1 Timothy 5:17

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

Οἱ G3588
Οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλῶς well G2573
καλῶς well
Strong's: G2573
Word #: 2 of 14
well (usually morally)
προεστῶτες that rule G4291
προεστῶτες that rule
Strong's: G4291
Word #: 3 of 14
to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
πρεσβύτεροι the elders G4245
πρεσβύτεροι the elders
Strong's: G4245
Word #: 4 of 14
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
διπλῆς of double G1362
διπλῆς of double
Strong's: G1362
Word #: 5 of 14
two-fold
τιμῆς honour G5092
τιμῆς honour
Strong's: G5092
Word #: 6 of 14
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἀξιούσθωσαν Let G515
ἀξιούσθωσαν Let
Strong's: G515
Word #: 7 of 14
to deem entitled or fit
μάλιστα especially G3122
μάλιστα especially
Strong's: G3122
Word #: 8 of 14
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοπιῶντες they who labour G2872
κοπιῶντες they who labour
Strong's: G2872
Word #: 10 of 14
to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 11 of 14
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
λόγῳ the word G3056
λόγῳ the word
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 12 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 13 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διδασκαλίᾳ doctrine G1319
διδασκαλίᾳ doctrine
Strong's: G1319
Word #: 14 of 14
instruction (the function or the information)

Analysis & Commentary

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (Οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι διπλῆς τιμῆς ἀξιούσθωσαν, Hoi kalōs proestōtes presbyteroi diplēs timēs axiousthōsan)—'elders who lead well are worthy of double honor.' Proistēmi means to lead, manage, care for. Diplēs timēs means 'double honor'—likely both respect and financial support (as in 5:3 regarding widows).

Especially they who labour in the word and doctrine (μάλιστα οἱ κοπιῶντες ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ, malista hoi kopiōntes en logō kai didaskalia)—'especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.' Kopiaō means to labor to exhaustion, toil strenuously. This distinguishes teaching elders (pastors) from ruling elders (administrators).

Elders who govern well deserve honor and support; those who additionally labor in word and doctrine deserve even greater honor. Teaching God's Word is exhausting work deserving financial compensation. The principle: those who serve the church faithfully, especially in preaching/teaching ministry, should be supported materially by the congregation.

Historical Context

Unlike pagan priests who lived off temple revenues, early Christian elders often supported themselves through trades (Paul made tents). But as churches grew, full-time pastoral ministry became necessary. Paul insists churches financially support elders, especially those devoted to preaching/teaching—freeing them for ministry without requiring secular employment. This principle protects both pastors and churches.

Questions for Reflection

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