Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy on church order in Ephesus, specifically the enrollment of widows, and this verse sets a qualifying standard for anyone claiming the faith.
The words — ἰδίων (idiōn) means "one's own" in the sense of a private, personal unit; it marks the household as the smallest sphere of obligation before any broader community.
The thread — Luke 11:11 asks what father would give a snake for a fish, setting the same baseline of a parent's duty to provide; Galatians 6:10 echoes the priority of "the family of faith" but broadens it to all believers.
Why it lands — The verse makes provision a litmus test for genuine faith: if you cannot be trusted with your own household, your profession of belief is empty.
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 provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Cross-references
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14 See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
- Luke 11:11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
- Isaiah 58:7 Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
- Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
- Matthew 7:11 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
- 2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
- Genesis 30:30 Indeed, you had very little before my arrival, but now your wealth has increased many times over. The LORD has blessed you wherever I set foot. But now, when may I also provide for my own household?”
- Matthew 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
- Luke 12:47 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.