King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:16 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:16 in the King James Version says “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may re...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Timothy 5:16 · KJV

Faith

Context

14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. to speak: Gr. for their railing

15

For some are already turned aside after Satan.

16

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.

17

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18

For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Read 1 Timothy 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man or woman that believeth have widows (εἴ τις πιστὸς ἢ πιστὴ ἔχει χήρας, ei tis pistos ē pistē echei chēras)—'if any believing man or woman has widows [in their family].' Pistos/pistē means believer (male/female). The phrase 'has widows' means has widowed relatives needing support—mother, grandmother, aunt, etc.

Let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged (ἐπαρκείτω αὐταῖς, καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία, eparkeitō autais, kai mē bareisthō hē ekklēsia)—'let them provide for them, and let not the church be burdened.' Eparkeo means to aid, help, relieve. Bareō means to burden, weigh down. That it may relieve them that are widows indeed (ἵνα ταῖς ὄντως χήραις ἐπαρκέσῃ, hina tais ontōs chērais eparkesē)—'so it may help those who are truly widows.'

Paul's principle is clear: families bear primary responsibility for their widowed members. The church should support only genuinely alone widows without family. This preserves church resources for those truly in need and prevents enabling families to shirk their duty. Stewardship requires discernment—helping everyone means helping no one well.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church's benevolence funds were limited—mostly from voluntary offerings of working-class believers. Careless distribution would quickly exhaust resources, leaving truly needy widows unsupported. Paul establishes priorities: family first, then church. This both protects church resources and teaches families their God-given responsibility. The principle applies broadly—wise stewardship requires discerning genuine need.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why must families take primary responsibility for their widows rather than defaulting to church support?
  2. How does this principle of family-first responsibility apply to other benevolence situations?
  3. What happens when churches don't discern genuine need but give indiscriminately?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἴ1 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

πιστὴ3 of 19

“man”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἡ4 of 19

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πιστὴ5 of 19

“man”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἔχει6 of 19

“have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

χήραις7 of 19

“them that are widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

ἐπαρκέσῃ8 of 19

“it may relieve”

G1884

to avail for, i.e., help

αὐταῖς9 of 19

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ10 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ11 of 19

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βαρείσθω12 of 19

“be charged”

G916

to weigh down (figuratively)

ἢ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησία14 of 19

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ἵνα15 of 19

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ταῖς16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄντως17 of 19

“indeed”

G3689

really

χήραις18 of 19

“them that are widows”

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

ἐπαρκέσῃ19 of 19

“it may relieve”

G1884

to avail for, i.e., help

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 5:16 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 5:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:3-51 Timothy 5:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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