1 Timothy 5:16

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should care for them herself. The church should not have to care for them. Then it will be able to take care of those who are truly widows.

1 Timothy 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 5:16

If any man or woman that believeth have widows
That is, if any member of a church, whether a brother or a sister, have mothers or grandmothers, or any near relations widows, in mean circumstances, and incapable of taking care of themselves:

let them relieve them;
out of their own substance; which is what the apostle before calls showing piety at home, and requiting their own parents:

and let not the church be charged;
or burdened with the maintenance of them:

that it may relieve them that are widows indeed;
that the church may be in a better capacity, its stock not being expended on others, to supply the wants of those who are really widows; who have neither husbands, nor children, nor any relations, to provide for them; nor anything in the world to support themselves with.

1 Timothy 5:16 In-Context

14 So I want the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their homes. Then no enemy will have any reason to criticize them.

15 But some have already turned away to follow Satan.

16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should care for them herself. The church should not have to care for them. Then it will be able to take care of those who are truly widows.

17 The elders who lead the church well should receive double honor, especially those who work hard by speaking and teaching,

18 because the Scripture says: "When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating," and "A worker should be given his pay."