King James Version
What Does 1 Timothy 5:2 Mean?
“The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”
Context
1
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
2
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3
Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4
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. piety: or, kindness
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **The elder women as mothers.**—The same watchful care against all assumption of superiority must also be exercised in his dealings with the Christian matrons of Ephesus.
**The younger as sisters, with all purity.**—In the case of the younger women, St. Paul adds to his directions respecting brotherly and sisterly regard a grave word, urging upon Timothy, and all official teachers like Timothy, to add to this self-denying, loving friendship a ceaseless watchfulness in all their conversation, so as not to afford any ground for suspicion; for, above all things, the recognised teacher of Christianity must be pure. No one can read and forget the quaint words of advice of St. Jerome: “*Omnes puellas et virgines Christi, aut æqualiter ignora aut ægualiter dilige.*”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:2 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 5:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge