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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 Timothy 5:17 - 5:17
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The elders that rule well (hoi kalōs proestōtes presbuteroi). See 1Ti 5:1 for ordinary sense of presbuteros for “older man.” But here of position in same sense as episkopos (1Ti 3:2) as in Tit 1:5 = episkopos in 1Ti 5:7. Cf. Luke’s use of presbuteros (Act 20:17) = Paul’s episkopous (Act 20:28). Proestōtes is second perfect active participle of proistēmi (intransitive use) for which see note on 1Ti 3:4.
Let be counted worthy (axiousthōsan). Present passive imperative of axioō, to deem worthy (2Th 1:11). With genitive case here.
Of double honour (diplēs timēs). Old and common contract adjective (diploos, two-fold, in opposition to haploos, single fold). But why “of double honour”? See note on 1Ti 6:1 for “of all honour.” White suggests “remuneration” rather than “honour” for timēs (a common use for price or pay). Liddon proposes “honorarium” (both honour and pay and so “double”). Wetstein gives numerous examples of soldiers receiving double pay for unusual services. Some suggest twice the pay given the enrolled widows.
Especially those who labour in word and teaching (malista hoi kopiōntes en logōi kai didaskaliāi). Either those who work hard or toil (usual meaning of kopiaō, 2Ti 2:6) in preaching and teaching (most probable meaning. See 1Ti 5:18) or those who teach and preach and not merely preside (a doubtful distinction in “elders” at this time). See Tit 1:8. See both kopiaō and proistamai used for same men (elders) in 1Th 5:12 and the use of kopiaō in 1Co 15:10; 1Co 16:16.