King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 5:4 Mean?

1 Timothy 5:4 in the King James Version says “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home , and to requite their parents: fo... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 5:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. in: or, delicately


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if any widow have children or nephews (εἰ δέ τις χήρα τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα ἔχει, ei de tis chēra tekna ē ekgona echei)—'if any widow has children or grandchildren.' Ekgona means descendants, grandchildren. Let them learn first to shew piety at home (μανθανέτωσαν πρῶτον τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, manthanetōsan prōton ton idion oikon eusebein)—'let them first learn to show godliness to their own household.'

And to requite their parents (καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις, kai amoibas apodidonai tois progonois)—'and to repay their parents/ancestors.' Amoibas apodidonai means to give back in return, to reciprocate. For that is good and acceptable before God (τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, touto gar estin apodekton enōpion tou theou).

Adult children have primary responsibility to care for widowed mothers/grandmothers. This is eusebeia (godliness) practiced at home—repaying parents who cared for you in childhood. God approves this intergenerational faithfulness. The church should not enable families to shirk their duty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The fifth commandment requires honoring parents (Exodus 20:12)—including financial care in old age. Jesus condemned Pharisees who used religious gifts (Corban) to avoid supporting parents (Mark 7:9-13). Paul applies this principle: family bears primary responsibility for widows. The church supplements, but should not replace, family care. This prevents abuse of benevolence and teaches godliness at home.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does caring for aging parents constitute 'godliness at home'?
  2. Why does God consider repaying parents (who cared for us) so important?
  3. How can churches encourage families to fulfill care responsibilities without being harsh to genuinely overwhelmed families?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
εἰ1 of 28
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δέ2 of 28

But

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 28
G5100

some or any person or object

χήρα4 of 28

widow

G5503

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

τέκνα5 of 28

children

G5043

a child (as produced)

6 of 28

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἔκγονα7 of 28

nephews

G1549

a descendant, i.e., (specially) grandchild

ἔχει8 of 28

have

G2192

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

μανθανέτωσαν9 of 28

let them learn

G3129

to learn (in any way)

πρῶτον10 of 28

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

τὸν11 of 28
G3588

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

ἴδιον12 of 28

at home

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

οἶκον13 of 28
G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

εὐσεβεῖν14 of 28

to shew piety

G2151

to be pious, i.e., (towards god) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support)

καὶ15 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀμοιβὰς16 of 28

to requite

G287

requital

ἀποδιδόναι17 of 28
G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

τοῖς18 of 28
G3588

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

προγόνοις·19 of 28

their parents

G4269

an ancestor, (grand-)parent

τοῦτο20 of 28

that

G5124

that thing

γάρ21 of 28

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν22 of 28

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καλὸν23 of 28

good

G2570

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

καὶ24 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἀπόδεκτον25 of 28

acceptable

G587

accepted, i.e., agreeable

ἐνώπιον26 of 28

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ27 of 28
G3588

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

θεοῦ28 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 5:4 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 5:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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