1 Timothy 5:1-4

Instructions about Specific Groups

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 

[5:1]  ¹ tn Or “Do not speak harshly to an older man.”

[5:1]  ² tn No verb “speak” is stated in this clause, but it continues the sense of the preceding.

[5:3]  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.

[5:3]  ⁴ tn Grk “the real widows,” “those who are really widows.”

[5:4]  ⁵ tn Or “to practice their religion.”

[5:4]  ⁶ tn Or “and so make some repayment to their parents”; Grk “and to give back recompense to their parents.”

[5:4]  ⁷ tn Grk “for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”