CINXE.COM

<!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 5:7 Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/5-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/54_1Ti_05_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 5:7 - Support for Widows" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach." /><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><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/5-7.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/5-7.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 7</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="/ad7.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/5-6.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:6">◄</a> 1 Timothy 5:7 <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:8">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Also command these things, so that they should be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And these things command, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Keep instructing [the people to do] these things as well, so that they may be blameless <i>and</i> beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Command this also, so that they will be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Command this also, so they won&#8217t be blamed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />These things also command, that they may be without reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Tell all this to everyone, so they will do the right thing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />These things also command, that they may be without reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Insist on these things so that widows will have good reputations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Give them these instructions, so that no one will find fault with them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Continue to give these instructions, so that they may be blameless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Also command these things, so that they will be without fault.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Press these facts upon them, so that they may live lives free from reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and charge these things, that they may be blameless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Also command these things, so that they should be above reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and these things charge, that they may be blameless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And these things proclaim, that they might be irreprehensible.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And this give in charge, that they may be blameless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And give instruction in this, so that they may be beyond reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Command this, so that they may be irreproachable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Give these commands as well, so that they may be above reproach.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Continually charge them with these things, so that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />You shall command these things to them that they might be without fault.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />These things also give in charge, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Indeed command these things, in order that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And these things inculcate, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />these things recommend to them, that they may be without reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Press these facts upon them, so that they may live lives free from reproach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />These <i>things</i> give in charge, that they may be blameless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/5-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=665" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Support for Widows</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3853.htm" title="3853: parangelle (V-PMA-2S) -- To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.">Give these instructions to the believers,</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">they will be</a> <a href="/greek/423.htm" title="423: anepilēmptoi (Adj-NMP) -- Irreproachable, never caught doing wrong. Not arrested, i.e. inculpable.">above reproach.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4-6</a></span><br />For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ / he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-2.htm">Ephesians 6:2-3</a></span><br />“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-9.htm">Mark 7:9-13</a></span><br />He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. / For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a></span><br />Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a></span><br />Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-22.htm">Proverbs 23:22</a></span><br />Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Colossians 3:20</a></span><br />Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32-34</a></span><br />I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a></span><br />Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-35.htm">Acts 20:35</a></span><br />In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-20.htm">Luke 18:20</a></span><br />You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a></span><br />Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">1 Timothy 1:3</a></b></br> As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">1 Timothy 4:11</a></b></br> These things command and teach.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></b></br> Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-10.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">Command</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">Enjoin</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">Facts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Irreproachable</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Live</a> <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Open</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-11.htm">Prescribe</a> <a href="/philippians/3-14.htm">Press</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Reproach</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-14.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-14.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Command</a> <a href="/philemon/1-14.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Enjoin</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Facts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-14.htm">Irreproachable</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Open</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Prescribe</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Press</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">Reproach</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Rules to be observed in reproving.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Of widows.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Of elders.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">A precept for Timothy's health.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Give these instructions to the believers</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the role of Timothy as a leader and teacher within the early Christian community. The instructions refer to the guidelines Paul provides throughout the letter, particularly concerning the conduct of church members. In the historical context, the early church faced challenges such as false teachings and moral laxity, necessitating clear guidance. The term "believers" underscores the communal identity of Christians, who are called to live according to the teachings of Christ. This aligns with other scriptural exhortations for leaders to instruct the faithful, such as in <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a>, where Timothy is urged to "preach the word" and "be prepared in season and out of season."<p><b>so that they will be above reproach</b><br>Being "above reproach" means living in a manner that is blameless and free from legitimate criticism. This reflects the high ethical standards expected of Christians, as seen in other Pauline writings like <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6-7</a>, where church leaders are also called to be blameless. The cultural context of the time involved a society with diverse moral standards, and Christians were to stand out as examples of integrity. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of holiness, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>, where believers are called to be holy in all their conduct. The call to be above reproach is not just for leaders but for all believers, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in shaping character and behavior.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine and practice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges related to maintaining Christian conduct amidst pagan influences.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>The body of believers in Ephesus, whom Timothy is instructed to guide and teach.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/widows.htm">Widows</a></b><br>A specific group mentioned earlier in the chapter, highlighting the need for proper care and conduct within the church community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/instruction_and_accountability.htm">Instruction and Accountability</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the importance of clear instructions to ensure that believers live lives that are above reproach. This highlights the role of church leaders in teaching and maintaining accountability within the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/character_and_conduct.htm">Character and Conduct</a></b><br>Being "above reproach" is a call to maintain a high standard of character and conduct. This involves living in a way that reflects Christ and avoids any legitimate criticism from both within and outside the church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_witness.htm">Community Witness</a></b><br>The conduct of believers serves as a witness to the surrounding community. By living above reproach, Christians can effectively demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_leadership.htm">Consistency in Leadership</a></b><br>Church leaders, like Timothy, are called to model the behavior they teach. Consistency between teaching and personal conduct is crucial for effective ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and ensure that their actions align with their faith, seeking to be blameless in their interactions with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/timothy's_key_bible_contributions.htm">What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_a_pastor_be_restored_after_sin.htm">Can a pastor be restored after a moral failure?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'passed_to_life'_mean.htm">How do preaching and teaching differ in purpose and method?</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>(7) <span class= "bld">And these things give in charge.</span>--That is to say, the duties of widows, as set forth in <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm" title="Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.">1Timothy 5:5</a>, together with his (St. Paul's) estimate of the gay and frivolous character painted in <a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm" title="But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.">1Timothy 5:6</a>.<p><span class= "bld">That they may be blameless.</span>--That, whether seeking support from the public alms of the Christian community or not, the widows of the congregation should struggle after an irreproachable self-denying life, and show before men publicly <span class= "ital">whose</span> servants they indeed were. In these words there seems a hint that the former life of many of these women-converts to Christianity had been very different to the life loved of Christ, and that in their new profession as Christians there was urgent need of watchfulness on their part not to give any occasion to slanderous tongues.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="accented">These things also command</span> for <span class="accented">and these things give in charge</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">without reproach</span> for <span class="accented">blameless</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">These things</span>, etc. The apostle had been giving Timothy his own instructions concerning widows and their maintenance by their own relations. He now adds the direction that he should give these things in charge to the Ephesian Church, lest they should be guilty and blameworthy by acting in a different spirit. He probably was aware of a disposition existing in some quarters to throw the burden of maintaining their widows upon the Church. <span class="cmt_word">Without reproach</span> (<span class="greek">ἀνεπίληπτοι</span>); above, <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a>, note. If they did not so they would be liable to the terrible reproach mentioned in ver. 8, that, Christians as they called themselves, they were in their conduct worse than unbelievers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/5-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Give these instructions [to the believers],</span><br /><span class="grk">παράγγελλε</span> <span class="translit">(parangelle)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3853.htm">Strong's 3853: </a> </span><span class="str2">To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will be</span><br /><span class="grk">ὦσιν</span> <span class="translit">(ōsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">above reproach.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνεπίλημπτοι</span> <span class="translit">(anepilēmptoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_423.htm">Strong's 423: </a> </span><span class="str2">Irreproachable, never caught doing wrong. Not arrested, i.e. inculpable.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/5-7.htm">1 Timothy 5:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/5-7.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:7 Also command these things that they may (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:8" /></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>