For his own, &c.— That is, "for his own relations, and his own domestics;—those of his own family." Denying the faith, is here, according to St. Paul, leading a wicked life, or living and acting contrary to the moral law, which is adopted in the Christian law. Suppose the man of whom the apostle is here speaking, to have been perfectly evangelical in his sentiments; yet, as long as he provided not for his own family, St. Paul declares that such a one had thereby denied the faith; and was so much worse than one guilty of error in speculation, as to be worse even than an infidel himself; for the heathens were sensible of the reasonableness and necessity of taking care of their near relations. Others have interpreted the passage thus: "Every such Christian is in effect an apostate, (as denying the faith seems to import,) and that is worse than being an infidel, because the former sins against greater light and obligations."
Related Commentaries of 1 Timothy 5:8
1 Timothy 5:8
8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house,b he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.