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.

1 TIMOTHY 5:4KJV
Know the Bible

1 Timothy 5:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 5:4 mean?

1 Timothy 5:4 says that when a widow has children or grandchildren, they should take responsibility for her care. Paul describes that care as a way for them to show devotion to God within their own family and to give something back to the people who raised them.

The verse follows the instruction to honor widows in verse 3. Paul tells Timothy how family ties matter when the church considers a widow’s needs. The phrase “good and acceptable before God” places that family responsibility in God’s sight.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 5:4

  • “nephews” — ἔκγονα (ekgona): The Greek word means descendants and here refers to grandchildren. “Nephews” in the KJV used to have a broader meaning than it usually has today.
  • “piety” — εὐσεβεῖν (eusebein): The Greek carries the sense of showing devotion or respect. Here that devotion takes a practical form within the family.
  • “requite” — ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι (amoibas apodidonai): The phrase means to give something in return. It pictures the family’s care as a response to what earlier generations have given.

Why 1 Timothy 5:4 matters

  • “Parents” includes the older generation represented by the widow, not just the immediate parents of every person mentioned. That matters because the verse also addresses grandchildren.
  • Family care is part of the wider discussion of support for widows. In verse 16, Paul says that when relatives help widows, the church can assist widows who have no one else to care for them.
  • The word “first” marks family responsibility as an early consideration in that discussion. Paul puts the household’s role alongside the church’s concern for widows.

Where else these words appear

“piety” Greek G2151 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

“parents” Greek G4269 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

“acceptable” Greek G587 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

“learn” Greek G3129 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
  • Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;