1 Timothy 5 10

1 Timothy 5:10 kjv

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

1 Timothy 5:10 nkjv

well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

1 Timothy 5:10 niv

and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

1 Timothy 5:10 esv

and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

1 Timothy 5:10 nlt

She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 10 Meaning

A widow receiving church support must have a history of good deeds. She should have a proven track record of showing kindness and a life marked by generosity. Specific examples of this are raising children, being hospitable to strangers, and serving those in need, especially by washing the saints' feet.

1 Timothy 5 10 Context

This verse is found within 1 Timothy chapter 5, which specifically addresses the care and treatment of widows within the early church. Paul is giving instructions to Timothy on how to manage church affairs, including the support of widows. The passage distinguishes between "truly widowed" women who are eligible for church support and those who are not. Verse 10 sets out the qualifications for those truly widowed women who are to be placed on the list for church assistance, emphasizing a life of proven godly character and good works. This reflects a need for discerning judgment in church administration to prevent abuse of resources and to ensure support goes to those genuinely in need and who have demonstrated a life consistent with Christian teaching.

1 Timothy 5 10 Word Analysis

• ἐπεὶ (epei): "since" or "seeing that." This is a causal conjunction, introducing the reason why a widow qualifies for honor or support.
• ἐστὶν (estin): "is." A form of the verb "to be."
• χήρα (chēra): "widow." A woman whose husband has died.
• ἐπιφανής (epiphaneis): "notorious" or "well-known," in a good sense. It implies a public reputation for virtue.
• ἐν ἐλέοις (en eleois): "in deeds of mercy" or "by acts of kindness." This phrase is in the dative plural, indicating that her support of others has been through many acts of compassion.
• καλῶν (kalōn): "good." Genitive plural masculine, agreeing with "works."
• ἔργων (ergōn): "works." Genitive plural of ergon, meaning "deed," "work," or "act."
• μαρτυρουμένη (martyroumenē): "witnessed," "testified to," or "having a good report." Present passive participle, indicating a continuous testimony or reputation.
• εἰ (ei): "if." Conditional particle.
• ἔτεκεν (eteken): "she has brought up" or "she has borne/raised." Aorist indicative active, referring to a past action.
• παιδοτροφήσασα (paidotropheisasas): Perfect active participle from paidotropheō, meaning "having brought up children." Implies having raised them well.
• εἰ (ei): "if."
• εἰς (eis): "to" or "in."
• ξένους (xenous): "strangers," "foreigners." Accusative plural masculine.
• φιλοξενήσασα (philoxenēsasas): Perfect active participle from philoxeneō, meaning "having shown hospitality."
• εἰ (ei): "if."
• νίψασα (nipsasa): Aorist active participle from niptō, meaning "having washed."
• ἁγίων (hagiōn): "saints," "holy ones." Genitive plural masculine.
• πόδας (podas): "feet." Accusative plural masculine.
• εἰ (ei): "if."
• εἰ (ei): "if."
• συνεφιλοσόφησε (synephilōsophēsase): This Greek word, derived from syn (together) and philos (loving) and sophos (wise), signifies sharing in wisdom or having reasoned together. It is typically interpreted in this context as sharing in their needs or afflictions, demonstrating deep empathy and care. It implies a mutual participation in a philosophical or life-sharing manner, often expressed through practical assistance during times of hardship or persecution faced by believers.

Word Group Analysis

• "truly a widow": Emphasizes genuine need and not merely the status of being unmarried.
• "known for her good works": Refers to a public, consistent, and evident history of virtuous actions.
• "raised children": Specifically highlights the duty and fruitfulness of motherhood.
• "shown hospitality to strangers": Points to openness and generosity towards those outside her immediate circle.
• "washed the saints' feet": Symbolizes humble service, care, and attentiveness to the needs of fellow believers, perhaps even the less privileged among them. This action, deeply rooted in the Near Eastern custom of washing guests' feet upon arrival, signifies profound humility and willingness to engage in lowly service for Christ's followers.

1 Timothy 5 10 Bonus Section

The "washing of the saints' feet" was a practice signifying extreme humility and servanthood, akin to Jesus washing his disciples' feet in John 13. It went beyond customary hospitality, often involving tending to the dirt and fatigue of travelers, reflecting deep care and identification with their journey. This act, along with raising children and showing hospitality, paints a picture of a mature believer whose life has been characterized by selfless practical devotion. The cumulative effect of these mentioned deeds—raising children, hospitality, and washing feet—points to a woman who has been fruitful in her responsibilities, generous in spirit, and humble in service. It implies she has lived a life of active faith, contributing to the well-being of her family and the church community. The specific mention of washing "saints'" feet underscores that this service is directed towards fellow Christians, a tangible expression of love within the body of Christ. This criterion was important to distinguish between those truly in need and deserving of community support, and those who might exploit the church's generosity without having lived a life of reciprocal godly conduct.

1 Timothy 5 10 Commentary

The apostle Paul lays down specific criteria for widows who are to receive the church's material support. It is not enough to be simply unmarried; a widow must have a demonstrated history of consistent good deeds and godly character. This "good report" is evidenced by specific actions: successfully raising children, offering hospitality to strangers, and practicing humble service for believers. These qualities underscore a life that has actively served God and the community, exhibiting the virtues that Paul elsewhere commends for older women. The washing of saints' feet signifies a deep, selfless, and even menial form of service that goes beyond mere duty, pointing to a heart of profound humility and love for fellow believers. This verse ensures that church resources are directed towards those who have shown themselves to be genuinely dedicated to a life of service and Christian witness.