1 Timothy 5:17

Authorized King James Version

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλῶς

G2573

well

well (usually morally)

προεστῶτες

G4291

that rule

to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

the elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

διπλῆς

G1362

of double

two-fold

τιμῆς

G5092

honour

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

ἀξιούσθωσαν

G515

Let

to deem entitled or fit

μάλιστα

G3122

especially

(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

κοπιῶντες

G2872

they who labour

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

#11

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#12

λόγῳ

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

διδασκαλίᾳ

G1319

doctrine

instruction (the function or the information)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Timothy chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?