King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:3 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:3 in the King James Version says “Honour widows that are widows indeed.” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Honour widows that are widows indeed.”

1 Timothy 5:3 · KJV

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

5

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Honour widows that are widows indeed (Χήρας τίμα τὰς ὄντως χήρας, Chēras tima tas ontōs chēras)—'honor widows who are truly widows.' Timaō means to honor, value, care for—including financial support (5:17-18 uses the same word for paying elders). Ontōs means 'really, truly, actually'—genuine widows.

Paul will define 'widows indeed' in verses 5, 9-10: women without family support who trust in God and live godly lives. The church has responsibility to care for vulnerable widows, but not all who have lost husbands qualify—some have family who should support them (5:4, 8, 16).

This begins Paul's extended discussion of widow care (5:3-16), addressing a major practical issue in the early church. With no social safety net, widows were among society's most vulnerable. The church's care for 'widows indeed' demonstrated the gospel's power to create a radically compassionate community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, widows without sons faced destitution—unable to inherit property or work most jobs. The early church established an order of widows for official support (Acts 6:1-6, 9:39-41). But limited resources required careful stewardship. Paul gives criteria to distinguish widows who genuinely need church support from those with other means.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'honor' widows—how does financial support express honor?
  2. How can churches discern who genuinely needs assistance versus who has other support?
  3. What modern vulnerable populations require the church's care as 'widows' did in Paul's time?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 5 words
χήρας1 of 5

“that are widows”

G5503

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

τίμα2 of 5

“Honour”

G5091

to prize, i.e., fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere

τὰς3 of 5
G3588

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

ὄντως4 of 5

“indeed”

G3689

really

χήρας5 of 5

“that are widows”

G5503

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

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 27:19Deuteronomy 14:29Acts 6:1Deuteronomy 10:18Deuteronomy 16:111 Peter 2:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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