1 Timothy 5:11
But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
Original Language Analysis
νεωτέρας
the younger
G3501
νεωτέρας
the younger
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
1 of 11
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
χήρας
widows
G5503
χήρας
widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
3 of 11
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
5 of 11
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καταστρηνιάσωσιν
they have begun to wax wanton against
G2691
καταστρηνιάσωσιν
they have begun to wax wanton against
Strong's:
G2691
Word #:
7 of 11
to become voluptuous against
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.Hosea 13:6According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.Isaiah 3:16Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:1 Timothy 5:9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,1 Timothy 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.James 5:5Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
Historical Context
Some young widows apparently took vows of celibate devotion to church service (similar to later orders of deaconesses or nuns). But sexual desires, loneliness, and desire for family could make such premature commitments difficult to sustain. Paul wisely counsels against enrolling women under 60, when remarriage is less likely and the commitment to celibate service more sustainable.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is lifelong commitment to celibate service inadvisable for younger widows?
- How can churches balance supporting widows with wisdom about human nature and desires?
- What does this passage teach about the legitimacy of remarriage for younger widows?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the younger widows refuse (νεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ, neōteras de chēras paraitou)—'reject younger widows' from the official widow roll. Paraiteomai means to refuse, decline, avoid. For when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ (ὅταν γὰρ καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ, hotan gar katastrēniasōsin tou Christou)—'when they feel sensual desires in defiance of Christ.' Katastrēniaō means to become restless, feel strong desires, grow wanton.
They will marry (γαμεῖν θέλουσιν, gamein thelousin)—'they desire to marry.' This isn't condemning remarriage (which Paul recommends in 5:14), but the problem of enrolling young widows who pledge devotion to church service, then abandon that commitment when romantic desires arise. They break their 'first faith' (5:12)—likely a pledge of celibate devotion to ministry.
Paul isn't criticizing natural desires for companionship but protecting both young widows and the church from broken commitments. Better not to enroll them than have them pledge lifelong service and later abandon it for marriage.