1 Timothy 5:14

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

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Other translations

WEBBE

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

BSB

So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

KJV

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

ASV

I desire therefore that the younger [widows] marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

BBE

So it is my desire that the younger widows may be married and have children, controlling their families, and giving the Evil One no chance to say anything against them,

Original Greek

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Βούλομαι Boulomai I want G1014 οὖν oun therefore G3767 νεωτέρας neōteras [the] younger [ones] G3501 γαμεῖν gamein to marry G1060 τεκνογονεῖν teknogonein to bear children G5041 οἰκοδεσποτεῖν oikodespotein to manage their households G3616 μηδεμίαν mēdemian no G3367 ἀφορμὴν aphormēn occasion G874 διδόναι didonai to give G1325 τῷ tō to the [one] G3588 ἀντικειμένῳ antikeimenō opposing G480 λοιδορίας loidorias of reproach G3059 χάριν charin because G5484

The early church

"I will therefore," he says, (since they themselves wish it,) "that the younger widows marry, bear children, guide the house." This course is at least preferable to the other. They ought indeed to be concerned for the things of God, they ought to preserve their faith. But since they do not this, it is better to avoid a worse course. God is not dishonored by their marrying again, and they do not fall into those practices, which have been censured. From such a widowhood, no good could arise, but good may come out of this marriage. Hence the women will be able to correct that indolence and vanity of mind. But why, since some have fallen away, does he not say that much care is to be taken of them, that they may not fall into the error he has mentioned? Why has he commanded them to marry? Because marriage is not forbidden, and it is a safeguard to them. Wherefore he adds, that they "give none occasion," or handle, "to the adversary to speak reproachfully."
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 1 Timothy

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 9–16

Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.

Read Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 5 →

Cross-references

19

Topics

MarriageWife

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.