This verse from 1 Timothy 5:11 is part of a larger passage (verses 3-16) where Paul instructs Timothy on how the church should care for widows. The verse is best understood in the context of that entire passage, and with attention to the cultural norms of the time.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its potential meaning:

"But refuse younger widows...": Paul is instructing Timothy to not include younger widows on the official list of widows the church financially supports. This suggests a formal system of support for widows existed within the early church.

"...for when they have grown wanton against Christ...": This is the most debated part of the verse. "Wanton" (Greek: katastreniasosin) can be interpreted in a few ways:
Sensual/Hedonistic Abandonment: This interpretation suggests that the younger widows, due to their youth and physical needs, might become distracted by worldly pleasures and abandon their commitment to Christ and the church. They might neglect their duties or become a source of disruption within the community.
Abandonment of Vows: Some believe that these younger widows may have taken a vow of celibacy or commitment to church service as part of receiving support. "Wanton" then refers to breaking that vow. This connects to the idea that the supported widows were supposed to be dedicated to prayer and good works.
General Disaffection: A broader interpretation suggests that as time goes on, younger widows might become restless or dissatisfied with their situation, leading them away from their initial commitment to the church.

"...they desire to marry;": This is the consequence of the "wantonness." The younger widows, feeling the natural desires of youth and perhaps regretting their commitment (whether explicit or implicit), will want to remarry.

Contextual Considerations and Interpretations:

Cultural Context: In the first century, widows were in a particularly vulnerable position. Without a husband or male relatives to provide for them, they often faced poverty and social isolation. The church's support was crucial.
Church's Resources: The church had limited resources, and Paul wanted to ensure they were used wisely. Supporting younger widows for life could be a significant financial burden.
Potential for Scandal: Younger widows might be seen as more likely to remarry, which could create social problems or even scandal within the church community. Remarriage was not necessarily discouraged, but it might be viewed differently for those who had committed to a specific role within the church.
Focus on Service: Paul seems to be emphasizing the importance of older, more mature widows who could dedicate themselves to prayer and good works without the distractions of youthful desires or family responsibilities.

Different Perspectives:

Traditional View: This view emphasizes the idea that younger widows are more prone to temptation and less likely to remain committed to a life of piety and service within the church.
Feminist Critique: Some feminist scholars argue that this passage is paternalistic and controlling, restricting the freedom and autonomy of women. They suggest that it reflects a patriarchal society's attempt to control women's sexuality and roles.
Focus on Economic Burden: Some argue the primary concern was practical – the church could not indefinitely support potentially many young widows who were likely to remarry.

In Summary:

1 Timothy 5:11 suggests that younger widows should not be added to the church's official support list because they are more likely to become restless, break any commitments they may have made to the church, and desire to remarry. The passage reflects the social and economic realities of the time, the church's limited resources, and the desire to ensure that the support went to those who were most in need and most likely to dedicate themselves to service within the community. The verse is complex and open to interpretation, with differing perspectives on its meaning and implications.