1 Timothy 5:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
χήρα
widow
G5503
χήρα
widow
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
4 of 28
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
ἔχει
have
G2192
ἔχει
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἴδιον
at home
G2398
ἴδιον
at home
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
12 of 28
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
οἶκον
G3624
οἶκον
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
13 of 28
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
εὐσεβεῖν
to shew piety
G2151
εὐσεβεῖν
to shew piety
Strong's:
G2151
Word #:
14 of 28
to be pious, i.e., (towards god) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποδιδόναι
G591
ἀποδιδόναι
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
17 of 28
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
21 of 28
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καλὸν
good
G2570
καλὸν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
23 of 28
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Genesis 47:12And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.1 Timothy 2:3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;Proverbs 31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.Luke 2:51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.Ruth 2:2And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.Ruth 2:18And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.Isaiah 14:22For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the LORD.Job 18:19He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.Genesis 47:28And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years.Judges 12:14And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.
Historical Context
The fifth commandment requires honoring parents (Exodus 20:12)—including financial care in old age. Jesus condemned Pharisees who used religious gifts (Corban) to avoid supporting parents (Mark 7:9-13). Paul applies this principle: family bears primary responsibility for widows. The church supplements, but should not replace, family care. This prevents abuse of benevolence and teaches godliness at home.
Questions for Reflection
- How does caring for aging parents constitute 'godliness at home'?
- Why does God consider repaying parents (who cared for us) so important?
- How can churches encourage families to fulfill care responsibilities without being harsh to genuinely overwhelmed families?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if any widow have children or nephews (εἰ δέ τις χήρα τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα ἔχει, ei de tis chēra tekna ē ekgona echei)—'if any widow has children or grandchildren.' Ekgona means descendants, grandchildren. Let them learn first to shew piety at home (μανθανέτωσαν πρῶτον τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, manthanetōsan prōton ton idion oikon eusebein)—'let them first learn to show godliness to their own household.'
And to requite their parents (καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις, kai amoibas apodidonai tois progonois)—'and to repay their parents/ancestors.' Amoibas apodidonai means to give back in return, to reciprocate. For that is good and acceptable before God (τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, touto gar estin apodekton enōpion tou theou).
Adult children have primary responsibility to care for widowed mothers/grandmothers. This is eusebeia (godliness) practiced at home—repaying parents who cared for you in childhood. God approves this intergenerational faithfulness. The church should not enable families to shirk their duty.