1 Timothy

The first epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, chapter 5, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 5 New English Translation

Instructions about Specific Groups

   1 Do not address an older man harshly but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters - with complete purity.
   3 Honor widows who are truly in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God. 5 But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day. 6 But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Reinforce these commands, so that they will be beyond reproach. 8 But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
   9 No widow should be put on the list unless she is at least sixty years old, was the wife of one husband, 10 and has a reputation for good works: as one who has raised children, practiced hospitality, washed the feet of the saints, helped those in distress - as one who has exhibited all kinds of good works. 11 But do not accept younger widows on the list, because their passions may lead them away from Christ and they will desire to marry, 12 and so incur judgment for breaking their former pledge. 13 And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not. 14 So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us. 15 For some have already wandered away to follow Satan. 16 If a believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. The church should not be burdened, so that it may help the widows who are truly in need.
   17 Elders who provide effective leadership must be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. 18 For the scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, " and, "The worker deserves his pay." 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those guilty of sin must be rebuked before all, as a warning to the rest. 21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 (Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses. ) 24 The sins of some people are obvious, going before them into judgment, but for others, they show up later. 25 Similarly good works are also obvious, and the ones that are not cannot remain hidden.

King James Version

   1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
   2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
   3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
   4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
   5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
   6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
   7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
   8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
   9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
   10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
   11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
   12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
   13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
   14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
   15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
   16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
   17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
   18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
   19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
   20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
   21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
   22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
   23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
   24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
   25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.