But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice that the verse calls this family responsibility "godliness" and "making a return"—it's not just charity, but a sacred duty to honor God by caring for those who cared for you first. This implies that a genuine expression of faith often starts not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, consistent love shown within our own families. It's a powerful reminder that our witness for God begins right at home, pleasing Him through faithful care for our elders.
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to manage the church's ministry to widows, emphasizing that genuine needs should be met while also holding people accountable. Before this, he’s outlined criteria for younger widows to be supported by the church, but here he shifts to cases where family responsibility should take precedence, reminding them that caring for their own parents and grandparents is a fundamental expression of faith and a divine expectation. This directive immediately precedes instructions about how to handle widows who are truly alone and without family support.
Who is God's
A Divine Responsibility
This verse isn't just a suggestion; it's a clear instruction from the Apostle Paul, carrying divine weight. When children and grandchildren have the means, caring for their elderly parents and grandparents is presented as a primary way to express godliness. It's a tangible act of faith within the family unit.
Beyond Obligation
The text emphasizes that this care is not merely an obligation but a way to "show godliness" and "make some return." It’s about acknowledging the sacrifices made and reflecting God’s own steadfast love and provision within the family structure. This return is "pleasing in the sight of God," highlighting that our domestic responsibilities are intertwined with our spiritual lives.
Before we can serve others, where does our spiritual learning begin?
The Priority of Home
The verse instructs that children and grandchildren should "first learn to show godliness to their own household." This highlights a crucial order: our faith journey and the expression of its fruit often start within our immediate family.
Family as Training Ground
Our homes are intended to be the primary training ground for godliness. Learning to love, serve, and honor our parents and grandparents is a foundational lesson that prepares us to extend that same grace and compassion to the wider community and the church. Neglecting this first sphere of responsibility can undermine our ability to truly serve God elsewhere.
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Understand the original words
eusebein · Greek Verb
A reverent awe or devotion toward God that manifests in practical living. It is the outward expression of a heart that fears God, resulting in right behavior, obedience, and duty toward others.
amoibas · Greek Noun
To give back or compensate. It refers to the duty of children to repay the care and sacrifice they received from their parents by providing for them in their time of need.
In a society where extended family often served as the primary social safety net, Paul's instruction to Timothy emphasized that familial piety and support were not just social obligations but divine commands, reflecting the core values of godliness.
c. 400 BC - 300 BC
Development of Jewish Oral Law
During this period, rabbinic traditions and interpretations of Jewish law began to solidify, often addressing family responsibilities and societal expectations.
c. 200 BC
Rise of Hellenistic Influence
Greek culture and philosophy increasingly influenced Jewish society, sometimes creating tension with traditional family values and religious obligations.
c. 50 BC - 20 BC
Herod the Great's Reign
The reign of Herod the Great saw significant political upheaval and social change in Judea, impacting family structures and community life.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The foundational events of Christianity began to shape new understandings of discipleship, family, and community responsibilities within a divine framework.
c. AD 40-50
Early Church Expansion
As the Christian movement spread, leaders like Paul began addressing practical issues within the growing churches, including care for the vulnerable.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome & Persecution
The intense persecution under Emperor Nero, and later emperors, likely placed additional stress on Christian households and communities, highlighting the need for strong family support.
c. AD 67-68— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Later Letters
During his imprisonments, Paul wrote letters offering guidance on church order, doctrine, and practical living. 1 Timothy was written by Paul's protégé, Timothy, to guide him in leading the church in Ephesus during a time when established social structures were being re-evaluated through a Christian lens.
This verse directly echoes the commandment to honor parents, highlighting that respecting and caring for them is a foundational principle woven throughout God's law.
Proverbs 23:22This proverb encourages listening to and not despising a wise father or mother, reinforcing the idea that children owe their parents respect and continued care, even into old age.
Ephesians 6:1-3Paul directly connects honoring parents with a promise, showing that this family responsibility is not just a social expectation but has spiritual weight and divine approval.
1 Peter 4:8This passage emphasizes that love covers a multitude of sins, suggesting that the practical acts of caring for family, like a widow's children caring for her, are powerful expressions of genuine love that please God.
Notice that the verse calls this family responsibility "godliness" and "making a return"—it's not just charity, but a sacred duty to honor God by caring for those who cared for you first. This implies that a genuine expression of faith often starts not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, consistent love shown within our own families. It's a powerful reminder that our witness for God begins right at home, pleasing Him through faithful care for our elders.
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to manage the church's ministry to widows, emphasizing that genuine needs should be met while also holding people accountable. Before this, he’s outlined criteria for younger widows to be supported by the church, but here he shifts to cases where family responsibility should take precedence, reminding them that caring for their own parents and grandparents is a fundamental expression of faith and a divine expectation. This directive immediately precedes instructions about how to handle widows who are truly alone and without family support.
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to manage the church's ministry to widows, emphasizing that genuine needs should be met while also holding people accountable. Before this, he’s outlined criteria for younger widows to be supported by the church, but here he shifts to cases where family responsibility should take precedence, reminding them that caring for their own parents and grandparents is a fundamental expression of faith and a divine expectation. This directive immediately precedes instructions about how to handle widows who are truly alone and without family support.
"But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." — Notice that the verse calls this family responsibility "godliness" and "making a return"—it's not just charity, but a sacred duty to honor God by caring for those who cared for you first. This implie…
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Last reviewed October 2026