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.

1 TIMOTHY 5:16KJV
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1 Timothy 5:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:16 mean?

1 Timothy 5:16 instructs believers who have widows in their families to take care of them, so that the church is not burdened with their support and can focus its help on widows who have no one else. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility for family care before seeking assistance from the church.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus, giving practical guidance on how to manage church resources and care for vulnerable members. The verse shows that the early church had a system for supporting widows, but Paul wants families to help their own relatives first, reserving church aid for those truly alone.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:16

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, "church"): This word refers to the gathered community of believers, not a building. Paul is talking about the collective responsibility of the Christian community.
  • ἐπαρκέω (eparkeō, "relieve"): This Greek word means to provide for or support. Paul uses it to stress that family members should actively meet the needs of their widowed relatives.
  • ὄντως (ontōs, "indeed"): This word means "truly" or "really." Paul is distinguishing between widows who are genuinely alone and those who have family able to care for them.

Why 1 Timothy 5:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the early church did not automatically support every widow; family members were expected to help first, showing the importance of personal responsibility.
  • The instruction helps prevent the church from being overwhelmed, so its resources can go to those most in need—widows who have no family support.
  • 1 Timothy 5:16 ties into the wider passage about caring for widows, highlighting both compassion and practical management within the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“relieve” Greek G1884 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 5:10 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.

“let” Greek G916 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

“indeed” Greek G3689 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
  • John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
  • 1 Timothy 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

“widows” Greek G5503 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  • Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.