day and night" (<a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Revelation 4:8</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-15.htm">Revelation 7:15</a>; <a href="/revelation/12-10.htm">Revelation 12:10</a>; <a href="/revelation/14-11.htm">Revelation 14:11</a>; <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">Revelation 20:10</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[The widow] who [is] Ἡ (Hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. truly ὄντως (ontōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3689.htm">Strong's 3689: </a> Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really. [in need] 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. left all alone μεμονωμένη (memonōmenē) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3443.htm">Strong's 3443: </a> To leave alone (solitary), forsake. From monos; to isolate, i.e. Bereave. puts [her] hope ἤλπικεν (ēlpiken) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1679.htm">Strong's 1679: </a> To hope, hope for, expect, trust. From elpis; to expect or confide. in ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. God Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. continues προσμένει (prosmenei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4357.htm">Strong's 4357: </a> From pros and meno; to stay further, i.e. Remain in a place, with a person; figuratively, to adhere to, persevere in. night νυκτὸς (nyktos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. day ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. in [her] ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. petitions δεήσεσιν (deēsesin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1162.htm">Strong's 1162: </a> Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. prayers. προσευχαῖς (proseuchais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4335.htm">Strong's 4335: </a> From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:5 Now she who is a widow indeed (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:6" /></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>