A widow is to be (A)put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been (B)the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for (C)good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has (D)shown hospitality to strangers, if she (E)has washed the [a]saints’ feet, if she has (F)assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel (G)physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have [b]ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become (H)gossips and (I)busybodies, talking about (J)things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get (K)married, have children, (L)manage their households, and (M)give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some (N)have already turned away to follow (O)Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer (P)has dependent widows, she must (Q)assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually (R)widows.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  2. 1 Timothy 5:12 Or broken

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