9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,
9 Sign some widows up for the special ministry of offering assistance. They will in turn receive support from the church. They must be over sixty, married only once,
9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,
9 A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:9
Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:9-16
(Read 1 Timothy 5:9-16)
Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbours, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.