1 Timothy 5:16
If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχει
have
G2192
ἔχει
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
χήραις
them that are widows
G5503
χήραις
them that are widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
7 of 19
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
αὐταῖς
them
G846
αὐταῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἢ
G3588
ἢ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησία
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησία
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
14 of 19
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The early church's benevolence funds were limited—mostly from voluntary offerings of working-class believers. Careless distribution would quickly exhaust resources, leaving truly needy widows unsupported. Paul establishes priorities: family first, then church. This both protects church resources and teaches families their God-given responsibility. The principle applies broadly—wise stewardship requires discerning genuine need.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must families take primary responsibility for their widows rather than defaulting to church support?
- How does this principle of family-first responsibility apply to other benevolence situations?
- What happens when churches don't discern genuine need but give indiscriminately?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If any man or woman that believeth have widows (εἴ τις πιστὸς ἢ πιστὴ ἔχει χήρας, ei tis pistos ē pistē echei chēras)—'if any believing man or woman has widows [in their family].' Pistos/pistē means believer (male/female). The phrase 'has widows' means has widowed relatives needing support—mother, grandmother, aunt, etc.
Let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged (ἐπαρκείτω αὐταῖς, καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία, eparkeitō autais, kai mē bareisthō hē ekklēsia)—'let them provide for them, and let not the church be burdened.' Eparkeo means to aid, help, relieve. Bareō means to burden, weigh down. That it may relieve them that are widows indeed (ἵνα ταῖς ὄντως χήραις ἐπαρκέσῃ, hina tais ontōs chērais eparkesē)—'so it may help those who are truly widows.'
Paul's principle is clear: families bear primary responsibility for their widowed members. The church should support only genuinely alone widows without family. This preserves church resources for those truly in need and prevents enabling families to shirk their duty. Stewardship requires discernment—helping everyone means helping no one well.