A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 5

Rebuke not an elder (πρεσβυτερω μη επιπληξηις). Dative case πρεσβυτερω used in the usual sense of an older man, not a minister as is shown by "as a father." First aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive with negative μη (prohibition against committing the act) of επιπλησσω, to strike upon, old verb, but here only in N.T. and in figurative sense with words rather than with fists. Respect for age is what is here commanded, an item appropriate to the present time.

The younger men as brethren (νεωτερους ως αδελφους). Comparative adjective νεωτερος from νεος (young). No article, "younger men." Wise words for the young minister to know how to conduct himself with old men (reverence) and young men (fellowship, but not stooping to folly with them).

The elder women as mothers (πρεσβυτερας ως μητερας). Anarthrous again, "older women as mothers." Respect and reverence once more.

The younger as sisters, in all purity (νεωτερας ως αδελφας εν παση αγνια). Anarthrous also and comparative form as in verse 1. See 4:12 for αγνια. No sort of behavior will so easily make or mar the young preacher as his conduct with young women.

That are widows indeed (τας οντως χηρας). For οντως (actually, really), see Lu 23:47; 1 Corinthians 14:25; and verse 5. For widows (χηρα) see Mr 12:40,42; Acts 6:1; 1 Corinthians 7:8. Parry notes that in verses 3-8 Paul discusses widows who are in distress and 9-16 those who are in the employment of the local church for certain work. Evidently, as in Acts 6:1-6, so here in Ephesus there had arisen some trouble over the widows in the church. Both for individual cases of need and as a class Timothy is to show proper respect (τιμα, keep on honouring) the widows.

Grandchildren (εκγονα). Old word from εκγινομα, here only in N.T.

Let them learn (μανθανετωσαν). The children and grandchildren of a widow. Present active imperative third person plural of μανθανω. "Let them keep on learning."

First (πρωτον). Adverb, first before anything else. No "corban" business here. No acts of "piety" toward God will make up for impiety towards parents.

To shew piety (ευσεβειν). Present active infinitive with μανθανετωσαν and old verb, in N.T. only here and Ac 17:23. From ευσεβης (ευ, σεβομα), pious, dutiful.

Their own family (τον ιδιον οικον). "Their own household." Filial piety is primary unless parents interfere with duty to Christ (Luke 14:26).

To requite (αμοιβας αποδιδονα). Present active infinitive of αποδιδωμ, to give back, old and common verb (Romans 2:6), to keep on giving back. Αμοιβας (from αμειβομα, to requite like for like) is old and common word, but here only in N.T.

Their parents (τοις προγονοις). Dative case of old and common word προγονος (from προγινομα, to come before), "ancestor." In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. See 2:3 for "acceptable" (αποδεκτον).

Desolate (μεμονωμενη). Perfect passive participle of μονοω (from μονος), "left alone," old verb, here alone in N.T. Without husband, children, or other close kin.

Hath her hope set on God (ηλπικεν επ θεον). Perfect active indicative of ελπιζω, "hath placed her hope (and keeps it) on God." Text doubtful whether God (θεον) or Lord (Κυριον).

Continues (προσμενε). See on 1:3. With dative case here.

Night and day (νυκτος κα ημερας). "By night and by day" (genitive, not accusative). Paul does not say that she should pray "all night and day."