1 Timothy 5:14

1 Timothy 5:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

King James Version KJV

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

American Standard Version ASV

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

Bible in Basic English BBE

So it is my desire that the younger widows may be married and have children, controlling their families, and giving the Evil One no chance to say anything against them,

Free Bible Version FBV

So my best advice is that younger widows marry and have children and take care of the home. That way there's no opportunity for criticism from the Enemy.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I will therefore that the yonger women marie, and beare children, and gouerne the house, and giue none occasion to the aduersary to speake euill.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling;

World English Bible WEB

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give no occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I will therefore that the younger should marry, bear children, be mistresses of families, give no occasion to the adversary to speak evil.

Translation for Translators T4T

So I advise that instead of putting the names of younger widows on the list, they marry again, that they bear/have children, that they manage their homes well, and that they do nothing for which an enemy can say bad things about them.

Plain English Version PEV

So I’m saying this to young widows. Don’t try to get on to the church’s list, but instead, go ahead and marry somebody, and have kids, and look after your family. If you do that, our enemy will not have any reason to say bad things about us.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 5:14

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Timothy 5:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK βουλομαι ουν νεωτερας γαμειν τεκνογονειν οικοδεσποτειν μηδεμιαν αφορμην διδοναι τω αντικειμενω λοιδοριας χαριν

βουλομαι boulomai G1014 to plan Verb-PNI-1S

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

νεωτερας neos G3501 new Adj-APF-C

γαμειν gameō G1060 to marry Verb-PAN

τεκνογονειν teknogoneō G5041 to have children Verb-PAN

οικοδεσποτειν oikodespoteō G3616 to manage a house Verb-PAN

μηδεμιαν mēdeis G3367 nothing Adj-ASF-N

αφορμην aphormē G874 opportunity Noun-ASF

διδοναι didōmi G1325 to give Verb-PAN

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM

αντικειμενω antikeimai G480 be an opponent Verb-PNP-DSM

λοιδοριας loidoria G3059 reviling Noun-GSF

χαριν charin G5484 because of Prep

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 5:14

βουλομαι boulomai G1014 "to plan" Verb-PNI-1S

To be willing or to desire something, as in Mark 15:15 and Acts 5:28. It implies a deliberate choice or intention, like being minded to do something. This word is used in 2 Corinthians 1:15 and 1 Timothy 6:9.

Definition: βούλομαι, [in LXX for חפץ, אבה, יעץ, etc. ;] to will, wish, desire, purpose, be minded, implying more strongly than θέλω (which see), the deliberate exercise of volition (see Hort on Jas.1:18): with inf. (M, Pr., 205; Bl., §69, 4), Mrk.15:15, Act.5:28, 33 12:4 15:37 17:20 18:15, 27 19:30 22:30 23:28 27:43 28:18, 2Co.1:15, 1Ti.6:9, Heb.6:17, II Jhn.12, 3Jo.10, Ju 5; with accusative, 2Co.1:17; with accusative and inf., Php.1:12, 1Ti.2:8 5:14, Tit.3:8, 2Pe.3:9; of the will making choice between alternatives, Mat.1:19 11:27, Luk.10:22, Act.25:20, 1Co.12:11, Jas.3:4 4:4; εἰ βούλει (cl., a courteous phrase = θέλεις, colloq.; Bl., §21, 8; LS, see word), Luk.22:42; with subjc., adding force to a question of deliberation (Bl., §64, 6), Jhn.18:39; βουληθείς, of set purpose (see Hort, in l.), Jas.1:18; impf., ἐβουλόμην (= cl. βουλοίμην ἄν; Bl., §63, 5; Lft., Phm. 13), Act.25:22, Phm 13 (see also Cremer, 143).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 34 NT verses. KJV: be disposed, minded, intend, list, (be, of own) will (-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:11; Acts 25:22; Hebrews 6:17.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

νεωτερας neos G3501 "new" Adj-APF-C

The Greek word for new or youthful, used to describe someone or something as fresh or recently created, like new wine in Matthew 9:17. It can also mean regenerate, or spiritually renewed. This word appears in the New Testament, including Titus 2:4.

Definition: νέος, -α, -ον [in LXX for נַעַר (Gen.37:2, Exo_33:11, al.), חָדָשׁ (Lev.23:16, Num.28:26, al.), etc.; compar. -ώτερος for קָטָן, צָעִיר, etc. ;] __1. young, youthful: Tit.2:4. __2. new (prop., in respect of time; see: καινός): οἶνος (cf. οἶ. καινός, Mat.26:20), Mat.9:17, Mrk.2:22, Luk.5:37-39; φύραμα (figuratively), 1Co.5:7; διαθήκη (cf. καινὴ δ., Heb.9:15), Heb.12:24; metaphorically, ἄνθρωπος (cf. καινὸς ἀ, Eph.2:15), Col.3:10. __3. Compar., -ώτερος, -α, -ον, younger: Luk.15:12-13 22:26, Jhn.21:18; pl., οἱ ν., Act.5:6 (Rackham, in l), 1Ti.5:11, Tit.2:6; opposite to πρεσβύτεροι, 1Ti.5:1, 1Pe.5:5; αἱ ν., 1Ti.5:2 5:14. __4. Νέα Πόλις, Neapolis: Act.16:11 (Rec., Νεάπολις, which see) νεώτερος, see: νέος SYN.: καινός, which see (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: new, young See also: 1 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 5:37; 1 Peter 5:5.

γαμειν gameō G1060 "to marry" Verb-PAN

To marry means to wed, as seen in Matthew 19:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:28. This term is used for both men and women, describing the act of getting married. It signifies a union between two people.

Definition: γαμέω, -ῶ, [in LXX: Est.10:3, 2Ma.14:25, 4Ma.16:9 * ;] to marry; __1. of the man, to marry, take to wife (ducere): absol., Mat.19:10 22:25, 30 24:38, Mrk.12:25, Luk.17:27, 20:34, 35, 1Co.7:28, 33; with accusative: Mat.5:32 19:9, Mrk.6:17 10:11, Luk.14:20 16:18. __2. Of the woman, __(a) mid. (and in late writers, pass.), to give oneself in marriage, marry (nubere): 1Co.7:39; __(b) in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 159), act. (as of the man), to marry: absol., 1Co.7:28, 34 1Ti.5:11, 14. with accusative, Mrk.10:12. __3. Of both sexes: absol., 1Ti.4:3, 1Co.7:9, 10 36.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: marry (a wife) See also: 1 Corinthians 7:9; Luke 17:27; Matthew 24:38.

τεκνογονειν teknogoneō G5041 "to have children" Verb-PAN

This means to be a mother or parent, referring to giving birth to children, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:14.

Definition: τεκνογονέω, -ῶ to beget or bear children: 1Ti.5:14 (Anthol.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: bear children See also: 1 Timothy 5:14.

οικοδεσποτειν oikodespoteō G3616 "to manage a house" Verb-PAN

To manage a house means to be the head of a family, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:14. It involves guiding and ruling over one's household, taking care of its members and needs.

Definition: οἰκο-δεσποτέω, -ῶ (οἰκοδεσπότης) to rule a household: 1Ti.5:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: guide the house See also: 1 Timothy 5:14.

μηδεμιαν mēdeis G3367 "nothing" Adj-ASF-N

Means nothing or no one, used in the Bible to emphasize the absence of something, like in Matthew 16:20 where Jesus tells his disciples to tell no one about him.

Definition: μηδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (and -θέν, Act.27:33, a Hellenistic form; see Bl., 6, 7; Thackeray, Gr., 58) related to οὐδείς as μή to οὐ, no, none, no one; neut., nothing: Mat.16:20, Mrk.5:43 6:8, Luk.3:14, Act.8:24, Rom.13:8, al.; with genitive, Act.4:17 24:23; neut. accusative, μηδέν, adverbially, in no respect, Act.10:20 11:12; as accusative obj. after verb, βλάπτειν, Luk.4:35; ὠφελεῖσθαι, Mrk.5:26; ὑστερεῖν, 2Co.11:5; μεριμνᾶν, Php.4:6; in double negation, strengthening the denial, μηκέτι μ., Mrk.11:14, Act.4:17; μὴ . . . μηδέν (μηδένα, μηδεμίαν), 2Co.13:7, 2Th.2:3, 1Pe.3:6 μηθείς, see. μηδείς (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Acts 28:6; 1 Peter 3:6.

αφορμην aphormē G874 "opportunity" Noun-ASF

Opportunity refers to a chance or starting point for something to happen, like in 2 Corinthians 11:12. It's about having a basis for action or a reason to do something. This word is used to describe a circumstance that allows something to occur.

Definition: ἀφ-ορμή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX: Eze.5:7 (הָמוֹן), Pro.9:9, 3Ma.3:2 * ;] prop., a starting point; in war, a base of operations; metaphorically, an occasion, incentive, opportunity (MM, see word): 2Co.11:12, Gal.5:13; ἀφ. λαμβάνειν, Luk.11:24, WH, mg., Rom.7:8, 11; ἀφ. διδόναι, 2Co.5:12, 1Ti.5:14.* (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: occasion See also: 1 Timothy 5:14; Galatians 5:13; Romans 7:8.

διδοναι didōmi G1325 "to give" Verb-PAN

To give, as seen in Matthew 4:9 and John 1:12, means to bestow or grant something to someone, often with a sense of generosity or sacrifice, like God giving his only son in John 3:16

Definition: δίδωμι, [in LXX chiefly for נָתַן (53 words in all) ;] to give—in various senses, accusative to context—bestow, grant, supply, deliver, commit, yield: absol., Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Mat.4:9 5:31, Jhn.1:12, al. mult.; with dative of person(s), before ἐκ, Mat.25:8; id. with genitive part.. Rev.2:17; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.3:16, Rev.20:13, al.; δεξιάς, Gal.2:9; φίλημα, Luk.7:45; γνῶσιν, Luk.1:77; κρίσιν, Jhn.5:22; of seed yielding fruit, Mrk.4:7, 8; ἐργασίαν (Deiss., LAE, 117f.), Luk.12:58; with inf. fin., Mat.27:34, Mrk.5:43, Luk.8:55, Jhn.6:52, al.; with dative of person(s) and inf., Luk.1:74, al.; with accusative and inf., Act.2:27, Rev.3:9; with dupl. accusative, Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45, Eph.1:22 4:11, 2Th.3:9, 1Ti.2:6, al.; ἑαυτὸν δ. εἰς (Polyb., al.), Act.19:31; with dative of person(s), before κατά (MM, Exp., xi), Rev.2:28 (LXX); δ. ἵνα, Rev.3:9; δέδωκα ἐνώπιόν σου θύραν ἀνεῳγμένην, Rev.3:8. SYN.: δωρέομαι. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 380 NT verses. KJV: adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:21.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αντικειμενω antikeimai G480 "be an opponent" Verb-PNP-DSM

Being an opponent means to be against or opposed to something, as seen in Luke 13:17 and Galatians 5:17. It involves resisting or withstanding something, often in a spiritual sense. This concept is relevant to spiritual struggles.

Definition: ἀντί-κειμαι [in LXX for אָיַב, צוּר, שָׂטַן, etc. ;] __1. to lie opposite to. __2. to oppose, withstand, resist: with dative, Luk.13:17 21:15, Gal.5:17, 1Ti.1:10; as participial subst. (ὁ) ἀντικείμενος, 1Co.16:9, Php.1:28, 2Th.2:4, 1Ti.5:14 (Cremer, 746).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: adversary, be contrary, oppose See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; Galatians 5:17; Philippians 1:28.

λοιδοριας loidoria G3059 "reviling" Noun-GSF

Reviling is the act of speaking insultingly or abusively about someone, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:14. It's a form of verbal attack or slander.

Definition: λοιδορία, -ας, ἡ (λοιδορέω), [in LXX chiefly for רִיב, מְרִיבָה ;] abuse, railing: 1Ti.5:14, 1Pe.3:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: railing, reproach(-fully) See also: 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 5:14.

χαριν charin G5484 "because of" Prep

Because of or on account of something, as in Luke 7:47 and Ephesians 3:1. This word is used to show the reason or cause of an action or event.

Definition: therefore, because of this, for this reason the acc. sg form of the noun χάριν which can be used as an improper preposition, on account of, because of, for this reason Lk. 7:47; Eph. 3:1, 14; 1Jn. 3:12; for the sake of, in order to, Gal. 3:19; Tit. 1:5, 11; Jude 16; on the score of, 1Tim. 5:14*

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: be-(for) cause of, for sake of, +…fore, X reproachfully See also: 1 John 3:12; Galatians 3:19; Titus 1:11.

Study Notes — 1 Timothy 5:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 5:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 5:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14
Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 5:14
Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 5:14
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14
Sermons on 1 Timothy 5:14

Context — Honoring True Widows

12and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith. 13At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

14So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

15For some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Titus 2:5	to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
2	1 Timothy 6:1	All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.
3	Titus 2:8	and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.
4	Proverbs 31:27–29	She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”
5	1 Corinthians 7:8–9	Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
6	1 Timothy 4:3	They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
7	Proverbs 14:1	Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
8	Hebrews 13:4	Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
9	Daniel 6:4	Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.
10	1 Timothy 2:8	Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

1 Timothy 5:14 Summary

The apostle Paul is advising younger widows to get married, have children, and take care of their homes, so they won't have too much free time and get into trouble, as warned in 1 Timothy 5:13. By doing this, they can show the world that they are responsible and godly, and not give Satan any reason to criticize them, as taught in Ephesians 4:27. This is important because, as Christians, we are called to be good witnesses and bring glory to God, as seen in Matthew 5:16. By managing their households and being responsible, younger widows can fulfill their roles as wives and mothers, and bring honor to God, as encouraged in Titus 2:5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the apostle Paul advise younger widows to marry and have children?

The apostle Paul advises younger widows to marry and have children to keep them from idleness and potential gossip, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:13, and to provide for their needs, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:16, thereby denying the adversary occasion for slander.

What does it mean to 'deny the adversary occasion for slander'?

To deny the adversary, or Satan, occasion for slander means to not give him any reason to accuse or criticize, as warned in Ephesians 4:27 and 6:16, by living a responsible and godly life, managing one's household, and avoiding idleness and gossip.

How does this verse relate to the role of women in the church?

This verse highlights the importance of women managing their households and being responsible, as also taught in Titus 2:5, which helps to maintain a good witness for the church and prevents unnecessary criticism or slander from outsiders, as warned in 1 Peter 2:12.

Is the apostle Paul discouraging younger widows from serving in the church?

No, the apostle Paul is not discouraging younger widows from serving in the church, but rather advising them to prioritize their family responsibilities, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:14, and to let the church support those who are truly in need, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:16, such as older widows who have no family to care for them, as described in 1 Timothy 5:3-10.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of responsible living and managing my household, as taught in this verse, to my own life?
How can I balance my desire to serve in the church with my responsibilities to my family, as hinted at in this verse?
What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of idleness and gossip, as warned against in this verse, and how can I avoid them in my own life?
How can I use my life and circumstances to bring glory to God and deny the adversary occasion for slander, as encouraged in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry,.... Or "the younger" widows rather; and so some copies read; for this is not the apostle's advice to young women in general, though it will suit with

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore that the younger women marry: I will, here, must not be interpreted into an absolute precept, (for the apostle would never have made that necessary by his precept which God had left indifferent), but in a limited sense, viz. if they have not the gift of continency, if they cannot restrain themselves from such scandalous courses, let them marry; bear children, and not only bring forth children, but take care of their education; guide the house, and take care of the government of families within doors (which is the woman’ s proper province); give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully; and give no occasion to Jews or pagans (the adversaries of Christian religion) to speak of the church, or any particular members of it, reproachfully, as living beneath the rules of morality and decency.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14

14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. Ver. 14. Give none occasion to the adversary] The devil or his instruments, whose mouths he often borrows to blaspheme and rail with, who also watch as diligently for an occasion to speak evil of profession as a dog doth for a bone; they pry more narrowly into every miscarriage than Laban did into Jacob’ s stuff.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14

(14) I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house.—Here the Apostle deliberately expresses his will that in these Christian communities the younger widows should not, in the first fervour of their zeal, when borne down by sorrow, attempt anything like an ascetic life, which they would probably tire of after a season; they would thus, in the long run, instead of benefiting, positively injure the cause of Christ. St. Paul’s practical mind, guided by the Spirit of God, has left us no impossible rules of perfection, no exaggerated praises of asceticism, of lofty self-denial, no passionate exhortings to a life made up entirely of self-sacrifice and of self-surrender. He knew the ordinary man or woman was incapable of such exalted heroism, and therefore was too wise, too loving, even to recommend a life which few could live. It was not that the Master, Christ, and the greatest of his servants, St. Paul, did not themselves prize and admire the higher ideal and the nobler life—for was it not their own? Did not one attain to it, and the other die in his hero-efforts to reach it? But Master and scholar in their gospel of the world have left commands that all, not the few, can obey—have enjoined a life which all, not the few, may live. Give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.—The reference here is not to the devil—as would at first appear probable from the direct reference in the next verse—but to the enemy of Christ—the sneering worldly man, who, jealous of a faith which he declines to receive, and envious of a life in which he will not share, is always on the look-out to discover flaws and failings in the avowed professors of a religion which he hates. (Comp. Titus 2:8.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14

Verse 14. I will therefore that the younger women marry] As the preceding discourse has been about the younger widows, and this is an inference from it; it is most evident that by the younger women the apostle means the young widows. These he considers unfit for the office of the female diaconate, and therefore wills them to marry, educate children, and give themselves wholly up to domestic affairs. Here the apostle, so far from forbidding second marriages, positively enjoins or at least recommends them. And what man of sense could have done otherwise in the cases he mentions? It is no sin in any case to marry, bear children, and take care of a family; but it is a sin in every case to be idle persons, gadders about, tattlers, busybodies, sifting out and detailing family secrets, c., &c. The good sentiment, put by an able poet and pious divine into the mouths of little children, cannot be ill applied to multitudes of women, mothers, and grandmothers: - "See how the little busy bee Improves each shining hour, And gathers honey all the day From every opening flower! In works of labour or of skill, We should be busy too For Satan finds some mischief, still, For idle hands to do." DR. WATTS. The adversary] Any person, whether Jew or Gentile, who might be watching for an occasion to reproach, through the misconduct of its professors, the cause of Christianity.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 5:14

14. I will therefore] Rather, with R.V. ‘I desire;’ the stronger verb, as in 1 Timothy 2:8, 1 Timothy 6:9; Titus 3:8 : and four other passages of St Paul’s Epistles: while the weaker verb is used by him more than sixty times, of which four only are in the Pastoral Epistles.younger women] The passage implies a limitation to widows, as R.V. ‘Do not lead the younger widows to expect such help at all as a matter of course. Then those who marry “in the Lord” again will find scope for an active irreproachable Christian life; while,’ as he said before, ‘those who have been misled, in their trouble, by the world and the flesh, and seek a worldly heathen re-marriage, will not compromise the Church by having had a place on the roll of godly almswomen.’bear children, guide the house] Compound verbs again, as in 1 Timothy 5:10, used only here in N. T., the substantives connected with them however occurring ch. 1 Timothy 2:15 and Matthew 10:25, &c.to the adversary] The word occurs in three stages in N. T., (1) still retaining its participial force; in Luke 13:17 governing its pronoun, ‘those who opposed him,’ and 1 Corinthians 16:9, ‘and many (are) opposing,’ 2 Thessalonians 2:4, ‘he that opposeth and exalteth himself.’ (2) As abstract adjective in the plural, Philippians 1:28, ‘in nothing affrighted by the adversaries,’ (3) as abstract adjective in the singular, in this passage. With the use here in the singular, compare Titus 2:8, ‘That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed,’ and the fifth question in the Order for the Consecration of Bishops apparently echoing both, ‘an example of good works unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed.’ ‘The hostile party, ready to catch hold of anything in the life of Christians, are personified as one,’ Fairbairn. St John, in his still later Greek, adopts this singular, John 11:22, where cf. Bp Westcott: ‘the liar, who offers in his own person the sum of all that is false; and not simply a liar who is guilty of a particular sin.’to speak reproachfully] Lit. ‘on account of,’ ‘to serve the purpose of abuse,’ so tersely R.V. for reviling. Compare the similar use, Judges 16, ‘shewing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.’

Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 5:14

I will therefore - I give it as my opinion; or this is my counsel; compare notes, 1 Corinthians 7:6, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 1 Corinthians 7:40.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:14

14. I will—Spoken apostolically; I decide. The adversary—Not the devil, but the assailant, whoever he may be, of Christianity.

Sermons on 1 Timothy 5:14

	Sermon	Description
	Major Misunderstanding the Girls Have - I by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of what women can do in the context of spreading the gospel. They emphasize the importance of believing in the work of raising aw
	Forward Ever, Backward Never! (Biography) by C.T. Studd	Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'aphorme,' which signifies a starting point or base of operations for an action to become possible. In the context of sin, 'aphorme' i
	The Duties of Husbands and Wives by Ignatius of Antioch	Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of fleeing evil practices while openly discussing them in public. He urges sisters to love the Lord and be content with their husbands
	Epistle 24 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of dwelling in truth and walking in love, patience, and humility, urging Friends to maintain their spiritual integrity and resist the adversary
	Fix Your Eyes on the Star - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on God and His teachings. He warns against being driven by a desire for wealth and worldly success, as t
	Bristol Conference 1975-07 1 Timothy - Chapter 6: by Stan Ford	The sermon transcript discusses the issue of industrial unrest and the mindset of seeking personal gain at the expense of others. It emphasizes that the Christian church should not
	(1 Timothy) the Priority of the Spiritual Perspective by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dedication and hard work of Alexander McLaren, a renowned preacher from the 1800s. McLaren's commitment to studying and preaching the Wo