Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 5:16

"If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it mat relieve them that are widows indeed." — 1 Timothy 5:16 (ASV)

The female believer who has widows dependent on her “should help them,” so that the church will be free to spend its time, money, and energy helping those who are truly needy widows (cf. v.3).