1 Timothy 5:9 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Taken into the number - Let her not be taken into the list of those for which the Church must provide. But some think that the apostle means the list of those who were deaconesses in the Church; and that no widow was to be admitted into that rank who did not answer to the following character. See on 1 Timothy 5:10 (note).

Under threescore years - As it might be supposed that, previously to this age, they might be able to do something towards their own support. See on 1 Timothy 5:10 (note).

Having been the wife of one man - Having lived in conjugal fidelity with her husband; or having had but one husband at a time; or, according to others, having never been but once married. But the former is the opinion of some of the most eminent of the Greek fathers, and appears to be that most consistent with the scope of the place, and with truth.

1 Timothy 5:9

9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,