Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:4
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, instructing him on church conduct regarding widows. He addresses this directive within a broader list of regulations for supporting those who qualify for church assistance.
The words — χήρα (chēra) means widow, and τέκνα (tekna) means children. These terms establish the familial relationship at the center of the instruction.
The thread — The command to honor parents echoes the Mosaic law recorded in Matthew 15:4 and the apostolic instruction in Ephesians 6:1. Paul applies this established ethical standard to the specific matter of family support.
Why it lands — The text requires family members to provide for widowed relatives before seeking institutional support. It places the responsibility of care on the household as a direct obligation to God.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Matthew 15:4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’
- John 19:26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
- Genesis 47:12 Joseph also provided his father and brothers and all his father’s household with food for their families.
- Genesis 45:10 You shall settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you and your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and everything you own.
- Mark 7:11 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),
- 1 Timothy 2:3 This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
- Ruth 2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.
- Ruth 2:18 She picked up the grain and went into the town, where her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. And she brought out what she had saved from her meal and gave it to Naomi.
- 1 Samuel 22:3 From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab, where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I learn what God will do for me.”