1 Timothy 5:7 kjv
And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
1 Timothy 5:7 nkjv
And these things command, that they may be blameless.
1 Timothy 5:7 niv
Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.
1 Timothy 5:7 esv
Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.
1 Timothy 5:7 nlt
Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.
1 Timothy 5 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 5:4 | If a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing to God. | Context of honoring family |
| Ephesians 6:2 | "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— | Command to honor parents |
| Matthew 15:4 | For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ | Reinforces the commandment |
| Exodus 20:12 | “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” | Ten Commandments |
| Deuteronomy 5:16 | “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” | Repeated commandment |
| Mark 7:10-13 | “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if a man tells his father or his mother, ‘Whatever you might have been helped by me is Corban’ (that is, given to God)— then you need not allow him to honor his father or his mother, and you make the word of God invalid by your tradition that you have invented. And many such things you do.” | Condemns traditions that nullify God's commands |
| 1 Timothy 5:8 | But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. | Consequence of neglecting support |
| Romans 12:8 | ... if it is to offering gifts, to offer it simply; if it is to governing, to govern with diligence; if it is to showing mercy, to show it with cheerfulness. | Practical demonstration of faith |
| Galatians 6:10 | So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. | Doing good to the family of faith |
| Philippians 2:4 | Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. | Selflessness and concern for others |
| 1 Peter 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. | Mutual care and support |
| Colossians 3:18 | Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. | Family duties within the church |
| Colossians 3:20 | Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. | Children's duty to parents |
| Proverbs 17:6 | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. | Generational respect |
| Luke 11:2 | And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. | Prayer includes acknowledging God's authority |
| 1 Corinthians 9:14 | In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. | Support for those serving God |
| 1 Timothy 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who toil in preaching and teaching. | Honoring elders who labor |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they shared their possessions. | Communal provision and generosity |
| 1 Corinthians 7:33 | But married people are concerned with the things of the world, how to please their wife, | Responsibilities within marriage |
| Romans 13:7 | Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due. | Giving honor and support where due |
1 Timothy 5 verses
1 Timothy 5 7 Meaning
This verse is a direct command from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, concerning how to instruct believers to live godly lives. It emphasizes a proactive and perpetual duty to sustain parents who are believers and who are in need. The core idea is that such support is a demonstration of piety and faithfulness towards God.
1 Timothy 5 7 Context
This verse is found within Paul's first letter to Timothy, which serves as a pastoral epistle offering guidance on church leadership, conduct, and doctrine. Specifically, in chapter 5, Paul addresses the care and treatment of various groups within the church, including widows and elders. Verse 7 follows Paul's instructions regarding young widows and their support, and the potential for them to be maintained by the church. The immediate context of verse 7 is the instruction for believers, generally, to honor their parents by providing for their needs, particularly those who are parents in the faith or natural parents. This teaching is situated within a broader ethical framework of living a life pleasing to God and demonstrating true godliness.
1 Timothy 5 7 Word Analysis
- Παραγγέλλω (parangellō): "I charge" or "I command." This indicates a strong, authoritative instruction from Paul to Timothy. It's not a mere suggestion but a solemn charge.
- σοι (soi): "to you." Directly addressing Timothy.
- εὐσεβεῖν (eusebein): "to be pious" or "to show godliness." Refers to the outward expression of true devotion and reverence for God. This isn't just internal belief, but demonstrable conduct.
- οἴκους (oikous): "households" or "families." This refers to the immediate family unit, encompassing parents and immediate relatives.
- καὶ (kai): "and." A conjunction linking "households" and "posterity."
- τοὺς (tous): "the." Definite article.
- ἰδίους (idious): "one's own" or "own." Emphasizes the personal responsibility towards one's own family.
- προγόνους (progonous): "forefathers" or "ancestors." This can refer to parents or, more broadly, those who came before, suggesting a legacy of honoring one's lineage.
- ἀποδιδόναι (apodidonai): "to pay back" or "to repay." This verb signifies meeting a debt or obligation, suggesting that caring for parents is a recognized duty.
- γὰρ (gar): "for." Introduces the reason or basis for the command.
- τοῦτο (touto): "this." Refers to the act of providing for one's own household and progenitors.
- ἐστὶν (estin): "is."
- εὐάρεστον (euareston): "well-pleasing" or "acceptable." The action is pleasing and acceptable to God.
- τῷ θεῷ (tō theō): "to God." The ultimate recipient of this acceptable act.
Word-group Analysis:
- "to be pious toward households and own forefathers to repay": This phrase links outward godliness directly with fulfilling familial obligations. The act of "repaying" suggests a debt of gratitude and maintenance owed to those who provided for them. It highlights that genuine piety extends to practical, familial support.
1 Timothy 5 7 Bonus Section
This verse aligns with the universal moral law recognized even in pre-Christian societies, which acknowledged the duty of children to care for their aging parents. However, Paul frames this obligation within the Christian covenant, making it a demonstration of "godliness" and an act that is "well-pleasing to God." The concept of "repaying" highlights that those who have nurtured us deserve our continued care. The phrase "well-pleasing to God" is a recurring theme in Pauline literature, indicating actions that are in accord with God's will and character. The application extends beyond natural parents to include those who have spiritually nurtured believers.
1 Timothy 5 7 Commentary
The core of this verse is the command to live a life of active godliness. This godliness is not theoretical but must be expressed in concrete actions, particularly within the family. Paul instructs Timothy to impress upon believers that providing for their own family, especially their parents and elders in the lineage, is a fundamental duty. This act of support is characterized as "well-pleasing to God." It’s a fulfillment of a deeply ingrained moral and spiritual obligation that reflects the believer's understanding of God's commands and the importance of familial bonds. Neglecting such responsibility would be a denial of true faith and would incur divine displeasure.