1 Timothy 5:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 5 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, discipleship. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Analysis
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.
Reflection
- What does 'double honor' mean—both respect and financial support, or something else?
- Why does Paul especially emphasize support for those who labor in teaching and preaching?
- How should churches determine appropriate compensation for pastoral ministry?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Word: Galatians 6:6, Hebrews 13:7
- Parallel theme: Luke 10:7, Acts 28:10, Romans 12:8, 15:27, 16:12, Philippians 2:29