1 Timothy 5:4 nasb — but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family a…

NASB

"but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God."

— 1 Timothy 5:4, NASB

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1 Timothy 5:4 in Other Translations

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1 Timothy 5 — Context

1

Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,

2

the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

3

Honor widows who are widows indeed;

4

but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5

Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.

6

But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.

7

Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.

1 Timothy 5:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Timothy 5:4 say?
1 Timothy 5:4 in the NASB reads: “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.”
Where is 1 Timothy 5:4 in the Bible?
1 Timothy 5:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 5, verse 4.
Who wrote 1 Timothy?
1 Timothy is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–66.
What is the book of 1 Timothy about?
The first of the "Pastoral Epistles" — Paul's how-to for the young pastor Timothy at Ephesus. He addresses false teachers, qualifications for elders and deacons, the role of men and women in worship, the use of money, and the steady call of gospel ministry.
What are the major themes of 1 Timothy?
1 Timothy explores themes including Sound Doctrine, Pastoral Care, Church Order, Godliness, Contentment. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Timothy 5:4.
What translation should I read 1 Timothy 5:4 in?
1 Timothy 5:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Timothy 5:4?
1 Timothy 5:4 reads (NASB): “but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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