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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 5:3 Honor the widows who are truly widows.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/5-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/54_1Ti_05_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 5:3 - Support for Widows" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Honor the widows who are truly widows." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script 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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/5-2.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:2">◄</a> 1 Timothy 5:3 <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm" title="1 Timothy 5:4">►</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 proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Honor widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who <i>are</i> truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Honour widows that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Honor widows who are really widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are actually widows;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Honor <i>and</i> help those widows who are truly widowed [alone, and without support].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Support widows who are genuinely in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Support widows who are genuinely widows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Honor widows that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Take care of any widow who is really in need. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Honour widows that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Honor widows who have no families.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Show respect for widows who really are all alone. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Honor widows who have no other family members to care for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are truly in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Honor widows that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Honour widows who are really in need.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Honor the widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />honor widows who are really widows;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who <i>are</i> truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> honour widows who are really widows;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Honour widows, truly widows.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Honour widows, that are widows indeed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Honor those widows who are true widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Honor widows who are really widows.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Honor widows who are widows indeed.<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 />Honor widows who are widows indeed;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Honor widows that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Honor widows who are truly widows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Honour the widows, that are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />show regard to widows that are really such.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Honour widows who are really in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Honor widows who <i>are</i> widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Honour widows who are widows indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/5-3.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=633" 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">2</span>older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5091.htm" title="5091: tima (V-PMA-2S) -- From timios; to prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere.">Honor</a> <a href="/greek/5503.htm" title="5503: Chēras (N-AFP) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">the widows</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who are</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: chēras (N-AFP) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">widows.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">4</span>But 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.…<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="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/24-17.htm">Deuteronomy 24:17-21</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a></span><br />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 ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">Ruth 1:8-9</a></span><br />Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. / May the LORD enable each of you to find rest in the home of your new husband.” And she kissed them as they wept aloud<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a></span><br />A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-11.htm">Luke 7:11-15</a></span><br />Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. / As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. / When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-40.htm">Mark 12:40</a></span><br />They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a></span><br />The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-11.htm">Jeremiah 49:11</a></span><br />Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Proverbs 15:25</a></span><br />The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-47.htm">Luke 20:47</a></span><br />They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36-39</a></span><br />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.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Honor widows that are widows indeed.</p><p class="hdg">Honour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-2.htm">1 Timothy 5:2,17</a></b></br> The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Exodus 20:12</a></b></br> Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/15-6.htm">Matthew 15:6</a></b></br> And honour not his father or his mother, <i>he shall be free</i>. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.</p><p class="hdg">widows.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">1 Timothy 5:9</a></b></br> Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a></b></br> He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/14-29.htm">Deuteronomy 14:29</a></b></br> And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which <i>are</i> within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.</p><p class="hdg">indeed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">1 Timothy 5:4,5,9-11,16</a></b></br> But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37</a></b></br> And she <i>was</i> a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served <i>God</i> with fastings and prayers night and day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47</a></b></br> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-1.htm">Need</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Really</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Recognition</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-8.htm">Widows</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Need</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Real</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Really</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Recognition</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Widows</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>Honor the widows</b><br>In the early church, widows were often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking the support of a husband and often without means of financial support. The call to "honor" them implies providing for their needs, respecting their dignity, and ensuring their well-being. This aligns with the broader biblical mandate to care for the marginalized, as seen in <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>, which describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows. The concept of honoring widows also reflects the Old Testament law, where God commands His people to care for widows (<a href="/deuteronomy/10-18.htm">Deuteronomy 10:18</a>, <a href="/psalms/68-5.htm">Psalm 68:5</a>).<p><b>who are truly widows</b><br>The phrase "truly widows" distinguishes between those who are genuinely in need and those who may have other means of support. In the cultural context of the time, a "true widow" would be one who is left entirely alone, without family to care for her. This distinction is important for the church's stewardship of resources, ensuring that aid is directed to those who are most in need. Paul further elaborates on this in the surrounding verses, emphasizing that widows with family should be supported by their relatives (<a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">1 Timothy 5:4, 8</a>). This principle underscores the importance of family responsibility and the church's role in supporting those who have no other means of support.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of the Apostle Paul, who is the recipient of this epistle. He is tasked with leading the church in Ephesus and ensuring sound doctrine and practice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The Apostle who authored this letter, providing guidance and instruction to Timothy on how to manage church affairs, including the care of widows.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/widows.htm">Widows</a></b><br>In the context of the early church, widows were often vulnerable and in need of support. Paul emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are "truly widows," meaning those without family support.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was stationed as a church leader. It was a significant center for early Christianity and faced various challenges, including how to care for its members.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a></b><br>The community of believers in the first century, navigating how to live out their faith in practical ways, including the support of vulnerable members like widows.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_truly_widows.htm">Understanding Truly Widows</a></b><br>The Greek term (ontos) means "truly" or "indeed," indicating those who are genuinely in need without family support. This distinction helps the church prioritize its resources effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_church.htm">The Role of the Church</a></b><br>The church is called to be a family that supports its members, especially those who are vulnerable. This includes practical support and ensuring that no one is left without care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_responsibility.htm">Family Responsibility</a></b><br>Families are encouraged to take responsibility for their own members first, as a demonstration of faith and obedience to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_heart.htm">Reflecting God's Heart</a></b><br>Caring for widows reflects God's compassion and justice. The church is called to mirror God's character by actively supporting those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>Churches today can establish ministries or programs specifically aimed at supporting widows and others in need, ensuring that they are not overlooked.<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/how_can_i_find_rest_from_my_burdens.htm">How should we care for widows according to scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/were_dinosaurs_on_noah's_ark.htm">What guidance does the Bible provide about widows?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_this_worse_than_being_an_unbeliever.htm">Is this worse than being an unbeliever?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nursing_homes.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian nursing homes?</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>(3) <span class= "bld">Honour widows that are widows indeed.</span>--The mention of the relations of a pastor to the female members of the flock suggests another train of thought. Christianity had, during the thirty years of its history, developed a perfectly new existence for women who professed the faith of Jesus of Nazareth. In the Master's new and strange (new and strange to the civilised world of that day) command--that the poor, the needy, and the sick should be succoured, that the helpless should be helped, and the comfortless comforted--a blessed calling was invented. so to speaks for Christian women. Their secluded and, in many respects, degraded life in the old world was, in great measure, owing to the fact that till Christ taught the universal duty of charity, women had no recognised public occupation in the world. The charge of the Founder of the new religion provided an endless variety of blessed, happiness-giving work for women of all ages and rank.<p>The novel prominence, however, of females in such great centres as Ephesus not only necessitated some organisation which should administer the alms, and generally watch over and direct the self-sacrificing labours of the female portion of the community, but also required special vigilance, on the part of the chief pastor and his assistant presbyters and deacons, to prevent the charities of the Church being misused. The widow--the desolate and destitute, the mourning widow indeed, she who is in every sense a widow and has no one to whom to look for aid--she always has a claim on the Church. Not merely is <span class= "ital">she</span> to be honoured by a simple exhibition of respect, but she is to be assisted and supported out of the alms of the faithful.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Honor</span> (<span class="greek">τίμα</span>). The use of the verb <span class="greek">τιμάω</span> in the comment on the fourth commandment in <a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4-6</a>, where the withholding of the honor due consists in saying, "It is corban, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me," and so withholding the honor due, shows clearly that in the notion of <span class="accented">honoring is</span> included that material support which their condition as widows required. So again in ver. 17 of this chapter, the "<span class="accented">double</span> honor" due to elders who labor in the Word and doctrine is clearly shown by ver. 18 to include payment for their maintenance. This is also borne out by the frequent use of <span class="greek">τιμή</span> in the sense of "price" (<a href="/matthew/27-6.htm">Matthew 27:6, 9</a>; <a href="/acts/4-34.htm">Acts 4:34</a>; <a href="/acts/7-16.htm">Acts 7:16</a>; <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Acts 19:19</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/6-20.htm">1 Corinthians 6:20</a>, etc.). The passage might, therefore, be paraphrased, "Pay due regard to the wants of those widows who are widows indeed." The "honor" here prescribed would be exactly the opposite to the "neglect" (<span class="greek">παρεθεωροῦντο</span>) complained of by the Grecian Jews (<a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1</a>). The same idea is in the Latin <span class="accented">honorarium</span>, for a <span class="accented">fee</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Widows indeed</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> really, as in vers. 5 and 16, desolate and alone. We learn from this passage that the care of widows by the whole Church, which began at Jerusalem in the very infancy of the Church, was continued in the Churches planted by St. Paul. We find the same institution though somewhat different in character, in subsequent ages of the Church. Widowhood, as well as virginity, became a religious profession, and widows were admitted with certain ceremonies, including the placing on their heads a veil consecrated by the bishop. Deaconesses were very frequently chosen from the ranks of the widows (Bingham, 'Antiq.,' bk. 7. <a href="/1_timothy/4.htm">1 Timothy 4</a>.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/5-3.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">Support</span><br /><span class="grk">τίμα</span> <span class="translit">(tima)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5091.htm">Strong's 5091: </a> </span><span class="str2">From timios; to prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] widows</span><br /><span class="grk">Χήρας</span> <span class="translit">(Chēras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who [are]</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">truly</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄντως</span> <span class="translit">(ontōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3689.htm">Strong's 3689: </a> </span><span class="str2">Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[in need].</span><br /><span class="grk">χήρας</span> <span class="translit">(chēras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/5-3.htm">1 Timothy 5:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:3 Honor widows who are widows indeed (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/5-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 5:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 5:4" /></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>