King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:10 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:10 in the King James Version says “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the s...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”

1 Timothy 5:10 · KJV

Context

8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. house: or, kindred

9

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

10

Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

11

But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

12

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Well reported of for good works (ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη, en ergois kalois martyroumenē)—'having a reputation for good works.' Martyreō means to bear witness, testify—her good deeds are publicly known. Paul lists five examples:

If she have brought up children (εἰ ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν, ei eteknotrophēsen)—raised children well. If she have lodged strangers (εἰ ἐξενοδόχησεν, ei exenodochēsen)—practiced hospitality. If she have washed the saints' feet (εἰ ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν, ei hagiōn podas enipsen)—performed humble service. If she have relieved the afflicted (εἰ θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν, ei thlibomenois epērkesen)—helped those in distress. If she have diligently followed every good work (εἰ παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν, ei panti ergō agathō epēkolouthēsen)—devoted herself to every good deed.

These qualifications describe a lifetime of faithful, humble service. The enrolled widow has proven character through decades of practical godliness—raising children, showing hospitality, serving humbly, helping the suffering, pursuing every opportunity for good. She deserves honor and support.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Foot washing was a menial task usually performed by servants. That a widow personally washed saints' feet demonstrates humility and sacrificial service. Hospitality to traveling teachers and believers was essential in the early church (3 John 5-8). The widow's lifetime of good works—often unseen and unappreciated—qualifies her for the church's sustained care in old age.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul emphasize humble, practical service (like foot-washing) over spectacular deeds?
  2. How does a lifetime of faithful good works demonstrate genuine faith?
  3. What modern equivalents to 'foot-washing' demonstrate humble, Christ-like service?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐν1 of 20

“for”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἔργῳ2 of 20

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

καλοῖς3 of 20

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

μαρτυρουμένη4 of 20

“Well reported of”

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

εἰ5 of 20

“children if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν6 of 20

“she have brought up”

G5044

to be a childrearer, i.e., fulfil the duties of a female parent

εἰ7 of 20

“children if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἐξενοδόχησεν8 of 20

“she have lodged strangers”

G3580

to be hospitable

εἰ9 of 20

“children if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ἁγίων10 of 20

“the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

πόδας11 of 20

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

ἔνιψεν12 of 20

“she have washed”

G3538

to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution

εἰ13 of 20

“children if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θλιβομένοις14 of 20

“the afflicted”

G2346

to crowd (literally or figuratively)

ἐπήρκεσεν15 of 20

“she have relieved”

G1884

to avail for, i.e., help

εἰ16 of 20

“children if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

παντὶ17 of 20

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἔργῳ18 of 20

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθῷ19 of 20

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἐπηκολούθησεν20 of 20

“she have diligently followed”

G1872

to accompany

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 5:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 6:18Titus 3:8Acts 9:36Titus 2:7Titus 3:1Matthew 5:16

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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