1 timothy 5:4 - But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
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What does "1 timothy 5:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Timothy 5:4 is instructing on how the church should handle supporting widows. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"But if any widow has children or grandchildren...": This sets a condition. If a widow has living children or grandchildren, the responsibility for her care initially falls to them, not the church.
"...let them learn first to show piety towards their own family...": The children/grandchildren should first learn and practice piety (respect, reverence, devotion, and care) towards their own family, specifically their widowed mother/grandmother. This isn't just about giving money; it's about showing honor and taking responsibility.
"...and to repay their parents...": This emphasizes the idea of reciprocity. Children/grandchildren have received care and support from their parents/grandparents throughout their lives. Now it's their turn to "repay" that debt by providing for their needs in their old age. This "repayment" involves providing both emotional and practical care.
"...for this is acceptable in the sight of God.": This is the key point. God approves of and is pleased when families take care of their own elderly members. It's a moral obligation and a demonstration of faith. Taking care of one's family is pleasing to God and fulfills a biblical responsibility.
In essence, the verse teaches:
1. Family Responsibility First: The primary responsibility for supporting a widow falls on her family (children or grandchildren), not the church.
2. Honoring Elders: Caring for elderly relatives is an act of piety, respect, and honoring those who cared for you.
3. God's Approval: God approves of and blesses families who fulfill their obligations to care for their own.
4. Orderly Support System: This verse helps create a responsible support system. The church should support widows in need, especially those who have no family to help them (as described later in the chapter), but family comes first.
The overall context of 1 Timothy 5 deals with the church's role in caring for widows. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to distinguish which widows are truly in need of the church's financial support. Those with family who can provide for them should be supported by their families, freeing up church resources for those who are truly alone and without any other means of support. This ensures the church's resources are used wisely and the families are fulfilling their God-given roles.
1 timothy 5:4 - But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
What does "1 timothy 5:4" mean?
This verse from 1 Timothy 5:4 is instructing on how the church should handle supporting widows. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"But if any widow has children or grandchildren...": This sets a condition. If a widow has living children or grandchildren, the responsibility for her care initially falls to them, not the church.
"...let them learn first to show piety towards their own family...": The children/grandchildren should first learn and practice piety (respect, reverence, devotion, and care) towards their own family, specifically their widowed mother/grandmother. This isn't just about giving money; it's about showing honor and taking responsibility.
"...and to repay their parents...": This emphasizes the idea of reciprocity. Children/grandchildren have received care and support from their parents/grandparents throughout their lives. Now it's their turn to "repay" that debt by providing for their needs in their old age. This "repayment" involves providing both emotional and practical care.
"...for this is acceptable in the sight of God.": This is the key point. God approves of and is pleased when families take care of their own elderly members. It's a moral obligation and a demonstration of faith. Taking care of one's family is pleasing to God and fulfills a biblical responsibility.
In essence, the verse teaches:
1. Family Responsibility First: The primary responsibility for supporting a widow falls on her family (children or grandchildren), not the church.
2. Honoring Elders: Caring for elderly relatives is an act of piety, respect, and honoring those who cared for you.
3. God's Approval: God approves of and blesses families who fulfill their obligations to care for their own.
4. Orderly Support System: This verse helps create a responsible support system. The church should support widows in need, especially those who have no family to help them (as described later in the chapter), but family comes first.
The overall context of 1 Timothy 5 deals with the church's role in caring for widows. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to distinguish which widows are truly in need of the church's financial support. Those with family who can provide for them should be supported by their families, freeing up church resources for those who are truly alone and without any other means of support. This ensures the church's resources are used wisely and the families are fulfilling their God-given roles.