I Timothy 5:5

widow indeed, and desolate--contrasted with her who has children or grandchildren to support her (Ti1 5:4). trusteth in God--perfect tense in Greek, "hath rested, and doth rest her hope in God." Ti1 5:5 adds another qualification in a widow for Church maintenance, besides her being" desolate" or destitute of children to support her. She must be not one "that liveth in pleasure" (Ti1 5:6), but one making God her main hope (the accusative in Greek expresses that God is the ultimate aim whereto her hope is directed; whereas, Ti1 4:10, dative expresses hope resting on God as her present stay [WIESINGER]), and continuing constantly in prayers. Her destitution of children and of all ties to earth would leave her more unencumbered for devoting the rest of her days to God and the Church (Co1 7:33-34). Compare also "Anna a widow," who remained unmarried after her husband's death and "departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers day and night" (Luk 2:36-37). Such a one, Paul implies, would be the fittest object for the Church's help (Ti1 5:3); for such a one is promoting the cause of Christ's Church by her prayers for it. "Ardor in prayers flows from hoping confidence in God" [LEO]. in supplications and prayers--Greek, "in her supplications and prayers"; the former signifies asking under a sense of need, the latter, prayer (see on Ti1 2:1; Phi 4:6). night and day--another coincidence with Luke (Luk 18:7, "cry day and night"); contrast Satan's accusations "day and night" (Rev 12:10).

Here the apostle, I. Directs Timothy how to reprove (Ti1 5:1, Ti1 5:2). II. Adverts to widows, both elder and younger (Ti1 5:3-16). III. To elders (Ti1 5:17-19). IV. Treats of public reproof (Ti1 5:20). V. Gives a solemn charge concerning ordination (Ti1 5:21, Ti1 5:22). VI. Refers to his health (Ti1 5:23), and states men's sins to be very different in their effects (Ti1 5:24, Ti1 5:25).

5:5 The only recourse for a widow who was truly alone was hope in God (Pss 68:5; 146:9).