1Ti 5:14 | JFB | STEP | 14. younger women —rather, as ellipsis ought to be supplied, "the younger widows, " namely younger widows in general, as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses ( ). The "therefore" means seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, "I will," or "desire," &c. ( ). The precept here that they should marry again is not inconsistent with ; for the circumstances of the two cases were distinct (compare ). Here remarriage is recommended as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and the other evils noted in . Of course, where there was no tendency to these evils, marriage again would not be so requisite; Paul speaks of what is generally desirable, and supposing there should be danger of such evils, as was likely. "He does not impose a law, but points out a remedy, to younger widows" [CHRYSOSTOM ]. bear children — ( ); thus gaining one of the qualifications ( ) for being afterwards a presbyteress widow, should Providence so ordain it. guide — Greek, " rule the house" in the woman's due place; not usurping authority over the man ( ). give none occasion —literally, "starting-point": handle of reproach through the loose conduct of nominal Christians. the adversary —of Christianity, Jew or Gentile. , "He that is of the contrary part." Not Satan, who is introduced in a different relation ( ). to speak reproachfully —literally, "for the sake of reproach" ( ). If the handle were given, the adversary would use it for the sake of reproach. The adversary is eager to exaggerate the faults of a few, and to lay the blame on the whole Church and its doctrines [BENGEL ].

1 Timothy 5:14

14. younger women—rather, as ellipsis ought to be supplied, "the younger widows," namely younger widows in general, as distinguished from the older widows taken on the roll of presbyteresses (1Ti 5:9). The "therefore" means seeing that young widows are exposed to such temptations, "I will," or "desire," &c. (1Ti 5:11-13). The precept here that they should marry again is not inconsistent with 1Co 7:40; for the circumstances of the two cases were distinct (compare 1Co 7:26). Here remarriage is recommended as an antidote to sexual passion, idleness, and the other evils noted in 1Ti 5:11-13. Of course, where there was no tendency to these evils, marriage again would not be so requisite; Paul speaks of what is generally desirable, and supposing there should be danger of such evils, as was likely. "He does not impose a law, but points out a remedy, to younger widows" [CHRYSOSTOM].

bear children— (1Ti 2:15); thus gaining one of the qualifications (1Ti 5:10) for being afterwards a presbyteress widow, should Providence so ordain it.

guide—Greek, "rule the house" in the woman's due place; not usurping authority over the man (1Ti 2:12).

give none occasion—literally, "starting-point": handle of reproach through the loose conduct of nominal Christians.

the adversary—of Christianity, Jew or Gentile. Php 1:28; Tit 2:8, "He that is of the contrary part." Not Satan, who is introduced in a different relation (1Ti 5:15).

to speak reproachfully—literally, "for the sake of reproach" (1Ti 3:7; 6:1; Tit 2:5, 10). If the handle were given, the adversary would use it for the sake of reproach. The adversary is eager to exaggerate the faults of a few, and to lay the blame on the whole Church and its doctrines [BENGEL].