1 Timothy 5:4

But, if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should learn to show proper regard for the members of their own family first, and to make some return to their parents; for that is pleasing in God’s sight.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

3Show consideration for widows – I mean those who are really widowed.

5As for the woman who is really widowed and left quite alone, her hopes are fixed on God, and she devotes herself to prayers and supplications night and day.

Read all of 1 Timothy 5

Cross References

Genesis 47:12Joseph also provided food for his father and his brothers and all his father’s household according to the number of their little children.

Ruth 2:18Then she took it up and went into the town and showed her mother-in-law what she had gleaned. She also brought out and gave her that which she had left from her meal after she had had enough.

Mark 7:11you say ‘If a person says to their father or mother “Whatever of mine might have been of service to you is Corban”’ (which means ‘Set apart for God’) –

Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 5:4-17

Directions Concerning Widows. ( a. d. 64.) 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show 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… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 1 Timothy 5:4