Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:12
and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy to refuse enrollment of younger widows who are being drawn away from Christ by their own passions. This directive functions within a broader pastoral framework for maintaining orderly conduct and proper care within the early church.
The words — The text centers on κρῖμα (krima), literally judgment, and ἠθέτησαν (ēthetēsan), meaning they have cast off or set aside. The grammar directly links the act of abandoning their initial commitment to the resulting divine judgment.
The thread — The pattern of deserting an initial spiritual commitment runs through Galatians 1:6, which describes believers turning to a different gospel. The warning of incurred judgment parallels James 3:1 on stricter evaluation for those who teach and 1 Corinthians 11:34 on consequences for improper assembly conduct.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to treat their initial commitment to Christ as a binding vow rather than a temporary arrangement. It demands active fidelity and disciplined conduct instead of passive drift into idleness or gossip.
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
Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
Cross-references
- Galatians 1:6 I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
- James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
- 1 Corinthians 11:34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.
- 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
- Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.