1 Timothy 5:14
What does 1 Timothy 5:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:14 means
Paul therefore desires younger widows to remarry, bear children, and manage their households. This commends a constructive, honored path that fits their stage of life and gifts. Such a course deprives opponents of grounds to slander the church. The aim is not to reduce women to domestic roles only, but to affirm that home-building is godly work and a wise route for many younger widows in that context. By encouraging fruitful responsibilities, Paul promotes stability, dignity, and protection from temptations that come with aimlessness. Family life, when embraced in faith, becomes a sphere for discipleship, hospitality, and witness, silencing critics and serving Christ in the ordinary.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:
KJV
King James Version · 1611I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So it is my desire that the younger widows may be married and have children, controlling their families, and giving the Evil One no chance to say anything against them,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I will, therefore, that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I will therefore that the younger marry, bear children, rule the house, give no occasion to the adversary in respect of reproach.
Context
Having warned of idleness and gossip, Paul gives a positive vision for younger widows. Verse 14 moves from prohibition to prescription, showing the pastoral heart behind the policy: to promote good order and guard the church’s reputation. The following verse underscores the urgency by noting that some have already strayed, making these recommendations timely and necessary. The broader section will soon conclude by returning responsibility for widows to families where possible.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 12:14
Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
- Genesis 18:6
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.
- 1 Timothy 4:3
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
- Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
- Hebrews 13:4
Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
- 1 Peter 4:14
If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Family
The Bible emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and spiritual, as a foundational unit in God's design.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gossip
Gossip is a pervasive vice that damages relationships and reflects poorly on our character, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.
What the Bible says about…