1 Timothy 5:4

Authorized King James Version

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

τις

G5100

some or any person or object

χήρα

G5503

widow

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

τέκνα

G5043

children

a child (as produced)

ἢ

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἔκγονα

G1549

nephews

a descendant, i.e., (specially) grandchild

ἔχει

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μανθανέτωσαν

G3129

let them learn

to learn (in any way)

#10

πρῶτον

G4412

first

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

#11

τὸν

G3588

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

#12

ἴδιον

G2398

at home

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

#13

οἶκον

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

#14

εὐσεβεῖν

G2151

to shew piety

to be pious, i.e., (towards god) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#16

ἀμοιβὰς

G287

to requite

requital

#17

ἀποδιδόναι

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

#18

τοῖς

G3588

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

#19

προγόνοις·

G4269

their parents

an ancestor, (grand-)parent

#20

τοῦτο

G5124

that

that thing

#21

γάρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#22

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#23

καλὸν

G2570

good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

ἀπόδεκτον

G587

acceptable

accepted, i.e., agreeable

#26

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#27

τοῦ

G3588

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

#28

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?