1 Timothy 5 8

1 Timothy 5:8 kjv

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1 Timothy 5:8 nkjv

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8 niv

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:8 esv

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.

1 Timothy 5:8 nlt

But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

1 Timothy 5 verses

1 Timothy 5 8 Meaning

This verse establishes a fundamental Christian principle: believers have a sacred responsibility to provide for their own households, especially those who are unable to support themselves. This care is not merely a suggestion but a moral and spiritual obligation that is explicitly linked to faith. Failing to do so is considered worse than a non-believer's behavior and implies a rejection of faith itself.

1 Timothy 5 8 Context

First Timothy chapter 5 addresses the practical governance and care within the early Christian church, particularly concerning the elderly, widows, deacons, and elders. Paul provides guidance to Timothy on how to manage these relationships and responsibilities within the Christian community. Verse 8 fits into this broader discussion on ensuring that the needs of all members, especially the vulnerable, are met. This instruction is vital for the healthy functioning and testimony of the church to the outside world. It emphasizes that familial and communal responsibility is a reflection of one's commitment to God.

1 Timothy 5 8 Word Analysis

• εἴ τις (ei tis): "If anyone" - This is a conditional statement, setting a requirement.
• οὐ (ou): "not" - The negation is absolute.
• τῶν ἰδίων (tōn idiōn): "his own" - Refers to one's immediate family – spouse, children, parents, and by extension, those under one's direct care. This is a key term highlighting the primary sphere of responsibility. The concept of "one's own" in biblical teaching extends to a personal connection and dependence.
• προνοεῖται (pronoeteitai): "provides for" or "cares for" - This present tense verb suggests a continuous action, an ongoing commitment to meet the needs of. It's not a one-time act but a state of sustained care.
• τὴν ἰδίαν οἰκίαν (tēn idian oikian): "his own household" - This refers to the immediate family unit. The term 'oikos' (household) in ancient Greek society encompassed not just blood relatives but also dependents, servants, and any living under the same roof. It represents the core unit of social and economic life.
• τὸν τῆς πίστεως (ton tēs pisteōs): "of the faith" or "his faith" - The genitive case indicates possession or relation. It points to the faith one professes.
• ἀπαρνησάμενος (aparnēsamenos): "has denied" - This strong verb signifies a complete repudiation or disowning.
• χ świecie (kosmos): "world" or "worldly" - The possessive adjective implies the standards and behavior of the unbelieving world.
• χ świecie (kosmos): "world" or "worldly" - The possessive adjective implies the standards and behavior of the unbelieving world.
• χεῖρον (cheiron): "worse" - A comparative adjective indicating a lesser, degraded standard.

1 Timothy 5 8 Bonus Section

The responsibility extends beyond mere financial support to encompass emotional, physical, and spiritual care. The original Greek term "pronoeteitai" implies proactive foresight and diligent planning for the welfare of the household. This responsibility is foundational for both Jewish and Christian ethics. In Judaism, Proverbs 31:10-31 highlights the diligence and wisdom expected of a virtuous wife in managing her household, reflecting a broad societal understanding of care. In the New Testament, this is amplified as a direct outgrowth of the believer's new identity and calling in Christ. This instruction also forms part of a larger discourse on church order and care, as seen in other passages addressing the needs of widows (1 Tim 5:3-16) and the qualifications for church leadership (1 Tim 3:4-5), which often include the ability to manage one's own household well.

1 Timothy 5 8 Commentary

This verse is a powerful declaration on practical godliness and a cornerstone of biblical ethics regarding family responsibility. Paul links outward religious practice directly to the diligent, loving provision for one's household. To neglect this fundamental duty is not just an oversight but a deep spiritual failing, an abandonment of a core aspect of true faith. It means a believer’s commitment is less than that of an unbeliever who would typically care for their own kin. This demonstrates that genuine faith is not merely theoretical but is actively expressed in concrete, tangible actions, especially within the foundational unit of society—the family. It also speaks to the testimony of the church; a household acting responsibly is a reflection of God's goodness to the outside world.