1 Timothy 5:10 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
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 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tit 2:7 | In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: ... | Titus models good works |
| Tit 3:8 | These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed God might be careful to maintain good works... | Believers maintain good works |
| Eph 2:10 | For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, ... | Created for good works |
| Mt 5:16 | Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, ... | Good works bring glory to God |
| Acts 9:36 | ...Dorcas, who was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. | Example of a woman known for good works |
| Prov 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go: ... | Importance of child-rearing |
| Eph 6:4 | ...bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. | Parents bringing up children in the Lord |
| Tit 2:4-5 | ...that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,... | Older women teaching younger regarding family |
| Heb 13:2 | Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. | General command for hospitality to strangers |
| Rom 12:13 | Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. | Hospitality as a Christian virtue |
| 1 Pet 4:9 | Use hospitality one to another without grudging. | Command for hospitality without complaint |
| Gen 18:2-8 | Abraham shows hospitality to three visitors, who turn out to be divine. | Abraham's example of lodging strangers |
| Judg 19:15-21 | An old man shows hospitality to a Levite and his concubine. | Ancient custom of lodging travellers |
| Lk 7:38, 44-46 | Woman washes Jesus' feet with her tears. | Act of humble service and devotion |
| Jn 13:5, 12-15 | Jesus washes the disciples' feet as an example of service. | Jesus' example of washing feet as humble service |
| 1 Sam 25:41 | Abigail bowed and said, "Behold, thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord." | Act of lowly service from Old Testament |
| Jas 1:27 | Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,... | Caring for the afflicted as true religion |
| Mt 25:35-40 | Jesus says, "I was hungry, and you gave me food... a stranger, and you took me in..." | Serving the needy is serving Christ |
| Gal 6:10 | As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. | Prioritizing good to believers, and all |
| Lk 6:30 | Give to every man that asketh of thee; ... | Giving to those who ask |
| Deut 15:7-8 | If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren... thou shalt surely open thine hand unto him... | Old Testament command to relieve the afflicted |
| Phil 4:8 | ...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. | Pursuing virtue and things of good report |
1 Timothy 5 verses
1 Timothy 5 10 meaning
This verse outlines the specific historical qualifications required for a widow to be considered for formal enrollment and ongoing financial support by the early church. It emphasizes a consistent pattern of practical, Christ-like service and good deeds demonstrated throughout her life, serving as evidence of her genuine faith and dedication.
1 Timothy 5 10 Context
1 Timothy Chapter 5 provides instructions for the proper care and treatment of various groups within the church, including elders and especially widows. Paul distinguishes between genuinely destitute and deserving widows who are truly alone, and younger widows who might be better off remarrying or could become idle and prone to gossip. Verses 3-16 detail how the church should honor and support widows. Verse 10 specifically lists the moral and practical qualifications for a widow to be "taken into the number" (v. 9), meaning enrolled for consistent church support. These are not conditions for salvation, but a litmus test for judicious distribution of the church's resources, ensuring that assistance goes to those whose lives have already embodied Christian virtues and faithful service, particularly within their families and the wider community of believers. The criteria focus on a history of selflessness rather than mere need.
1 Timothy 5 10 Word analysis
- well reported (martyroumenē): From the Greek martyreō, meaning "to bear witness, testify." Here, it's passive, "having been testified, attested," implying a public, widely acknowledged reputation based on observed actions, not merely personal assertion. Her life story is itself a testament.
- for good works (en ergois kalois): Literally "in good works." Ergon refers to deeds or actions; kalos denotes something good, honorable, intrinsically excellent, morally beautiful. These are not just any works, but ethically commendable, exemplary ones. This phrase suggests her good works are the basis of her good reputation.
- if she have brought up children (eite eteknotrophēsen): Teknotropheō means "to bring up children, rear them." The aorist tense implies a completed action in the past, a life stage she has accomplished. In a culture where children were vital for support in old age, a widow who raised her children well, perhaps even caring for others' orphans, displayed significant character and responsibility, especially if her children later provided for her.
- if she have lodged strangers (eite exenodochēsen): Xenodocheō means "to receive and entertain strangers." This was a foundational virtue in the ancient world, often a life-saving act of hospitality (philoxenia) in a time before inns were widespread or safe. It demonstrates selflessness and an open heart, welcoming outsiders into her home.
- if she have washed the saints' feet (eite hagiōn podas enipsen): Hagiōn means "of the holy ones, saints" (referring to fellow believers). Niptō means "to wash." This specific act, though literal, carried symbolic weight of humble service. In the ancient world, it was often performed by servants or disciples, as exemplified by Jesus (Jn 13:1-17), demonstrating profound humility and selfless ministry to fellow Christians.
- if she have relieved the afflicted (eite thlibomenous epērkesen): Thlibō refers to those pressed, troubled, afflicted; eperkeō means "to stretch out over, to lift up, assist, help." This signifies actively coming to the aid of those suffering from various hardships, whether material, emotional, or physical. It highlights compassionate, practical support for the distressed.
- if she have diligently followed every good work (eite panti ergō agathō epēkolouthēsen): Epakoloutheō means "to follow closely, diligently pursue, or devote oneself to." This is a summary clause, encompassing all types of agathos ergon ("good, beneficial work," in contrast to kalos which emphasizes beauty or intrinsic moral excellence). This signifies not just occasional acts, but a consistent, committed life of actively engaging in and pursuing all kinds of beneficial, wholesome, and useful deeds.
1 Timothy 5 10 Bonus section
The qualifications listed in 1 Tim 5:10 underscore a deep practical theology that distinguishes genuine faith from mere profession. The requirements for enrolled widows are not solely about meeting needs but recognizing a life well-lived in the service of God and others. This establishes a reciprocal principle where the church cares for those who have, throughout their lives, actively cared for the church and the broader community of believers and even outsiders. The specific actions highlight the tangible, not just spiritual, aspects of Christian love. The emphasis on "having brought up children" (past perfect) speaks to completed stages of life, reinforcing that the church's commitment is to those who have demonstrated lasting faithfulness rather than offering conditional support based on future behavior. This holistic view of character is crucial for integrity within the early church's benevolent structures.
1 Timothy 5 10 Commentary
This verse lays out vital criteria for selecting widows for church support, highlighting a life demonstrably consecrated to service. It is not about earning grace but presenting verifiable proof of genuine, active faith. The list is an exemplary, not exhaustive, catalogue of Christ-like attributes focused on past actions: raising children (demonstrating responsibility), lodging strangers (embodying hospitality), washing feet (reflecting humble service), relieving the afflicted (showing compassion), and generally pursuing every good work. Each criterion requires sustained effort over time, solidifying her reputation as one who has already ministered to others. This ensured that church resources were prudently allocated to those whose lives were an extension of Christian values, serving as living testimonies to faith and compassion. It emphasizes that those who seek support should themselves have been givers, demonstrating a track record of selfless devotion that prefigures the service she would continue, in essence, as part of the "enrolled" body.