1 Timothy 5:8
What does 1 Timothy 5:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 5:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 5:8 means
Failure to provide for one’s own relatives, especially those in one’s household, is a denial of the faith and worse than unbelief. Paul’s language is severe to awaken conscience. Christianity does not excuse neglect under the guise of spirituality; it demands practical love. Even unbelievers often care for their families; to do less is to betray the gospel’s transforming power. Providing here includes material support and responsible oversight. Such care vindicates the church’s witness and relieves the congregation from bearing burdens that belong first to the home. Faith that does not work through love toward one’s own is hollow. True piety shows itself at the kitchen table before it speaks in the assembly.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If anyone has no care for his family and those in his house, he is false to the faith, and is worse than one who has no faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if any one for his own--and especially for those of the household--doth not provide, the faith he hath denied, and than an unbeliever he is worse.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if any man have not care of his own and especially of those of his house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But if any one does not provide for his own, and specially for those of [his] house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than the unbeliever.
Context
Verse 8 reinforces the principle in verse 4 with force, making family provision a matter of faithfulness to Christ. Its severity supports the earlier call to enroll only true widows and helps prevent abuse of church charity. With the obligation of relatives established, Paul now turns to the criteria for a formal list of widows who receive church support. The next verses set age and character qualifications, ensuring that aid is aimed where it will best honor God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 6:15
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?
- Genesis 30:30
For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it hath increased unto a multitude; and Jehovah hath blessed thee whithersoever I turned: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
- Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- 2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;
- John 15:22
If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no excuse for their sin.
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