1 Timothy 5:7
What does 1 Timothy 5:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:7 means
Timothy is to command these teachings so that the church will be above reproach. Clear instruction promotes holiness and protects the congregation from scandal or resentment. By giving this charge authority, Paul ensures that care for widows does not devolve into favoritism or neglect. Open, principled policies help the church honor God and silence critics. The aim is not bureaucratic control but blamelessness—lives and structures that cannot be fairly accused. Timothy’s leadership must therefore be firm and pastoral, explaining the reasons behind the guidelines so that obedience is willing and joyful. When God’s standards are taught plainly, the church walks more securely in love and truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things also command, that they may be without reproach.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things also command, that they may be without reproach.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give orders to this effect, so that no evil may be said of anyone.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and these things charge, that they may be blameless;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And this give in charge, that they may be blameless.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And these things enjoin, that they may be irreproachable.
Context
After contrasting devout and self-indulgent widows, Paul pauses to underscore the necessity of authoritative teaching. Verse 7 functions as a hinge: it summarizes the prior criteria and readies the church for the strong words that follow about family responsibility. The next verse will intensify the personal obligation of relatives to provide, using severe language for neglect. This framing makes it clear that the policies are not optional suggestions but commands for the church’s integrity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:13
This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
- 1 Timothy 4:11
These things command and teach.
- 2 Timothy 4:1
I chargetheein the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
- 1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
- Titus 2:15
These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
- 1 Timothy 1:3
As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
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