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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:14 - 5:14
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
younger women - rather, as ellipsis ought to be supplied, “the younger widows,” namely younger widows in general, as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses (1Ti 5:9). The “therefore” means seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, “I will,” or “desire,” etc. (1Ti 5:11-13). The precept here that they should marry again is not inconsistent with 1Co 7:40; for the circumstances of the two cases were distinct (compare 1Co 7:26). Here remarriage is recommended as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and the other evils noted in 1Ti 5:11-13. Of course, where there was no tendency to these evils, marriage again would not be so requisite; Paul speaks of what is generally desirable, and supposing there should be danger of such evils, as was likely. “He does not impose a law, but points out a remedy, to younger widows” [Chrysostom].
bear children - (1Ti 2:15); thus gaining one of the qualifications (1Ti 5:10) for being afterwards a presbyteress widow, should Providence so ordain it.
guide - Greek, “rule the house” in the woman’s due place; not usurping authority over the man (1Ti 2:12).
give none occasion - literally, “starting-point”: handle of reproach through the loose conduct of nominal Christians.
the adversary - of Christianity, Jew or Gentile. Phi 1:28; Tit 2:8, “He that is of the contrary part.” Not Satan, who is introduced in a different relation (1Ti 5:15).
to speak reproachfully - literally, “for the sake of reproach” (1Ti 3:7; 1Ti 6:1; Tit 2:5, Tit 2:10). If the handle were given, the adversary would use it for the sake of reproach. The adversary is eager to exaggerate the faults of a few, and to lay the blame on the whole Church and its doctrines [Bengel].