1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Original Language Analysis
καλοῖς
good
G2570
καλοῖς
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
μαρτυρουμένη
Well reported of
G3140
μαρτυρουμένη
Well reported of
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
4 of 20
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν
she have brought up
G5044
ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν
she have brought up
Strong's:
G5044
Word #:
6 of 20
to be a childrearer, i.e., fulfil the duties of a female parent
ἁγίων
the saints
G40
ἁγίων
the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
10 of 20
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
ἔνιψεν
she have washed
G3538
ἔνιψεν
she have washed
Strong's:
G3538
Word #:
12 of 20
to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;Titus 3:8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.Acts 9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Luke 7:44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,2 Timothy 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Historical Context
Foot washing was a menial task usually performed by servants. That a widow personally washed saints' feet demonstrates humility and sacrificial service. Hospitality to traveling teachers and believers was essential in the early church (3 John 5-8). The widow's lifetime of good works—often unseen and unappreciated—qualifies her for the church's sustained care in old age.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul emphasize humble, practical service (like foot-washing) over spectacular deeds?
- How does a lifetime of faithful good works demonstrate genuine faith?
- What modern equivalents to 'foot-washing' demonstrate humble, Christ-like service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Well reported of for good works (ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη, en ergois kalois martyroumenē)—'having a reputation for good works.' Martyreō means to bear witness, testify—her good deeds are publicly known. Paul lists five examples:
If she have brought up children (εἰ ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν, ei eteknotrophēsen)—raised children well. If she have lodged strangers (εἰ ἐξενοδόχησεν, ei exenodochēsen)—practiced hospitality. If she have washed the saints' feet (εἰ ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν, ei hagiōn podas enipsen)—performed humble service. If she have relieved the afflicted (εἰ θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν, ei thlibomenois epērkesen)—helped those in distress. If she have diligently followed every good work (εἰ παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν, ei panti ergō agathō epēkolouthēsen)—devoted herself to every good deed.
These qualifications describe a lifetime of faithful, humble service. The enrolled widow has proven character through decades of practical godliness—raising children, showing hospitality, serving humbly, helping the suffering, pursuing every opportunity for good. She deserves honor and support.