1Ti 5:9-10 | RWP | e4.org | Let none be enrolled as a widow ( χηρα καταλεγεσθω ). Present passive imperative of καταλεγω , old verb, to set down in an official list, only here in N.T. "Let a widow be enrolled," the negative coming later, "having become of no less than sixty years" ( μη ελαττον ετων εξηκοντα γεγονυια ). Second perfect active participle of γινομα . For the case of ετων , see . This list of genuine widows (verses , ) apparently had some kind of church work to do (care for the sick, the orphans, etc.). The wife of one man ( ενος ανδρος γυνη ). Widows on this list must not be married a second time. This interpretation is not so clear for , ; .

‏ 1 Timothy 5:9-10

Let none be enrolled as a widow ( χηρα καταλεγεσθω ). Present passive imperative of καταλεγω, old verb, to set down in an official list, only here in N.T. "Let a widow be enrolled," the negative coming later, "having become of no less than sixty years" ( μη ελαττον ετων εξηκοντα γεγονυια ). Second perfect active participle of γινομα. For the case of ετων, see Lu 2:42. This list of genuine widows (verses 3, 5) apparently had some kind of church work to do (care for the sick, the orphans, etc.).

The wife of one man ( ενος ανδρος γυνη ). Widows on this list must not be married a second time. This interpretation is not so clear for 3:2, 12; Tit 1:6.

If she hath brought up children ( ε ετεκνοτροφησεν ). Condition of first class. Late and rare word (Aristotle, Epictetus), first aorist active indicative of τεκνοτροφεω ( τεκνοτροφος, from τεκνον, τρεφω ), here only in N.T. Qualification for her work as leader.

If she hath used hospitality to strangers ( ε εξενοδοχησεν ). First aorist again and same condition. Late form (Dio Cassius) of old verb ξενοδοκεω (Herodotus), to welcome strangers ( ξενους δεχομα ). Only here in N.T. Hospitality another qualification for such leadership (3:2).

If she hath washed the saints' feet ( ε αγιων ποδας ενιψεν ). Same condition and tense of νιπτω (old form νιζω ), common in N.T. (Joh 13:5). Proof of her hospitality, not of its being a church ordinance.

If she hath relieved the afflicted ( ε θλιβομενοις επηρκεσεν ). Same condition and tense of επαρκεω, to give sufficient aid, old word, in N.T. only here and verse 16. Experience that qualified her for eleemosynary work.

If she hath diligently followed ( ε επηκολουθησεν ). Same condition and tense of επακολουθεω, old verb, to follow close upon ( επ ). So here, verse 24; 1Pe 2:21. In a word such a widow must show her qualifications for leadership as with bishops and deacons.