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But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;
Verse Takeaways
1
"Wanton" Means Restless
Modern readers might misunderstand the phrase "wax wanton." Scholars clarify the original Greek word doesn't primarily mean lewdness or sexual immorality. Instead, it describes becoming restless, impatient with the constraints of the widow's role, and feeling a natural, youthful desire for marriage. Paul is describing a predictable human impulse, not necessarily a sinful one.
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Book Overview
1 Timothy
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
But the younger widows refuse. This means, regarding the matter under discussion, do not admit them into the class of widows previously me…
But younger widows refuse (νεωτερας δε χηρας παραιτου). Present middle imperative as in 4:7. "Beg off from." They lack experience …
19th Century
Anglican
But the younger widows refuse.—The younger women (with "younger" used in a general sense) must positively be excluded from, and held ineli…
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Regarding the widows under sixty years of age, Paul instructs Timothy not to put them on the official list. Most of them will become restless again…
16th Century
Protestant
Refuse younger widows He does not enjoin that they be excommunicated from the Church, or have any mark of disgrace put upon them; but he …
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
But the younger widows refuse To admit them into the number of widows relieved by the church; partly because they ar…
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Everyone brought into any office in the church should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet should not be employed…
13th Century
Catholic
Previously, the Apostle taught that widows in the Church must be cared for. Here, he specifies which ones are to be supported.