1 Timothy 5:4
What does 1 Timothy 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:4 means
If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first care for her. Family piety begins at home: repaying parents and grandparents for their care is pleasing to God. Paul locates mercy within the household before it becomes a church burden. This does not lessen the church’s compassion but orders it rightly. Providing for one’s own displays genuine godliness and prevents the church from being stretched thin. Such provision is a concrete way to honor the fifth commandment’s spirit. God counts this domestic faithfulness as acceptable worship, reminding believers that spirituality and ordinary responsibilities are not at odds but united in loving obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if any widow has children or children's children, let these see that it is right to take care of their family and their fathers and mothers: for this is pleasing in the eyes of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any widow have children or grandchildren, let them learn first to their own house to show piety, and to give back a recompense to the parents, for this is right and acceptable before God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if any widow have children or grandchildren, let her learn first to govern her own house and to make a return of duty to her parents; for this is acceptable before God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but if any widow have children or descendants, let them learn first to be pious as regards their own house, and to render a return on their side to [their] parents; for this is acceptable in the sight ofGod.
Context
After calling the church to honor widows in need, Paul immediately limits that responsibility by redirecting first-line care to the widow’s own family. This helps distinguish true destitution from situations where relatives can and should help. The next verses will paint a profile of a “widow indeed” who is truly dependent on God and the church, and will contrast this with the self-indulgent life. By establishing family duty first, Paul protects church resources and public witness, themes that recur throughout the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 2:3
This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
- Ruth 2:18
And she took it up, and went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave to her that which she had left after she was sufficed.
- Genesis 47:12
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.
- Isaiah 14:22
And I will rise up against them, saith Jehovah of hosts, and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and son and son’s son, saith Jehovah.
- 1 Samuel 22:3
And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me.
- Proverbs 31:28
Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husbandalso, and he praiseth her, saying:
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…