1 Timothy 5:9

A widow, when her name is added to the list, should not be less than sixty years old; she should have been a faithful wife,

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

In Context

8Anyone who fails to provide for their own relatives, and especially for those under their own roof, has disowned the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

10and be well spoken of for her kind actions. She should have brought up children, have shown hospitality to strangers, have washed the feet of her fellow Christians, have relieved those who were in distress, and devoted herself to every kind of good action.

Read all of 1 Timothy 5

Cross References

1 Corinthians 7:10To those who are married my direction is – yet it is not mine, but the Master’s – that a woman is not to leave her husband

1 Timothy 3:2The supervisor should be of blameless character; a faithful partner; living a temperate, discreet, and well-ordered life; hospitable, and a skillful teacher,

1 Timothy 5:3Show consideration for widows – I mean those who are really widowed.

1 Timothy 5:14Therefore I advise young widows to marry, bear children, and attend to their homes, and so avoid giving the enemy an opportunity for scandal.

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Timothy 5:9