1 Timothy 5:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίων
for his own
G2398
ἰδίων
for his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
5 of 18
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μάλιστα
specially
G3122
μάλιστα
specially
Strong's:
G3122
Word #:
7 of 18
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκείων
for those of his own house
G3609
οἰκείων
for those of his own house
Strong's:
G3609
Word #:
9 of 18
domestic, i.e., (as noun), a relative, adherent
προνοεῖ
provide
G4306
προνοεῖ
provide
Strong's:
G4306
Word #:
11 of 18
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)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
the faith
G4102
πίστιν
the faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
13 of 18
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἤρνηται
he hath denied
G720
ἤρνηται
he hath denied
Strong's:
G720
Word #:
14 of 18
to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Matthew 7:11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Genesis 30:30For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
Historical Context
Even pagan Roman culture emphasized family duty—the paterfamilias (household head) was responsible for dependents. If Christians neglected their families while claiming superior virtue, they contradicted the gospel. Paul insists Christianity strengthens rather than weakens family bonds. Faith that doesn't produce family care is dead faith (James 2:14-17)—worse than no faith at all because it's hypocritical.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does neglecting family make one 'worse than an unbeliever'—what's so serious about this?
- How does family care demonstrate genuine faith versus mere profession?
- What modern circumstances test our commitment to providing for family members?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house (εἰ δέ τις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα τῶν οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ, ei de tis tōn idiōn kai malista tōn oikeiōn ou pronoei)—'if anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially his own household.' Pronoeo means to provide for, take thought for, care for. Idios means one's own. Oikeios means household members, family.
He hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (τὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται καὶ ἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων, tēn pistin ērnētai kai estin apistou cheirōn)—'he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.' Arneomai means to deny, disown, repudiate. Apistos means unbeliever, one without faith. Cheirōn means worse, more evil.
This is one of Scripture's strongest statements: neglecting family responsibility denies the faith and makes one worse than pagans. Why? Because even unbelievers care for their families—it's basic human duty. A Christian who claims faith but abandons family demonstrates that profession is false. True faith produces love, beginning with those closest to us.