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1
Family is the First Ministry
Commentators unanimously agree that the primary responsibility for caring for a widowed mother or grandmother falls on her children and grandchildren. Before the church is burdened, the family has a sacred, first-priority duty. Scholars clarify that the word 'nephews' in older translations actually means 'grandchildren,' reinforcing this direct family obligation.
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Book Overview
1 Timothy
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Timothy 5:4
18th Century
Theologian
But if any widow have children. This refers to children who would be dependent on her care and who might themselves contribute to her supp…
AT Robertson
On 1 Timothy 5:4
Grandchildren (εκγονα). Old word from εκγινομα, here only in N.T.
Let them learn (μανθανετωσαν). The child…
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Timothy 5:4
19th Century
Bishop
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents (or, …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Timothy 5:4
The case is different with a widow who has “children or grandchildren.” In that case, they are to take care of her. “To put their religion into pra…
John Calvin
On 1 Timothy 5:4
16th Century
Theologian
If any widow: There are various ways of explaining this passage. The ambiguity arises because the latter clause may refer either to widows…
John Gill
On 1 Timothy 5:4
17th Century
Pastor
But if any widow has children or nephews
Such are not widows indeed; they are not desolate, or alone, or without per…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Timothy 5:3–8
17th Century
Minister
Honour widows that are widows indeed, relieve them, and maintain them. It is the duty of children, if their parents are in need and they a…