1 Timothy 5:16
New International Version
If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

New Living Translation
If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.

English Standard Version
If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

Berean Standard Bible
If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

Berean Literal Bible
If any believing woman has dependent widows, let her impart relief to them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may impart relief to those who are truly widows.

King James Bible
If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

New King James Version
If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

New American Standard Bible
If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.

NASB 1995
If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

NASB 1977
If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, let her assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

Legacy Standard Bible
If any believing woman has widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

Amplified Bible
If any believing woman has [dependent] widows [in her household], she must assist them [according to her ability]; and the church must not be burdened [with them], so that it may assist those who are truly widows [those who are all alone and are dependent].

Christian Standard Bible
If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If any believing woman has widows in her family, she should help them, and the church should not be burdened, so that it can help those who are genuinely widows.

American Standard Version
If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Contemporary English Version
If a woman who is a follower has any widows in her family, she should help them. This will keep the church from having that burden, and then the church can help widows who are really in need.

English Revised Version
If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If any woman is a believer and has relatives who are widows, she should help them. In this way the church is not burdened and can help widows who have no families.

Good News Translation
But if any Christian woman has widows in her family, she must take care of them and not put the burden on the church, so that it may take care of the widows who are all alone.

International Standard Version
If any woman is a believer and has relatives who are widows, she should help them. The church should not be burdened, so it can help those widows who have no other family members to care for them.

Majority Standard Bible
If any believing man or believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

NET Bible
If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.

New Heart English Bible
If any believing woman has widows, she must assist them, and do not let the church be burdened; that it might help those widows who are truly in need.

Webster's Bible Translation
If any man or woman that believeth hath widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Weymouth New Testament
If a believing woman has widows dependent on her, she should relieve their wants, and save the Church from being burdened--so that the Church may relieve the widows who are really in need.

World English Bible
If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened, that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If any believing man or believing woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the assembly be burdened, that it may relieve those [who are] really widows.

Berean Literal Bible
If any believing woman has dependent widows, let her impart relief to them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may impart relief to those who are truly widows.

Young's Literal Translation
If any believing man or believing woman have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the assembly be burdened, that those really widows it may relieve.

Smith's Literal Translation
If any man or woman faithful have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be loaded; that it may relieve the truly widows.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If any of the faithful have widows, let him minister to them, and let not the church be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows indeed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If any among the faithful have widows, let him minister to them and not burden the Church, so that there may be enough for those who are true widows.

New American Bible
If any woman believer has widowed relatives, she must assist them; the church is not to be burdened, so that it will be able to help those who are truly widows.

New Revised Standard Version
If any believing woman has relatives who are really widows, let her assist them; let the church not be burdened, so that it can assist those who are real widows.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If any believers, either man or woman, have widows in their families, let them feed them, and do not let them be a burden on the congregation, so that the church may have enough for those who are widows indeed.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If male or female believers have widows, let them support them, and do not let them burden the church, so that it may have enough for those who are truly widows.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If any believing man or woman has widows, let him or her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are widows indeed.

Godbey New Testament
If any faithful woman has widows, let her support them, and let not the church be burdened; in order that she may give her attention to those who are truly widows.

Haweis New Testament
But if any man or woman who believes hath widows their relations, let him provide for them, and let not the church be burdened; that there may be a sufficiency for the real widows.

Mace New Testament
If any convert has widow-relations, let such relieve them, that the church may not be charged, but with the relief of such as are entirely destitute.

Weymouth New Testament
If a believing woman has widows dependent on her, she should relieve their wants, and save the Church from being burdened--so that the Church may relieve the widows who are really in need.

Worrell New Testament
If any believing woman has widows, let her relieve them, and let not the assembly be burdened, in order that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Worsley New Testament
And if any believer have relations widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve those that are indeed widows and desolate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Support for Widows
15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need. 17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.…

Cross References
James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Acts 6:1-4
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

1 Timothy 5:3-4
Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Matthew 25:34-40
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ ...

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2 Corinthians 9:12-13
For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. / Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

Romans 15:25-27
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. / For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. / They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

Deuteronomy 15:11
For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Exodus 22:22-24
You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless.

Psalm 68:5
A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.

Job 29:12-13
because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.


Treasury of Scripture

If any man or woman that believes have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

let them.

1 Timothy 5:4,8
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God…

widows indeed.

1 Timothy 5:3,5
Honour widows that are widows indeed…

Jump to Previous
Assembly Assist Believer Believes Believeth Believing Burdened Care Charged Church Dependent Faith Family Help Impart Indeed Mat Need Real Really Relations Relief Relieve Save Wants Widows
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Assembly Assist Believer Believes Believeth Believing Burdened Care Charged Church Dependent Faith Family Help Impart Indeed Mat Need Real Really Relations Relief Relieve Save Wants Widows
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.














If any believing woman
The phrase "believing woman" refers to a Christian woman who is part of the early church community. The Greek word for "believing" is "πιστή" (pistē), which implies faithfulness and trust in God. This highlights the role of women in the early church as active participants in the faith community, entrusted with responsibilities that reflect their commitment to Christ.

has dependent widows
The term "dependent widows" indicates widows who rely on others for support. In the historical context of the early church, widows often lacked financial means and social standing, making them vulnerable. The Greek word for "widows" is "χήρας" (chēras), which underscores their need for care and protection. This phrase emphasizes the importance of familial responsibility within the Christian community.

she must assist them
The directive "she must assist them" is a call to action for the believing woman to provide for the widows in her care. The Greek verb "βοηθέω" (boētheō) means to help or support, suggesting a proactive and compassionate response. This reflects the biblical principle of love and service, where believers are encouraged to care for one another, especially those in need.

and the church must not be burdened
This phrase highlights the practical concern for the church's resources. The Greek word "βαρέω" (bareō) means to weigh down or burden. The early church had limited resources, and this instruction aims to ensure that the church can focus its support on those who have no other means of assistance. It underscores the importance of wise stewardship within the Christian community.

so that it can help the widows who are truly in need
The phrase "truly in need" refers to those who have no other support system. The Greek word "ὄντως" (ontōs) means truly or indeed, emphasizing the genuine need of these widows. This part of the verse calls for discernment in the allocation of church resources, ensuring that aid is directed to those who are most vulnerable and without other means of support. It reflects the biblical mandate to care for the least among us, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on compassion and justice.

(16) If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them.--This is not what, at first sight, it appears to be--a mere repetition of the injunction of 1Timothy 5:4; 1Timothy 5:8. There the duties enjoined were what may be termed filial; the love, respect, and kindness to the aged was especially pressed on the younger, on the children and grandchildren of the desolate, on the master of the house or family to which the aged widow belonged. Here the reference belongs exclusively to the younger widows, who (see Note above) were, no doubt, very numerous in a great Asian Church like Ephesus; for the future of these women, often still young and totally unprovided for, St. Paul was very anxious. Until a new home was found for such, of course the Church cared for them, but this heavy burden on the Church's alms must be lightened as much as possible. It was the plain duty of relatives to care for these in their hour of destitution and sorrow. The Church would have many a one, still comparatively speaking young, utterly dependent on its scanty funds--friendless as well as homeless.

It has been asked: How is it that, considering the prominence here given to the questions (a) of the support of Christian widows, (b) of the rules respecting presbyteral widows, who evidently occupied a position of dignity and importance in the Church of the first days, no other mention of this class in the community (with the exception of Acts 6:1; Acts 9:39) appears in the whole New Testament.

This has been pressed as one of the arguments pointing to a much later date for the writing of the Epistle; but the question is, after all, readily and conclusively answered. With the exception of the short Epistle to Titus, the subject of the internal organisation of a church is nowhere handled. There is no room or place for such a mention in any of the more exclusively doctrinal or apologetic Epistles. In the broad field of ecclesiastical history occupied by the Acts, the two casual allusions above referred to, in the Churches of Jerusalem and Lydda, tell us of the existence of and the care for these widows in the communities of Christians, even in the earliest years of the Church's existence.

Verse 16. - Woman for man or woman, A.V. and T.R.; hath for have, A.V.; her for them, A.V.; burdened for charged, A.V. If any woman, etc. So the preponderance of the best manuscripts, and the texts of Lachmann, Buttmann, Tischendorf, etc. But the T.R. is retained by Alford, Ellicott, 'Speaker's Commentary,' and others. If the R.V. is right, the woman only is mentioned as being the person who has the management of the house. The precept here seems to be an extension of that in ver. 4, which relates only to children and grandchildren, and to be given, moreover, with special reference to Christian widows who had no believing relations to care for them, and so were necessarily cast upon the Church. Let her relieve them (ἐπαρκείτω, as in vet 10). Widows indeed (ταῖς ὄντως χήραις, as in vers. 2 and 5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
If
Εἴ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

any
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

believing [woman]
πιστὴ (pistē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

has
ἔχει (echei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

[dependent] widows,
χήρας (chēras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.

she must assist
ἐπαρκείτω (eparkeitō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1884: To aid, relieve, do service, render help, be strong enough for. From epi and arkeo; to avail for, i.e. Help.

them
αὐταῖς (autais)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

{allow} the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

to be burdened,
βαρείσθω (bareisthō)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 916: To weight, load, burden, lit. and met. From barus; to weigh down.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

it can help
ἐπαρκέσῃ (eparkesē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1884: To aid, relieve, do service, render help, be strong enough for. From epi and arkeo; to avail for, i.e. Help.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

widows [who are]
χήραις (chērais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5503: Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.

truly [ in need ].
ὄντως (ontōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3689: Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:16 If any man or woman who believes (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 5:15
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