1 Timothy 5:10
What does 1 Timothy 5:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:10 means
A widow eligible for church support should be known for a life of service: raising children, welcoming strangers, humble acts like washing the saints’ feet, relieving the afflicted, and diligently pursuing every good work. Paul’s list highlights practical love more than public gifts. Hospitality, compassion, and quiet faithfulness mark true godliness. Such a record shows that she has invested in others; now the church rightly invests in her. The mention of washing feet echoes humble service—menial tasks done for Christ’s people. This verse reminds us that holiness is often seen in ordinary deeds done consistently over time, building a reputation that commends one to the care of God’s household.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Well 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if witness is given of her good works; if she has had the care of children, if she has been kind to travellers, washing the feet of the saints, helping those who are in trouble, giving herself to good works.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in good works being testified to: if she brought up children, if she entertained strangers, if saints' feet she washed, if those in tribulation she relieved, if every good work she followed after;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Having testimony for her good works, if she have brought up children, if she have received to harbour, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have ministered to them that suffer tribulation, if she have diligently followed every good work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890borne witness to in good works, if she have brought up children, if she have exercised hospitality, if she have washed saints' feet, if she have imparted relief to the distressed, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Context
Continuing the qualifications started in verse 9, Paul adds character and service as the core criteria. The focus shifts from age and marital fidelity to tangible evidence of godliness. This underscores that the church’s charity is not indiscriminate but honors those whose lives display enduring devotion. Next, Paul will explain why younger widows should not be enrolled, anticipating temptations and practical complications that could ensue without such distinctions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:4
Thou hast commandedus thy precepts, That we should observe them diligently.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- Acts 22:12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,
- 3 John 1:12
Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
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