1Ti 5:3-8 | RWP | e4.org | That are widows indeed ( τας οντως χηρας ). For οντως (actually, really), see ; ; and verse . For widows ( χηρα ) see , ; ; . Parry notes that in verses Paul discusses widows who are in distress and those who are in the employment of the local church for certain work. Evidently, as in Acts , so here in Ephesus there had arisen some trouble over the widows in the church. Both for individual cases of need and as a class Timothy is to show proper respect ( τιμα , keep on honouring) the widows.

‏ 1 Timothy 5:3-8

That are widows indeed ( τας οντως χηρας ). For οντως (actually, really), see Lu 23:47; 1Co 14:25; and verse 5. For widows ( χηρα ) see Mr 12:40, 42; Ac 6:1; 1Co 7:8. Parry notes that in verses 3-8 Paul discusses widows who are in distress and 9-16 those who are in the employment of the local church for certain work. Evidently, as in Acts 6:1-6, so here in Ephesus there had arisen some trouble over the widows in the church. Both for individual cases of need and as a class Timothy is to show proper respect ( τιμα, keep on honouring) the widows.

Grandchildren ( εκγονα ). Old word from εκγινομα, here only in N.T.

Let them learn ( μανθανετωσαν ). The children and grandchildren of a widow. Present active imperative third person plural of μανθανω. "Let them keep on learning."

First ( πρωτον ). Adverb, first before anything else. No "corban" business here. No acts of "piety" toward God will make up for impiety towards parents.

To shew piety ( ευσεβειν ). Present active infinitive with μανθανετωσαν and old verb, in N.T. only here and Ac 17:23. From ευσεβης ( ευ, σεβομα ), pious, dutiful.

Their own family ( τον ιδιον οικον ). "Their own household." Filial piety is primary unless parents interfere with duty to Christ (Lu 14:26).

To requite ( αμοιβας αποδιδονα ). Present active infinitive of αποδιδωμ, to give back, old and common verb (Ro 2:6), to keep on giving back. Αμοιβας (from αμειβομα, to requite like for like) is old and common word, but here only in N.T.

Their parents ( τοις προγονοις ). Dative case of old and common word προγονος (from προγινομα, to come before), "ancestor." In N.T. only here and 2Ti 1:3. See 2:3 for "acceptable" ( αποδεκτον ).

Desolate ( μεμονωμενη ). Perfect passive participle of μονοω (from μονος ), "left alone," old verb, here alone in N.T. Without husband, children, or other close kin.

Hath her hope set on God ( ηλπικεν επ θεον ). Perfect active indicative of ελπιζω, "hath placed her hope (and keeps it) on God." Text doubtful whether God ( θεον ) or Lord ( Κυριον ).

Continues ( προσμενε ). See on 1:3. With dative case here.

Night and day ( νυκτος κα ημερας ). "By night and by day" (genitive, not accusative). Paul does not say that she should pray "all night and day."

She that giveth herself to pleasure ( η σπαταλωσα ). Present active participle of σπλαταλαω, late verb (Polybius) from σπαταλη (riotous, luxurious living). In N.T. only here and Jas 5:5.

That they may be without reproach ( ινα ανεπιλημπτο ωσιν ). See 3:2 for ανεπιλημπτος. Final clause with ινα and present subjunctive.

Provideth not for his own ( των ιδιων ου προνοε ). Condition of first class with ε and present active (or middle προνοειτα ) indicative of προνοεω, old verb, to think beforehand. Pauline word in N.T. only here, 2Co 8:21; Ro 12:7. With genitive case.

He hath denied the faith ( την πιστιν ηρνητα ). Perfect middle indicative of old verb αρνεομα. His act of impiety belies (Tit 1:16) his claim to the faith (Re 2:13).

Worse than an unbeliever ( απιστου χειρων ). Ablative case of απιστου after the comparative χειρων. Who makes no profession of piety.