John Bengel Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:4 - 5:4

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

John Bengel Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:4 - 5:4


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

1Ti 5:4. Μανθανέτωσαν, let them learn) i.e. let the sons learn; and rather the grandsons, for in the correlative progenitors (τοῖς προγόνοις) alone are mentioned. There is an elegant Metonymy of the antecedent for the consequent; the consequent is, that the widows should remain with their relations (viz. their sons or grandchildren).-πρῶτον τὸν ἴδιον, first their own) before they are put into any public office (duty).-οἷκου εὐσεβεῖν, to treat their family with dutiful affection) We have the same word with the accusative, Act 17:23. The reason (ground) for the dutiful conduct enjoined, is evident from the end of the verse.-ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις, to requite their progenitors [parents, Engl. Vers.]) Some think that the duty of widows who have families, is here intended; and Pricæus compares with this passage that of Augustine regarding his mother Monica, She had requited her parents, she had treated her family with pious affection, 1Ti 1:9, Confess, 100:9. That saying of the Roman censors in reference to old bachelors is quite in accordance with this: Nature writes in you the law, as of being born, so also of begetting; and your parents, by supporting you, have bound you, if you have any shame, to pay the debt of bringing up grandchildren (for them).-Val. Max., l. 2, c. 4. But the word μανθανέτωσαν, let them learn, and its plural number, shows that the matter under discussion, is the duty of children and grandchildren. Therefore the widow in 1Ti 5:5, who has no children, is opposed to the widow who has children, because the former has no one from whom she can receive requital, and she therefore has her hopes placed solely in God.