1 R ebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:

Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers;

2 t he elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

3 H onor widows that are widows indeed.

Honor widows who are widows indeed.

4 B ut if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5 N ow she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.

6 B ut she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.

7 T hese things also command, that they may be without reproach.

Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.

8 B ut if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 L et none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,

10 w ell reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.

being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.

11 B ut younger widows refuse: for when they have waxed wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

12 h aving condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

13 A nd withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling:

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

15 f or already some are turned aside after Satan.

For already some have turned aside after Satan.

16 I f any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it mat relieve them that are widows indeed.

If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

17 L et the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

18 F or the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.

For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

19 A gainst an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.

20 T hem that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

21 I charge thee in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

I command you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

22 L ay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure.

23 B e no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.

24 S ome men's sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.

Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.

25 I n like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.