1 Timothy 5:12
Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχουσαι
Having
G2192
ἔχουσαι
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 7
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
κρίμα
damnation
G2917
κρίμα
damnation
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
2 of 7
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 7
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
James 3:1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:1 Corinthians 11:34And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Historical Context
Some interpreters see 'first faith' as initial faith in Christ, suggesting these widows apostasized. But context favors understanding it as the commitment made upon enrollment—a pledge to devoted service. Breaking such vows damaged both personal integrity and the church's credibility. The early church took vows seriously—your word mattered. Modern culture's casual approach to commitments would horrify Paul.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'first faith' have the younger widows abandoned—initial Christian faith or a specific vow?
- Why is breaking commitments (even well-intentioned ones made hastily) so serious?
- How can we balance not making rash vows with making appropriate commitments to serve God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith (κρῖμα ἔχουσαι ὅτι τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν, krima echousai hoti tēn prōtēn pistin ēthetēsan)—'incurring condemnation because they have abandoned their prior commitment.' Krima means judgment, condemnation. Atheteo means to set aside, reject, nullify. Prōtē pistis is 'first faith'—likely not initial faith in Christ but their first pledge or commitment (to celibate service on the widow roll).
The problem isn't remarriage itself (Paul recommends it in 5:14), but breaking a commitment made to remain single for church service. Young widows who enrolled, pledged celibate devotion, then abandoned that vow to remarry have broken faith. They've nullified their commitment, bringing judgment (shame, broken trust) on themselves and the church.
This warns against hasty commitments. Better not to make vows than to make and break them (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). The issue isn't remarriage but faithfulness—keep your word, or don't make promises you can't sustain. Character includes reliability and follow-through.