1 Timothy 5:10

and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy in Ephesus while establishing administrative criteria for enrolling widows on the church's support roster. He sets age and marital fidelity as prerequisites before specifying the conduct required for inclusion.

The words — The participle μαρτυρουμένη (martouroumenē) means "being borne witness to," indicating a reputation verified by public action. The verbs ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν (eteknotrophēsen) and ἐξενοδόχησεν (xenodochēsen) literally denote "bringing up children" and "entertaining strangers."

The thread — This emphasis on practical charity appears in Paul's later charge to be rich in good works and ready to share (1 Timothy 6:18), his directive that believers take care of tangible needs (Titus 3:8), and the record of Tabitha, who was constantly occupied with acts of kindness (Acts 9:36).

Why it lands — The text requires assessing a widow's worth through documented service rather than demographic status. It demands that readers evaluate spiritual maturity by observable, practical labor directed toward others.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Cross-references

1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
Titus 3:8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.
Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Titus 3:1 Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Luke 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
2 Timothy 3:17 so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Genesis 18:4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.