Honor and Care: Elders, Widows, and Community Conduct
1 Timothy 5:1-6:2
1Tim.5.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Πρεσβυτερω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μη: PART
- επιπληξης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- παρακαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ως: ADV
- πατερα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- νεωτερους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- 1Timothy 5:2 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same instruction set—continues the pattern of addressing different age/sex groups (older women as mothers) and prescribes relational modes of correction/exhortation.
- Titus 2:6 (verbal): Directly parallels the pastoral injunction concerning young men: 'exhort the young men' (Greek/NT exhortation language mirrors 1 Tim 5:1's treatment of younger men).
- Galatians 6:1 (thematic): Calls for gentle restoration of a person caught in sin ('restore...in a spirit of gentleness'), reflecting 1 Tim 5:1's warning against harsh rebuke and emphasis on gentle exhortation.
- 2Timothy 2:24-25 (verbal): Stresses that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must instruct opponents with meekness and gentleness—closely matches the manner prescribed in 1 Tim 5:1.
- 1Thessalonians 5:14 (thematic): Advises believers to 'admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak'—a comparable pastoral approach to correcting and encouraging different members rather than harsh rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father;
- Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers.
1Tim.5.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πρεσβυτερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ως: ADV
- μητερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- νεωτερας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- ως: ADV
- αδελφας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- αγνεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1Timothy 5:1 (verbal): Immediate context repeats the same familial categories for men—older men as fathers, younger men as brothers—showing v.2 extends the same interpersonal ethic to women.
- Titus 2:3-5 (thematic): Commands older women to be reverent and to teach younger women proper conduct; both texts regulate intergenerational relations and moral/cultivated purity among women in the community.
- Leviticus 19:32 (thematic): OT injunction to stand in the presence of the aged and revere them reflects the broader Israelite ethic of respect for elders that undergirds Paul’s instruction to treat older women as mothers.
- Romans 12:10 (thematic): Calls Christians to ‘love one another with brotherly affection’ and to give honor to one another—echoing the New Testament impulse to treat fellow believers as family (mothers, sisters) with purity and respect.
Alternative generated candidates
- the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.
- Older women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1Tim.5.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Χηρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- τιμα: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- οντως: ADV
- χηρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
Parallels
- James 1:27 (thematic): Both passages link true religion to practical care for vulnerable groups, explicitly naming widows as objects of compassionate action.
- Psalm 68:5 (allusion): God is portrayed as defender of widows here; 1 Tim. 5:3 echoes the biblical concern for protecting and honoring widows.
- Exodus 22:22 (thematic): An OT legal injunction not to exploit widows parallels the NT command to honor and care for widows, showing continuity of concern for their protection.
- Acts 6:1 (structural): Describes a church conflict over neglected widows and the institutional response, illustrating early Christian attention to widow-care that underlies instructions like 1 Tim. 5:3.
- 1 Timothy 5:16 (verbal): An immediate Pauline/Timonian parallel that develops 5:3’s command by specifying family and church responsibilities for caring for widows, using similar language about honoring and supporting them.
Alternative generated candidates
- Honor widows who are truly widows.
- Honor widows who are truly widows.
1Tim.5.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- χηρα: NOUN,nom,sg,fem
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εκγονα: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μανθανετωσαν: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,pl
- πρωτον: ADV
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ιδιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- οικον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ευσεβειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- αμοιβας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- αποδιδοναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- προγονοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αποδεκτον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- ενωπιον: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:16 (structural): Same section on care for widows and family responsibility—commands that believing relatives should provide for their widowed kin so the church is not burdened.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 (verbal): Explicit teaching that failure to provide for one's relatives (esp. household) is unfaithful—underscores the obligation to support family members described in 5:4.
- James 1:27 (thematic): Defines true religion as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained—parallels the moral/spiritual value of family care shown as acceptable before God.
- Exodus 20:12 (allusion): The command to honor father and mother provides the Israelite background for repaying and caring for one’s parents/ancestors, which 1 Tim 5:4 invokes as pious duty.
- Ephesians 6:2-3 (quotation): Quotes the command to honor father and mother with the promise of well-being and long life—parallels 1 Tim 5:4’s linking of filial care with what is acceptable before God.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety toward their own household and to repay their parents; for this is acceptable before God.
- But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents; for this is pleasing before God.
1Tim.5.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- οντως: ADV
- χηρα: NOUN,nom,sg,fem
- και: CONJ
- μεμονωμενη: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,f
- ηλπικεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- προσμενει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- δεησεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- προσευχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- νυκτος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ημερας·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Luke 18:1-8 (allusion): Parable of the persistent widow who prays continually — parallels the image of a lone widow relying on God and persisting in prayer night and day.
- James 1:27 (thematic): True religion is to visit widows and orphans — connects to the pastoral concern for genuine widows who depend on God and the church's duty toward them (context of 1 Tim 5).
- Mark 12:41-44 (thematic): The poor widow who gives all she has illustrates the faith and dependence of widows on God, echoing the portrayal of the ‘real’ widow whose hope is in God.
- Psalm 68:5 (thematic): God is depicted as ‘a father to the fatherless and protector of widows’ — supports the theological ground for the widow’s trust and hope in God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (verbal): ‘Pray without ceasing’ parallels the exhortation that the genuine widow ‘continues in supplications and prayers night and day,’ linking 1 Tim 5:5 to the ideal of continual prayer.
Alternative generated candidates
- She who is truly a widow and left alone has fixed her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
- Now she who is truly a widow, desolate, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.
1Tim.5.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- σπαταλωσα: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,f
- ζωσα: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,f
- τεθνηκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Revelation 3:1 (verbal): Both texts use the paradox of being 'alive' in appearance yet actually 'dead' spiritually (Sardis: 'you have a name that you live, and you are dead').
- Luke 8:14 (thematic): Jesus warns that the cares and pleasures of life (thorns) choke the word so it becomes unfruitful—living in pleasures yields spiritual deadness/unfruitfulness.
- Romans 6:11 (thematic): Paul contrasts being 'dead to sin' and 'alive to God'—implying that continued life in sin/pleasure corresponds to spiritual death, the inverse of life in Christ.
- Romans 8:6 (thematic): Paul states that a mind set on the flesh leads to death, paralleling the idea that living for sensual/earthly pleasures results in spiritual death.
Alternative generated candidates
- But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
- But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead even while she lives.
1Tim.5.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- παραγγελλε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- ανεπιλημπτοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ωσιν·: VERB,pres,act,sub,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Tim.4.11 (verbal): Exact verbal parallel: same Greek formula Ταῦτα παραγγέλλε καὶ διδάσκεις ('Command and teach these things'), giving the same pastoral injunction to Timothy.
- Titus 2.15 (structural): Similar authoritative concluding instruction: 'These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority'—same rhetorical move of summing up teaching with imperative commands.
- 2 Tim.3.16-17 (thematic): Thematic parallel emphasizing the authority and purpose of instruction—Scripture is given for teaching and for equipping the obedient to be complete, echoing the goal of commanding/teaching to make recipients blameless/useful.
- Titus 3.8 (verbal): Uses the formula 'This is a faithful saying; and these things' and urges insistence on them—comparable language and pastoral insistence that certain teachings be commanded and maintained.
Alternative generated candidates
- Command these things as well, so that they may be blameless.
- Command these things also, so that they may be without reproach.
1Tim.5.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ιδιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- μαλιστα: ADV
- οικειων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ου: PART,neg
- προνοει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ηρνηται: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- απιστου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- χειρων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:4 (structural): Immediate context: instructs children and grandchildren to learn to show piety by caring for their own household, reinforcing the duty mentioned in v.8.
- 1 Timothy 5:16 (structural): Parallel instruction that believing relatives should support widows so the church is not burdened, echoing the responsibility to provide for one's own family.
- James 1:27 (thematic): Defines true religion as caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained by the world, paralleling the moral imperative to support dependent family members.
- Matthew 25:35-40 (thematic): Jesus' teaching that care for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned is service to him parallels the ethical demand to provide for dependents and the vulnerable.
- Exodus 22:22-24 (allusion): Old Testament injunctions not to mistreat widows or orphans and the warning of divine judgment allude to the covenantal expectation that families and communities protect their vulnerable members.
Alternative generated candidates
- If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
- But if anyone does not provide for his own—especially for those of his household—he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1Tim.5.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Χηρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- καταλεγεσθω: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,3,sg
- μη: PART
- ελαττον: ADJ,comp,acc,sg,neut
- ετων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- εξηκοντα: NUM,acc,pl,n
- γεγονυια: VERB,perf,mid/pass,ptc,nom,sg,f
- ενος: NUM,gen,sg,m
- ανδρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- γυνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:10 (verbal): Immediate context listing qualifications for a widow to be enrolled (good works, child-rearing, hospitality) — complements v.9's age and 'one husband' criterion and repeats the enrollment criteria.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (verbal): Qualification for an overseer as 'the husband of one wife' (same Greek phraseology) — parallels the concern for marital fidelity and singular marriage status found in 5:9.
- Titus 1:6 (verbal): Parallel pastoral qualification for elders: 'one wife' requirement mirrors 1 Tim 5:9's demand that an enrolled widow have been the wife of one man.
- Titus 2:3 (thematic): Instruction about older women (to be reverent and teach younger women) parallels 1 Tim 5:9's age-based role distinctions and the expectation that older women/widows fulfill specific communal functions.
- 1 Timothy 5:11 (structural): Immediate structural contrast within the same chapter: verse warns against enrolling younger widows — directly connects to 5:9's age requirement and the pastoral policy for widow support.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let a widow be enrolled only if she is not younger than sixty, having been the wife of one husband,
- Let a widow be enrolled only if she is not under sixty years of age and has been the wife of one man,
1Tim.5.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- εργοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- καλοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- μαρτυρουμενη: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,f,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ετεκνοτροφησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- εξενοδοχησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ποδας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ενιψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- θλιβομενοις: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,m,pl
- επηρκεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- παντι: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εργω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- αγαθω: ADJ,dat,sg,n
- επηκολουθησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- James 1:27 (thematic): Lists care for orphans and widows as the essence of pure religion—echoes the emphasis on concrete acts of charity and good works required of a widow.
- John 13:14-15 (verbal): Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet provides a direct verbal parallel to ‘washed the saints' feet’ and models humble service.
- Acts 9:36 (thematic): Tabitha (Dorcas) is described as being ‘full of good works and acts of charity,’ functioning as a concrete example of the kind of life 1 Tim. 5:10 outlines.
- Matthew 25:35-36 (thematic): Jesus’ judgment scene praises feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick/prisoners—paralleling the widow’s hospitality and aid to the afflicted.
- Galatians 6:10 (thematic): Urges doing good to all, especially to the household of faith, aligning with the verse’s concluding ‘followed every good work.’
Alternative generated candidates
- and known for good works: if she has brought up children, shown hospitality to strangers, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work.
- well attested for good works: if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints' feet, cared for the afflicted, devoted herself to every good work.
1Tim.5.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- νεωτερας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- δε: CONJ
- χηρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- παραιτου·οταν: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- γαρ: PART
- καταστρηνιασωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- γαμειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- θελουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:14 (verbal): Directly related instruction urging younger women to marry and keep house—repeats the practical solution to their desire to remarry and the concern about propriety.
- 1 Timothy 5:12 (structural): Immediate context that explains the moral consequence for younger widows who 'wax wanton'—connects cause (wanting to remarry) with apostolic judgment.
- 1 Timothy 5:3-10 (thematic): Earlier passage outlining the criteria for widows to be enrolled and cared for; contrasts 'true' deserving widows with younger widows who should remarry.
- Titus 2:3-5 (thematic): Titus instructs older women to teach younger women to love husbands and children and be discreet—complements 1 Tim 5's concern for younger women's conduct and roles in marriage and household.
- 1 Corinthians 7:9 (thematic): Paul's principle that it is better to marry than to burn with passion parallels the reasoning behind advising younger widows to marry to avoid impropriety or moral failure.
Alternative generated candidates
- But refuse younger widows, for when they grow wanton against Christ they desire to marry,
- But refuse younger widows, for when they become lax in regard to Christ they desire to marry,
1Tim.5.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εχουσαι: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,f
- κριμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πρωτην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ηθετησαν·: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Rev.2:4 (verbal): ‘You have left your first love’—directly parallels the idea of abandoning an initial devotion/faith (περὶ τῆς πρώτης πίστεως/ἀγάπης).
- Heb.6:4-6 (thematic): Speaks of those who have once been enlightened and then fall away, echoing the warning about having condemnation for abandoning former faith.
- 2 Pet.2:20-22 (thematic): Describes people who, after knowing the way of righteousness, become entangled again and are worse off—parallels the judgment on those who cast off their first faith.
- Gal.1:6 (thematic): Paul’s rebuke that the Galatians are ‘deserting’ the gospel reflects the same concern about abandoning an earlier commitment to Christ.
- 2 Tim.3:5 (thematic): Condemns those who have the form of godliness but deny its power—related to the charge that some have repudiated genuine faith and thus incur judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- and incur condemnation for having abandoned their previous pledge.
- and thus incur condemnation, having cast off their first faith.
1Tim.5.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αμα: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αργαι: ADJ,nom,pl,f
- μανθανουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- περιερχομεναι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,f
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- οικιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- αργαι: ADJ,nom,pl,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- φλυαροι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- περιεργοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- λαλουσαι: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,f
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- μη: PART
- δεοντα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (verbal): Paul rebukes some who are "walking in idleness/working not at all" and calls them "busybodies"—language and charge parallel to the idle, wandering, tattling widows in 1 Tim 5:13.
- Titus 2:3 (thematic): Paul instructs older women to be sober and "not slanderers" (μὴ διαβόλους) and to teach what is good—contrasts with the tattling and improper speech condemned in 1 Tim 5:13 and fits the same pastoral concern about women’s conduct.
- Proverbs 20:19 (thematic): Solomon warns against the talebearer who goes about revealing secrets—a proverbial parallel to the depiction of gossiping, meddlesome talkers in 1 Tim 5:13.
- 1 Peter 4:15 (verbal): Peter admonishes believers not to suffer as "busybodies" (KJV) in others' affairs—uses the same concept of meddlesome conduct condemned in 1 Tim 5:13.
- 1 Timothy 5:11-15 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains why younger widows should not be enrolled—because they become idle, wander house to house, are talkers and busybodies (vv.11–15), with v.13 summarizing this behavioral concern.
Alternative generated candidates
- Besides, they learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not.
- Besides, they learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not.
1Tim.5.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- βουλομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- νεωτερας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- γαμειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τεκνογονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- οικοδεσποτειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- μηδεμιαν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- αφορμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διδοναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αντικειμενω: PART,pres,mid,dat,sg,m
- λοιδοριας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- χαριν·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Titus 2:4-5 (verbal): Older women are to teach younger women to love husbands and children, be self-controlled and keep house—language and household/childbearing roles closely parallel 1 Tim 5:14.
- 1 Timothy 5:11-13 (structural): Immediate context: Paul describes younger widows as idle, gossiping, and giving the adversary occasion for reproach, which motivates his instruction in v.14 that they should marry and manage households.
- Proverbs 31:27 (thematic): The ideal wife 'looks well to the ways of her household' and does not eat the bread of idleness—parallels the exhortation in 5:14 to manage the household and avoid reproach.
- 1 Timothy 2:15 (thematic): The statement that a woman will be 'saved through childbearing' (controversial) reflects the New Testament emphasis on childbearing as a notable role for women, echoing 5:14's mention of bearing children.
Alternative generated candidates
- I desire therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, manage the household, and give no opportunity to the adversary for slander.
- Therefore I desire that the younger women marry, bear children, rule the household, and give the adversary no occasion for reproach.
1Tim.5.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ηδη: ADV
- γαρ: PART
- τινες: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εξετραπησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- οπισω: ADV
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Σατανα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 1:20 (verbal): Paul speaks of individuals (Hymenaeus and Alexander) handed over to Satan — similar vocabulary and the motif of people falling under Satan's influence.
- 2 Timothy 2:17-18 (verbal): Hymenaeus and Philetus are said to have ‘swerved from the truth,’ a close verbal and thematic parallel about believers turning aside and being led into error.
- James 5:19-20 (thematic): James warns about those who wander from the truth and the need to bring them back, echoing the theme of believers turning aside and suffering spiritual harm.
- Hebrews 3:12 (thematic): A warning against believers' hearts becoming unbelieving and turning away from the living God — a parallel concern about Christians’ defection from faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- For some have already strayed after Satan.
- For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
1Tim.5.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- πιστη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- χηρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- επαρκειτω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- αυταις: PRON,dat,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- βαρεισθω: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- οντως: ADV
- χηραις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- επαρκεση: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:3-8 (verbal): Immediate context: instructs honoring widows and assigns primary responsibility to family members, echoing the same concern that believing relatives should care for widows so the church is not burdened.
- Acts 6:1-6 (structural): The early church appoints leaders to ensure fair daily distribution to widows so the congregation's care is organized—addressing the same practical problem of church support for widows.
- James 1:27 (thematic): Defines pure religion as looking after orphans and widows, paralleling the ethical obligation to care for widows expressed in 1 Timothy 5:16.
- Galatians 6:10 (thematic): Commands doing good to all, especially to the family of faith, which resonates with the instruction that believing relatives should provide for widows to spare the church.
- Luke 7:11-15 (thematic): Jesus' compassionate intervention for a widow and her dead son illustrates the special concern for widows and their dependents reflected in 1 Timothy's directive.
Alternative generated candidates
- If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her assist them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may help those who are truly widows.
- If any believing woman has widows, let her relieve them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are really widows.
1Tim.5.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- καλως: ADV
- προεστωτες: PTCP,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- πρεσβυτεροι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- διπλης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- τιμης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αξιουσθωσαν: VERB,pres,pass,subj,3,pl
- μαλιστα: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- κοπιωντες: PTCP,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- διδασκαλια·: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (thematic): Urges respect and high esteem for those who labor among the congregation—parallels the call to give 'double honor' to elders who preside well and work hard.
- Hebrews 13:7 (thematic): Calls believers to remember and honor their leaders who spoke God's word and modeled faithful living, resonating with honoring elders who lead well.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (thematic): Instructs elders to shepherd willingly and not domineer, connecting to the description of elders who 'rule well' and thus merit honor.
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (structural): Gives the qualifications and duties of overseers/elders—provides the wider structural context for identifying those elders who 'preside well' and deserve honor.
- Luke 10:7 (quotation): 'The laborer deserves his wages' (quoted in 1 Tim 5:18) functions as a supporting justification for honoring and compensating those who labor in word and teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
- Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
1Tim.5.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λεγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- γραφη·Βουν: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αλοωντα: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- φιμωσεις: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,sg
- και·Αξιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εργατης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μισθου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 25:4 (quotation): The Old Testament source of the first clause, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' which 1 Tim 5:18 cites verbatim as Scripture.
- Luke 10:7 (quotation): Jesus' instruction to the seventy, 'The laborer deserves his wages' (or 'is worthy of his hire'), which 1 Tim 5:18 cites as the second scriptural saying.
- Matthew 10:10 (quotation): Parallel to Luke 10:7 in Matthew's account of Jesus' instruction to the Twelve—'the worker is worthy of his keep'—showing the same saying in the Gospel tradition.
- 1 Corinthians 9:9-14 (verbal): Paul quotes Deut 25:4 ('Do not muzzle the ox') and applies the principle to those who minister, arguing that those who preach the gospel have a right to material support—a theological application parallel to 1 Tim 5:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
- For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
1Tim.5.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- πρεσβυτερου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κατηγοριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μη: PART
- παραδεχου: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- εκτος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- επι: PREP
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- τριων: NUM,gen,pl
- μαρτυρων·: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (verbal): Explicit OT legal rule: 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter be established'—the primary Old Testament source for the two/three witness requirement cited in 1 Tim 5:19.
- Deuteronomy 17:6 (verbal): Similar Mosaic prescription that convictions (especially capital cases) require testimony of two or three witnesses; provides the broader legal background for the NT injunction.
- Matthew 18:16 (quotation): Jesus applies the two/three witness principle to cases of church discipline: 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be established'—a direct New Testament parallel in ecclesiastical context.
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 (allusion): Paul cites the same evidentiary rule at the close of 2 Cor ('This will be the third time I am coming to you; each charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses'), reflecting its use in apostolic disciplinary practice.
- John 8:17 (quotation): Jesus appeals to Mosaic law about witnesses ('In your Law it is written that the testimony of two men is true'), echoing the same legal principle invoked in 1 Tim 5:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
- Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
1Tim.5.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αμαρτανοντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- ενωπιον: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ελεγχε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- λοιποι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- φοβον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εχωσιν: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 (structural): Prescribes public church discipline for a member living in flagrant sin—removal/assembly action intended both to punish and to instruct the community, paralleling the public rebuke in 1 Tim 5:20.
- Galatians 2:11 (thematic): Paul’s public rebuke of Peter (Cephas) for inconsistent behavior exemplifies the practice of confronting sin openly so others are warned and order is maintained.
- Matthew 18:15-17 (structural): Gives a graded procedure for confronting sin that culminates in bringing the matter before the church/public—reflects the principle of public admonition when private correction fails.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (thematic): Instructs the community to withdraw from those who refuse to obey and to treat them as admonished brothers—aiming at shame and correction, similar in purpose to public rebuke in 1 Tim 5:20.
- Proverbs 27:5-6 (thematic): Affirms the value of open rebuke over hidden love and that faithful reproof may be painful but beneficial—an Old Testament analogue to the rationale for public rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who persist in sin, rebuke publicly, so that the rest also may stand in fear.
- Those who persist in sin, rebuke before all, that the rest also may stand in fear.
1Tim.5.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διαμαρτυρομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ενωπιον: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εκλεκτων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- αγγελων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- φυλαξης: VERB,aor,act,sub,2,sg
- χωρις: PREP,gen
- προκριματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- ποιων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- προσκλισιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- James 2:1 (verbal): Direct ethical parallel condemning favoritism/partiality in the community (both texts warn against showing partiality).
- Acts 10:34-35 (thematic): Peter’s declaration that God shows no partiality echoes the NT concern to judge and act without bias (especially across ethnic/social lines).
- Romans 2:11 (verbal): Explicit statement ‘God shows no partiality’ parallels the impartial standard invoked in 1 Tim 5:21 when charging Timothy before God and Christ.
- 1 Timothy 5:19 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel within the same chapter: rules about receiving accusations against elders; 5:21 summons Timothy to observe those procedures without prejudice.
- Deuteronomy 16:19 (allusion): OT legal principle forbidding partiality in judgment provides background for the NT injunction to administer discipline and justice impartially.
Alternative generated candidates
- I charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels: keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality.
- I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels: keep these instructions without partiality, doing nothing from favoritism.
1Tim.5.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- χειρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ταχεως: ADV
- μηδενι: PRON,dat,sg,n
- επιτιθει: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- μηδε: CONJ
- κοινωνει: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- αμαρτιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- αλλοτριαις·σεαυτον: ADJ,dat,pl,f+PRON,acc,sg,m
- αγνον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- τηρει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Galatians 6:1 (thematic): Both verses warn leaders to be cautious when correcting or restoring sinners and to guard their own conduct—'watch yourself' echoes 'keep yourself pure.'
- 2 John 1:10-11 (verbal): Explicitly connects hospitality to sharing in another's wrongdoing—'he who greets him shares in his evil deeds' parallels 'do not share in other people's sins.'
- Acts 6:3-6 (structural): Describes the community's selection and the laying on of hands for deacons; provides a practical background to the NT practice that 1 Tim. 5:22 cautions against doing hastily.
- 1 Timothy 3:10 (structural): Within the same letter this verse instructs that candidates be tested before service, reinforcing the caution in 5:22 about not hastily laying on hands (i.e., ordaining without due examination).
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands; do not participate in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
- Do not be hasty in laying on hands, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
1Tim.5.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μηκετι: ADV
- υδροποτει: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- οινω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ολιγω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- χρω: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- δια: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- στομαχον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- πυκνας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- ασθενειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Luke 10:34 (thematic): The Good Samaritan uses oil and wine to treat wounds — an example of wine’s medicinal use in the NT, paralleling Paul’s practical recommendation to use wine for stomach ailments.
- 1 Timothy 3:3 (thematic): Within the same epistle Paul warns leaders against being given to much wine; contrasts and complements 5:23’s allowance for moderate, therapeutic use rather than habitual drunkenness.
- Titus 2:3 (thematic): Older women are to be sober-minded and self-controlled, reflecting the New Testament concern for moderation in drink while allowing for responsible, non-excessive use.
- Proverbs 31:6–7 (thematic): An ancient wisdom endorsement of giving strong drink to the suffering or dying — parallels the Old Testament precedent for using alcohol to relieve pain or distress, resonant with Paul’s medical counsel.
Alternative generated candidates
- No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
- No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.
1Tim.5.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τινων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- αμαρτιαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- προδηλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,f
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- προαγουσαι: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,f
- εις: PREP
- κρισιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τισιν: PRON,dat,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- επακολουθουσιν·: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 12:2-3 (verbal): Explicitly states that “there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed…what you have said in the dark will be proclaimed,” echoing 1 Tim 5:24’s contrast between sins that are manifest early and sins that are revealed later.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (verbal): Speaks of waiting for the Lord who will “bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of hearts,” paralleling the idea that some sins remain hidden until judged.
- Romans 2:16 (thematic): Affirms that God will judge the secrets of men, resonating with 1 Tim 5:24’s concern that some sins precede a person to judgment while others are discovered afterward.
- Hebrews 4:13 (thematic): Declares that nothing is hidden from God’s sight and that all are exposed to him, supporting the underlying claim that sins—whether immediately evident or revealed later—are ultimately laid bare for judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sins of some are obvious, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow later.
- Some men's sins are conspicuous, going before to judgment; and some men follow after.
1Tim.5.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωσαυτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- καλα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- προδηλα: ADV
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- αλλως: ADV
- εχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- κρυβηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- ου: PART,neg
- δυνανται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Luke 8:17 (verbal): Uses the same idea/phrase that nothing secret will remain hidden but will be revealed—parallels 'the good works of some are manifest beforehand.'
- Luke 12:2-3 (verbal): Explicitly states that nothing covered will not be revealed and nothing hidden will remain unknown, echoing the claim that certain works cannot be hidden.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 (thematic): Paul teaches that the Lord will bring to light hidden things and disclose hearts, resonating with the theme that deeds (good or otherwise) are ultimately made manifest.
- Matthew 5:16 (thematic): Commands believers to let their good works be seen so others glorify God—connects to the positive half of 1 Tim 5:25 about good works being evident.
Alternative generated candidates
- So also good deeds are obvious; and even those that are otherwise cannot be concealed.
- Likewise, good works are conspicuous; and even those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
1Tim.6.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οσοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- υπο: PREP
- ζυγον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δουλοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- ιδιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- δεσποτας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- τιμης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αξιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- ηγεισθωσαν: VERB,pres,mid,imp,3,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ονομα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- διδασκαλια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- βλασφημηται: VERB,pres,pass,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- Titus 2:9-10 (verbal): Commands slaves to be submissive and to 'adorn the teaching of God our Savior'—closely parallels 1 Tim 6:1's concern that slaves honor their masters so that God's name and the teaching are not reviled.
- Ephesians 6:5-9 (verbal): Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters 'as to Christ' and to serve sincerely, linking proper slave conduct to the Christian confession and treatment by masters—similar ethic and language about slaves' duty and witness.
- Colossians 3:22-25 (verbal): Exhorts slaves to obey in everything with sincere service 'as to the Lord,' stressing that their behavior relates to divine accountability—parallels 1 Tim 6:1's motive that conduct protects God's name and teaching.
- 1 Peter 2:18-20 (thematic): Calls servants to submit to masters, even unjust ones, and to endure suffering in a way that honors God; thematically aligns with 1 Tim 6:1's emphasis that submissive conduct preserves the honor of God and the gospel.
Alternative generated candidates
- All who are under a yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
- Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
1Tim.6.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- πιστους: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εχοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- δεσποτας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- μη: PART
- καταφρονειτωσαν: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εισιν·αλλα: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- μαλλον: ADV
- δουλευετωσαν: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- πιστοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ευεργεσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αντιλαμβανομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- Ταυτα: PRON,nom,pl,n
- διδασκε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- παρακαλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Philemon 15-17 (thematic): Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother, paralleling 1 Tim 6:2's insistence that believing masters/beings are brothers and should be treated accordingly.
- Ephesians 6:5-9 (verbal): Commands servants to obey their earthly masters 'as to Christ' and exhorts masters to treat servants justly; echoes the call to serve believing masters with proper respect and the mutual accountability of Christian households.
- Colossians 3:22-25 (verbal): Instructs servants to obey in everything, working heartily as for the Lord and not men, which parallels the emphasis on faithful service to masters who are believers and the spiritual motivation for such service.
- Titus 2:9-10 (thematic): Commands slaves to be submissive, to make the teaching of God attractive by good works; closely related to 1 Tim 6:2's concern that Christian household relationships reflect and advance the faith.
- 1 Peter 2:18-25 (thematic): Urges servants to submit to masters with respectful fear and to endure unjust suffering as Christ did—connecting submission, witness, and the ethical demands placed on Christian servants in hostile or unequal social contexts.
Alternative generated candidates
- Those who have believing masters must not despise them because they are brothers; rather they must serve them all the more, since those who benefit by their service are believers and beloved.
- Those who have believing masters must not despise them because they are brothers, but rather serve them all the more, since those who benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as a father; treat younger men as brothers.
Older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
Honor widows who are truly widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show devotion to their own household and to repay their parents and grandparents; for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
A widow who is truly left alone and who has set her hope on God, continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
Command these things so that they may be without reproach.
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
A widow is to be enrolled only if she is at least sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and faithfully followed every good work. But reject younger widows, for when their sensual desires draw them away from Christ they desire to marry,
and thus incur condemnation, because they have set aside their first pledge.
Besides that, they learn to be idle, wandering from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things they ought not.
I want younger women to marry, to bear children, to manage the household, to give the adversary no occasion for slander.
For some have already strayed after Satan.
If any believing woman has widows, let her care for them, and let the church not be burdened, so that it may help those who are truly widows.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle the ox while it treads out the grain,' and, 'The laborer deserves his wages.'
Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Those who continue in sin rebuke publicly, so that the rest also may have fear.
I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels: observe these instructions without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism.
Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
The sins of some people are conspicuous and go before them to judgment, while the sins of others follow afterwards. So also the good deeds of some are obvious, and even those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
All who are under the yoke as bondservants should regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed.
Those who have believing masters must not despise them because they are brethren, but rather they should serve them all the more, since those who benefit from good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.