The Meaning of 1 Timothy 5:9 Explained

1 Timothy 5:9

KJV: Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

YLT: A widow -- let her not be enrolled under sixty years of age, having been a wife of one husband,

Darby: Let a widow be put upon the list, being of not less than sixty years, having been wife of one man,

ASV: Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Let  not  a widow  be taken into the number  under  threescore  years old,  having been  the wife  of one  man, 

What does 1 Timothy 5:9 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 5:9-16 - Home-Keeping Industry Enjoined
The sphere of the younger woman must be in the home. This is the noblest work of all, and wherever it exists, it has the prior claim; yet even during the years of early motherhood there may still be opportunities of offering hospitality to strangers, ministering to the children of God who need refreshment and comfort, and diligently assisting in good work. These offices lovingly and humbly performed, will serve as a gracious opening for further ministries of the same description in the later period of life.
The Apostle says nothing about remarriage in general, but simply refers to the fact that young women who have become widows are likely to accept the offer of a second marriage, and so abjure that first faith, in which they had pledged themselves to the service of the church. Unless there is great watchfulness, the practice of going from house to house, ostensibly on church business, may degenerate into gossip-mongering. Therefore it was wiser not to put young women on the church service roll. If they did not marry a second time, they might at least work for the maintenance of others, widows like themselves, but less able to help themselves. There must be no idling. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 5

1  Rules to be observed in reproving
3  Of widows
17  Of elders
23  A precept for Timothy's health
24  Some men's sins go before unto judgment, and some men's follow after

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 5:9

Let none be enrolled as a widow [χηρα καταλεγεστω]
Present passive imperative of καταλεγω — katalegō old verb, to set down in an official list, only here in N.T. “Let a widow be enrolled,” the negative coming later, “having become of no less than sixty years” Second perfect active participle of γινομαι — ginomai For the case of ετων — etōn see note on Luke 2:42. This list of genuine widows (1 Timothy 5:3, 1 Timothy 5:5) apparently had some kind of church work to do (care for the sick, the orphans, etc.). [source]
The wife of one man [ενος ανδρος γυνη]
Widows on this list must not be married a second time. This interpretation is not so clear for 1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6. [source]
Be taken into the number [καταλεγέσθω]
Better, enrolled (as a widow). N.T.oVery, rare in lxx. Common in Class. Originally, to pick out, as soldiers. Hence, to enroll, enlist. Here, to be enrolled in the body of widows who are to receive church support. See on 1 Timothy 5:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 5:9

Romans 16:1 Sister [αδελπην]
In Christ, not in the flesh. Who is a servant of the church (ουσαν διακονον της εκκλησιας — ousan diakonon tēs ekklēsias). The etymology of διακονος — diakonos we have had repeatedly. The only question here is whether it is used in a general sense or in a technical sense as in Philemon 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In favour of the technical sense of “deacon” or “deaconess” is the addition of “της εκκλησιας — tēs ekklēsias ” (of the church). In some sense Phoebe was a servant or minister of the church in Cenchreae. Besides, right in the midst of the discussion in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Paul has a discussion of γυναικας — gunaikas (1 Timothy 3:11) either as women as deaconesses or as the wives of deacons (less likely though possible). The Apostolic Constitutions has numerous allusions to deaconesses. The strict separation of the sexes made something like deaconesses necessary for baptism, visiting the women, etc. Cenchreae, as the eastern port of Corinth, called for much service of this kind. Whether the deaconesses were a separate organization on a par with the deacons we do not know nor whether they were the widows alluded to in 1 Timothy 5:9. [source]
Romans 16:1 Who is a servant of the church [ουσαν διακονον της εκκλησιας]
The etymology of διακονος — diakonos we have had repeatedly. The only question here is whether it is used in a general sense or in a technical sense as in Philemon 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13. In favour of the technical sense of “deacon” or “deaconess” is the addition of “της εκκλησιας — tēs ekklēsias ” (of the church). In some sense Phoebe was a servant or minister of the church in Cenchreae. Besides, right in the midst of the discussion in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Paul has a discussion of γυναικας — gunaikas (1 Timothy 3:11) either as women as deaconesses or as the wives of deacons (less likely though possible). The Apostolic Constitutions has numerous allusions to deaconesses. The strict separation of the sexes made something like deaconesses necessary for baptism, visiting the women, etc. Cenchreae, as the eastern port of Corinth, called for much service of this kind. Whether the deaconesses were a separate organization on a par with the deacons we do not know nor whether they were the widows alluded to in 1 Timothy 5:9. [source]
1 Timothy 3:2 The husband of one wife [μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα]
Comp. 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6. Is the injunction aimed (a) at immoralities respecting marriage - concubinage, etc., or (b) at polygamy, or (c) at remarriage after death or divorce? The last is probably meant. Much of the difficulty arises from the assumption that the Pastorals were written by Paul. In that case his views seem to conflict. See Romans 7:2, Romans 7:3; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Corinthians 8:8, 1 Corinthians 8:9, where Paul declares that widows are free to marry again, and puts widows and virgins on the same level; and comp. 1 Timothy 5:9, according to which a widow is to be enrolled only on the condition of having been the wife of but one man. The Pauline view is modified in detail by the writer of the Pastorals. Paul, while asserting that marriage is right and honorable, regards celibacy as the higher state (1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:26, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:37, 1 Corinthians 7:38). In this the Pastoral writer does not follow him (see 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:12; 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Timothy 5:14). The motive for marriage, namely, protection against incontinency, which is adduced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:9, is given in 1 Timothy 5:11-14. As in Paul, the married state is honorable, for Bishops, Deacons, and Presbyters are married (1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:12; Titus 1:6), and the honor of childbearing conferred upon the mother of our Lord is reflected in the Christian woman of later times (1 Timothy 2:15). While Paul advises against second marriages (1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:9, 1 Corinthians 7:27, 1 Corinthians 7:39, 1 Corinthians 7:40), in the Pastorals emphasis is laid only on the remarriage of church-officers and church-widows. In the Pastorals we see a reflection of the conditions of the earlier post-apostolic age, when a non-Pauline asceticism was showing itself (see 1 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 4:4, 1 Timothy 4:8; Titus 1:15). The opposition to second marriage became very strong in the latter part of the second century. It was elevated into an article of faith by the Montanists, and was emphasized by Tertullian, and by Athenagoras, who called second marriage “a specious adultery” ( εὐπρεπής μοιχεία )|Vigilant ( νηφάλιον )|Only in the Pastorals. See 1 Timothy 3:11, and Titus 2:2. olxx. The kindred verb νήφειν means to be sober with reference to drink, and, in a metaphorical sense, to be sober and wary; cool and unimpassioned. Thus Epicharmus, νᾶφε καὶ μέμνας ἀπιστεῖν bewary and remember not to be credulous. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:6. In N.T. the meaning of the verb is always metaphorical, to be calm, dispassionate, and circumspect. The A.V. vigilant is too limited. Wise caution may be included; but it is better to render sober, as A.V. in 1 Timothy 3:11and Titus 2:2, in the metaphorical sense as opposed to youthful levity.|Of good behavior ( κόσμιον )|oP. Only here and 1 Timothy 2:9, see note. Rend. orderly.|Given to hospitality ( φιλόξενον )|oP. Comp. Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9. See note on pursuing hospitality, Romans 12:13.|Apt to teach ( διδακτικόν )|oP. Only here and 2 Timothy 2:24. olxx, oClass. In the Pastorals the function of teaching pertains to both Bishops and Elders (see 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:9). It is at this point that the tendency to confound and identify the two reveals itself. Bishops and Presbyters are not identical. Earlier, the teaching function does not seem to have attached to the position of ἐπίσκοπος. The office acquired a different character when it assumed that function, which is not assigned to it in Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians. In the Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (about 100 a.d.) the ministry of teaching is to be assumed by the Bishops only in the absence of the Prophets and Teachers (xiii., xv).| [source]
1 Timothy 5:3 That are widows indeed [τας οντως χηρας]
For οντως — ontōs (actually, really), see Luke 23:47; 1 Corinthians 14:25; and 1 Timothy 5:5. For widows (χηρα — chēra) see note on Mark 12:40; note on Mark 12:42; note on Acts 6:1; and note on 1 Corinthians 7:8. Parry notes that in 1 Timothy 5:3-8 Paul discusses widows who are in distress and 1 Timothy 5:9 those who are in the employment of the local church for certain work. Evidently, as in Acts 6:1-6, so here in Ephesus there had arisen some trouble over the widows in the church. Both for individual cases of need and as a class Timothy is to show proper respect (τιμα — timā keep on honouring) the widows. [source]
1 Timothy 5:16 Hath widows [εχει χηρας]
The “any believing woman” is one of the household-rulers of 1 Timothy 5:14. The “widows” here are the widows dependent on her and who are considered as candidates to be enrolled in the list. Let her relieve them (επαρκειτω αυταις — eparkeitō autais). For this verb (imperative present active) see 1 Timothy 5:10. Let not be burdened Present passive imperative (in prohibition μη — mē) of βαρεω — bareō old verb That are widows indeed (ταις οντως χηραις — tais ontōs chērais). Dative case with επαρκεσηι — eparkesēi (first aorist active subjunctive with ινα — hina final clause). See 1 Timothy 5:3 for this use of οντως — ontōs with χηραις — chērais “the qualified and enrolled widows.” Cf. 1 Timothy 5:9. [source]
1 Timothy 5:16 Let not be burdened [μη βαρειστω]
Present passive imperative (in prohibition μη — mē) of βαρεω — bareō old verb That are widows indeed (ταις οντως χηραις — tais ontōs chērais). Dative case with επαρκεσηι — eparkesēi (first aorist active subjunctive with ινα — hina final clause). See 1 Timothy 5:3 for this use of οντως — ontōs with χηραις — chērais “the qualified and enrolled widows.” Cf. 1 Timothy 5:9. [source]
1 Timothy 5:16 That are widows indeed [ταις οντως χηραις]
Dative case with επαρκεσηι — eparkesēi (first aorist active subjunctive with ινα — hina final clause). See 1 Timothy 5:3 for this use of οντως — ontōs with χηραις — chērais “the qualified and enrolled widows.” Cf. 1 Timothy 5:9. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 5:9 mean?

A widow let be enrolled not less than years [old] sixty being of one man [the] wife
Χήρα καταλεγέσθω μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή

Χήρα  A  widow 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: χήρα  
Sense: a widow.
καταλεγέσθω  let  be  enrolled 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: καταλέγω  
Sense: to lay down, to lie down.
ἔλαττον  less  than 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular, Comparative
Root: ἐλάσσων 
Sense: less.
ἐτῶν  years  [old] 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ἔτος  
Sense: year.
ἑξήκοντα  sixty 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ἑξήκοντα  
Sense: sixty.
γεγονυῖα  being 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Active, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ἑνὸς  of  one 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
ἀνδρὸς  man 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ἀνήρ  
Sense: with reference to sex.
γυνή  [the]  wife 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: γυνή  
Sense: a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow.