Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

1 TIMOTHY 5:17KJV
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1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:17 mean?

1 Timothy 5:17 says that elders who lead the church well should be respected and honored, with special recognition for those who work hard in teaching and sharing the message. The verse emphasizes giving extra honor to leaders who are especially devoted to teaching and guiding others in understanding the faith.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, giving instructions about how to treat elders—meaning those with leadership roles in the early Christian community. The focus is on fair recognition and respect for those who serve faithfully, especially those who put significant effort into teaching and explaining Christian beliefs.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:17

  • "elders" (πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi): This word refers to leaders or overseers in the early church, not just older men. It highlights their role in guiding the community.
  • "rule" (προΐσταμαι, proistēmi): This verb means to lead, manage, or care for. The sense is not just authority, but active, responsible leadership.
  • "double" (διπλός, diplos) and "honour" (τιμή, timē): Together, these words mean more than just respect; "double honour" often includes both respect and practical support, possibly even financial.
  • "labour" (κοπιάω, kopiaō): This word means to work hard or toil, stressing the effort and dedication involved in teaching and guiding others.

Why 1 Timothy 5:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that church leaders, especially those who teach, deserve not just respect but tangible support and recognition for their hard work.
  • It helps correct the idea that all elders should be treated the same, highlighting that extra effort in teaching and doctrine is especially valuable.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about care, fairness, and order in the church, showing Paul’s concern for both the well-being of leaders and the health of the community.

Where else these words appear

“double” Greek G1362 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
  • Revelation 18:6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

“Let” Greek G515 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

“rule” Greek G4291 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
  • 1 Timothy 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
  • 1 Timothy 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

“especially” Greek G3122 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
  • 2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.