5:1 Do not address an older man harshly 1 but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers, 2 5:2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters – with complete purity.
5:3 Honor 3 widows who are truly in need. 4 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty 5 toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. 6 For this is what pleases God. 7
1 tn Or “Do not speak harshly to an older man.”
2 tn No verb “speak” is stated in this clause, but it continues the sense of the preceding.
3 sn The word honor here carries the double meaning of respect and financial support. This Greek word can imply both senses, and both are intended in this context.
4 tn Grk “the real widows,” “those who are really widows.”
5 tn Or “to practice their religion.”
6 tn Or “and so make some repayment to their parents”; Grk “and to give back recompense to their parents.”
7 tn Grk “for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”