1Ti 5:9-16 | 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 5:9-16

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.

But younger widows refuse ( νεωτερας δε χηρας παραιτου ). Present middle imperative as in 4:7. "Beg off from." They lack experience as above and they have other ambitions.

When they have waxed wanton ( οταν καταστρηνιασωσιν ). First aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of καταστρηνιαω, late compound (only here and Ignatius), to feel the impulse of sexual desire, but simplex στρηνιαω (Re 18:7, 9). Souter renders it here "exercise youthful vigour against Christ" ( του Χριστου, genitive case after κατα in composition).

Condemnation ( κριμα ). See 3:6.

They have rejected ( ηθετησαν ). First aorist passive of αθετεω, late verb (first in LXX and Polybius), to reject, set aside (from αθετος ). See 1Th 4:8; Ga 2:21.

Their first faith ( την πρωτην πιστιν ). "Their first pledge" (promise, contract) to Christ. It is like breaking the marriage contract. Evidently one of the pledges on joining the order of widows was not to marry. Parry suggests a kind of ordination as with deacons and bishops (technical use of κριμα and πιστις ).

And withal ( αμα δε κα ). See Phm 1:22 for this very phrase, "and at the same time also." Such young enrolled widows have other perils also.

They learn to be idle ( αργα μανθανουσιν ). There is no εινα (to be) in the Greek. This very idiom without εινα after μανθανω occurs in Plato and Dio Chrysostom, though unusual. Αργα (idle) is old adjective ( α privative and εργον, without work). See Mt 20:3; Tit 1:12.

Going about ( περιερχομενα ). Present middle participle of περιερχομα, old compound verb. See Ac 19:13 of strollers.

From house to house ( τας οικιας ). Literally "the houses," "wandering around the houses." Vivid picture of idle tattlers and gossipers.

But tattlers also ( αλλα κα φλυαρο ). Old word from φλυω (to boil up, to throw up bubbles, like blowing soap bubbles). Only here in N.T. Φλυαρεω in 3Jo 1:10 only in N.T.

And busybodies ( κα περιεργο ). Old word (from περι, εργον ), busy about trifles to the neglect of important matters. In N.T. only here and Ac 19:19. See 2Th 3:11 for περιεργαζομα.

Things which they ought not ( τα μη δεοντα ). "The not necessary things," and, as a result, often harmful. See Tit 1:11 α μη δε (which things are not necessary).

I desire ( βουλομα ). See 2:8.

The younger widows ( νεωτερας ). No article and no word for widows, though that is clearly the idea. Νεωτερας is accusative of general reference with γαμειν (to marry) the object (present infinitive active) of βουλομα.

Bear children ( τεκνογονειν ). A compound verb here only in N.T. and nowhere else save in Anthol. See τεκνογονια in 2:15.

Rule the household ( οικοδεσποτειν ). Late verb from οικοδεσποτης (Mr 14:14), twice in the papyri, only here in N.T. Note that the wife is here put as ruler of the household, proper recognition of her influence, "new and improved position" (Liddon) .

Occasion ( αφορμην ). Old word ( απο, ορμη ), a base to rush from, Pauline use in 2Co 5:12; 11:12; Ga 5:13.

To the adversary ( τω αντικειμενω ). Dative case of the articular participle of αντικειμα, a Pauline idiom (Php 1:28).

Reviling ( λοιδοριας ). Old word (from λοιδορεω ), in N.T. only here and 1Pe 3:9. Genitive case with χαριν.

Are turned aside ( εξετραπησαν ). Second aorist (effective) passive indicative of εκτρεπω. See 1:6.

After Satan ( οπισω του Σατανα ). "Behind Satan." Late use of οπισω (behind) as a preposition. Used by Jesus of disciples coming behind (after) him (Mt 16:24).

That believeth ( πιστη ). "Believing woman."

Hath widows ( εχε χηρας ). The "any believing woman" is one of the household-rulers of verse 14. The "widows" here are the widows dependent on her and who are considered as candidates to be enrolled in the list.

Let her relieve them ( επαρκειτω αυταις ). For this verb (imperative present active) see verse 10.

Let not be burdened ( μη βαρεισθω ). Present passive imperative (in prohibition μη ) of βαρεω, old verb ( βαρος, burden), Pauline word (2Co 1:8).

That are widows indeed ( ταις οντως χηραις ). Dative case with επαρκεση (first aorist active subjunctive with ινα, final clause). See verse 3 for this use of οντως with χηραις "the qualified and enrolled widows." Cf. verse 9.