and thus will incur judgmentThis phrase indicates a consequence for certain actions, suggesting accountability before God. In the context of
1 Timothy 5, Paul addresses the behavior of younger widows who may become idle and turn away from their commitments. The concept of incurring judgment is consistent with biblical teachings on accountability, as seen in passages like
Romans 14:12, where each person must give an account of themselves to God. The idea of judgment here is not necessarily eternal condemnation but a divine assessment of one's actions and faithfulness.
because they are setting aside
This phrase implies a deliberate action of abandoning or neglecting a previous commitment. In the cultural context of the early church, vows and commitments were taken seriously, and breaking them was seen as a significant moral failure. The act of setting aside one's faith or vows could lead to spiritual and communal consequences, reflecting the importance of steadfastness in one's spiritual journey, as emphasized inHebrews 10:23, which encourages believers to hold unswervingly to the hope they profess.
their first faith
The "first faith" likely refers to the initial commitment or vow made by these women, possibly at the time of their conversion or when they dedicated themselves to a life of service. This concept is echoed inRevelation 2:4, where the church in Ephesus is admonished for abandoning its first love. The idea of a "first faith" underscores the importance of maintaining one's initial zeal and dedication to God. In a broader biblical context, it serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, akin to the faithfulness expected in marriage, as seen in the prophetic imagery of Hosea.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine.
3.
WidowsSpecifically, younger widows are addressed in this passage, as Paul advises on their conduct and the church's support.
4.
EphesusThe city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges to early Christian teachings.
5.
Early ChurchThe context in which these instructions were given, dealing with issues of community support and personal conduct.
Teaching Points
The Importance of CommitmentThe phrase "set aside their first faith" underscores the importance of maintaining one's initial commitment to Christ. In Greek, "pistis" (faith) implies trust and fidelity, which should not be abandoned.
Consequences of StrayingThe term "incur judgment" serves as a warning about the spiritual and communal consequences of abandoning one's faith. It is a call to remain steadfast and avoid actions that lead to spiritual decline.
Role of the Church in AccountabilityThe church community plays a crucial role in supporting and holding individuals accountable, especially those who may be vulnerable to straying from their faith.
Practical Support for WidowsThe passage highlights the need for practical and spiritual support for widows, ensuring they remain connected to their faith and community.
Guarding Against DistractionsYounger widows are cautioned against being led astray by worldly desires. This serves as a broader lesson for all believers to guard against distractions that can lead them away from their faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:12?
2.How does 1 Timothy 5:12 warn against breaking previous commitments to Christ?
3.What are the consequences of "abandoning their former faith" in 1 Timothy 5:12?
4.How does 1 Timothy 5:12 connect with Jesus' teachings on faithfulness?
5.How can we ensure we remain faithful to our commitments in Christ?
6.What steps can we take to avoid "incurring judgment" as mentioned in 1 Timothy 5:12?
7.What does 1 Timothy 5:12 mean by "abandoning their former faith"?
8.How does 1 Timothy 5:12 address the issue of commitment in faith?
9.Why is the concept of "former faith" significant in 1 Timothy 5:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5?
11.How can a young man purify his path?
12.What is the International House of Prayer?
13.Why does Psalm 54:5 predict exact retribution from God, when other biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 5:44) recommend praying for enemies instead?
14.2 Timothy 2:3-4 - Does using military imagery to describe Christian life conflict with Christ's teachings on peace and nonviolence elsewhere in the Bible?What Does 1 Timothy 5:12 Mean
Immediate contextPaul is teaching Timothy how to honor various groups in the church. In1 Timothy 5 he singles out widows:
• Verses 3-8 describe widows truly “in need.”
• Verses 9-10 spell out qualifications for widows who may be enrolled for continual church support.
• Verses 11-13 turn to “younger widows,” warning that “when their sensual desires draw them away from Christ, they want to marry, and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith” (1 Timothy 5 11-12).
Cross references:Acts 6 1;James 1 27;Titus 2 3-5.
Who are “they”?“They” refers to younger widows who:
• Are not yet settled in lifelong singleness (cf.1 Corinthians 7 8-9).
• Might desire remarriage for the wrong reasons, sliding into self-indulgence (1 Timothy 5 6).
• Could misuse church aid, becoming “idle, gossips, and busybodies” (v. 13).
By enrolling only faithful, mature widows, Timothy protects the church’s witness and resources (v. 16).
Cross references:2 Thessalonians 3 6-12;Proverbs 31 27.
“Will incur judgment” – what judgment?Scripture speaks of two overlapping kinds of judgment:
• Temporal discipline—loss of reputation, removal of aid, or church correction (Hebrews 12 6;1 Corinthians 5 5).
• Eternal accountability—believers appear before Christ’s judgment seat to receive what is due for works done in the body (2 Corinthians 5 10;Romans 14 10-12).
Paul’s language reminds the younger widows (and all believers) that choices have real consequences now and before the Lord.
“Setting aside their first faith”“First faith” points to their initial devotion to Christ and to the promise implied when they sought church support:
• They had publicly identified as Christ-centered, content to rely on Him (Psalm 146 9).
• Receiving ongoing aid likely meant a pledge of service to the congregation (1 Timothy 5 10).
• Abandoning that commitment for self-pleasure betrays both Christ and His body (Luke 9 62;Revelation 2 4-5).
Paul is not forbidding godly remarriage (he commends it in v. 14). He is warning against deserting a prior commitment in favor of ungodly motives.
Application for today• Honor vows and commitments—marriage, ministry roles, financial agreements (Ecclesiastes 5 4-6).
• Evaluate motives before changing life direction—ask whether the desire springs from faith or flesh (Galatians 5 16-17).
• Church leaders should set wise policies that uphold both compassion and accountability (1 Peter 5 2-3).
• Everyone, not only widows, must remember that genuine faith produces steadfastness, not flightiness (James 1 4;Colossians 1 23).
Summary1 Timothy 5 12 warns that younger widows who abandon their original devotion to Christ and the church for self-centered pursuits invite God’s discipline. The verse underscores the seriousness of keeping faith-based commitments, living responsibly under church care, and remembering that every believer will answer to the Lord for choices made in this life.
(12)
Having damnation.--
Judgment,not necessarily "damnation." The Greek word
krima is often thus unhappily translated. The context of the passage must in all cases decide the nature of the "judgment," whether favourable or the contrary. Here it signifies that those who in after days give up a work which for their Master's sake they had undertaken, expose themselves to a searching judgment, which will thoroughly sift the reasons that induced them to forsake the begun toil, and that, if the reasons be not satisfactory, will be unfavourable, and will surely involve condemnation.
Because they have cast off their first faith.--Though, probably, no vows respecting marriage were required from those widows who devoted themselves to the Lord's service, yet virtually such a solemn enrolment partook of the nature of a life-long engagement--an engagement which, if they married again, must necessarily be given up.
Such a going back, such a giving up the higher and the more devoted life--the life of self-sacrifice, of self-abnegation--for the ordinary joys and cares of domestic life, for the useful but still every-day pursuits of ordinary men and women--such a going back, would be indeed a casting off their first faith, and such an example of backsliding could not fail to harm the cause of Christ.
Verse 12. -
Condemnation for
dare,
ration, A.V,;
rejected for
cast off, A.V.
Condemnation;
κρίμα, variously translated in the A.V. "damnation," "condemnation," and "judgment." The word means a "judgment," "decision," or "sentence," but generally an adverse sentence, a "condemnation." And this is the meaning of the English word "damnation," which has only recently acquired the signification of "eternal damnation."
Rejected (
ἠθέτησαν); literally,
have set aside, or
displaced, and hence
disregarded, an oath, treaty, promise, or the like. In the A.V. variously rendered "reject," "despise," "bring to nothing," "frustrate," "disannul," "east off." The
κρίμα which these widows Brought upon themselves was that, whereas they had devoted themselves to a life of prayer and special service of the Church, they had now set aside this their first faith, and returned to the ordinary pleasures and avocations of the world.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[and thus] will incurἔχουσαι(echousai)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.judgmentκρίμα(krima)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2917:From krino; a decision ('crime').becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.they are setting asideἠθέτησαν(ēthetēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 114:From a compound of a and a derivative of tithemi; to set aside, i.e. to disesteem, neutralize or violate.[their]τὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.firstπρώτην(prōtēn)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413:First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.faith.πίστιν(pistin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.
Links
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1 Timothy 5:12 BibleApps.com1 Timothy 5:12 Biblia Paralela1 Timothy 5:12 Chinese Bible1 Timothy 5:12 French Bible1 Timothy 5:12 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:12 Having condemnation because they have rejected their (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) 
