1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
νεωτέρας
that the younger women
G3501
νεωτέρας
that the younger women
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
3 of 13
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
τεκνογονεῖν
bear children
G5041
τεκνογονεῖν
bear children
Strong's:
G5041
Word #:
5 of 13
to be a child-bearer, i.e., parent (mother)
οἰκοδεσποτεῖν
guide the house
G3616
οἰκοδεσποτεῖν
guide the house
Strong's:
G3616
Word #:
6 of 13
to be the head of (i.e., rule) a family
ἀφορμὴν
occasion
G874
ἀφορμὴν
occasion
Strong's:
G874
Word #:
8 of 13
a starting-point, i.e., (figuratively) an opportunity
διδόναι
give
G1325
διδόναι
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 13
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀντικειμένῳ
to the adversary
G480
ἀντικειμένῳ
to the adversary
Strong's:
G480
Word #:
11 of 13
to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to
Cross References
Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.1 Timothy 6:1Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.Titus 2:8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.1 Timothy 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.Daniel 6:4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Historical Context
Critics of Christianity claimed it disrupted family and social order. If young Christian widows refused remarriage and lived idly on church funds, this would confirm accusations that Christianity undermined Roman family values. Paul insists younger widows remarry and manage households—demonstrating Christianity strengthens rather than destroys domestic life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's counsel for younger widows to remarry balance with affirmation of singleness elsewhere (1 Corinthians 7)?
- Why does household management and childbearing protect against giving adversaries grounds for criticism?
- How can churches honor both marriage/family and celibate devotion to ministry as valid callings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I will therefore that the younger women marry (Βούλομαι οὖν νεωτέρας γαμεῖν, Boulomai oun neōteras gamein)—'I desire therefore that younger widows remarry.' Boulomai expresses apostolic will/preference. Bear children (τεκνογονεῖν, teknogonein)—have children. Guide the house (οἰκοδεσποτεῖν, oikodespotein)—manage the household, be homemaker.
Give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully (μηδεμίαν ἀφορμὴν διδόναι τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ λοιδορίας χάριν, mēdemian aphormēn didonai tō antikeimenō loidorias charin)—'give no opportunity to the opponent for slander.' Antikeimenos (the adversary) could mean Satan or human opponents of Christianity. Loidoria is reviling, abuse, slander.
Paul's solution for younger widows: remarriage, childbearing, household management. This provides purpose, prevents idleness, and protects the church's reputation. Critics could slander Christians if young widows lived aimlessly on church support. Better they embrace productive roles that demonstrate gospel transformation of domestic life.