1 Timothy 5:9

Analysis & Commentary

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old (Χήρα καταλεγέσθω μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα, Chēra kataleges­thō mē elatton etōn hexēkonta gegonuia)—'let a widow be enrolled only if she is not less than sixty years old.' Katalegō means to enroll in a list, register officially. This refers to the official order of widows receiving regular church support.

Having been the wife of one man (ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή, henos andros gynē)—literally 'a one-man woman,' emphasizing marital faithfulness paralleling elder/deacon requirements. This likely excludes women who divorced and remarried or lived promiscuously, but wouldn't necessarily exclude widows who remarried after being widowed (which Paul endorses for younger widows in 5:14).

The age minimum (60) and character requirement (faithful wife) limit the widow roll to older women with proven godly character. Younger widows should remarry (5:14); older faithful widows deserve sustained church support.

Historical Context

The early church maintained an official list of widows—like a welfare roll combined with a quasi-ministerial order. These women devoted themselves to prayer, good works, and serving the church (Acts 9:36-42). The 60-year age minimum ensured they were past childbearing and unlikely to remarry, making them suitable for full-time devotion to church service in exchange for support.

Questions for Reflection

• Why does Paul set age 60 as the minimum for the widow roll?
• What does 'one-man woman' (marital faithfulness) reveal about qualifications for church support?
• How might churches today appropriately support elderly believers who have no family?