1 Timothy 5:8

Authorized King James Version

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δέ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#4
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἰδίων
G2398
for his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
μάλιστα
G3122
specially
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
#8
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
οἰκείων
G3609
for those of his own house
domestic, i.e., (as noun), a relative, adherent
#10
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#11
προνοεῖ
G4306
provide
to consider in advance, i.e., look out for beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself)
#12
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
πίστιν
G4102
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#14
ἤρνηται
G720
he hath denied
to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
ἔστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#17
ἀπίστου
G571
an infidel
(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)
#18
χείρων
G5501
worse than
from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 salvation 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