1 Timothy 5:17 Meaning: The Meaning of Double Honor for Elders
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
The well-leading elders of double honour let them be counted worthy, especially those labouring in word and teaching,
Let the elders who take the lead [among the saints] well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching;
Meaning in one sentence
What does 'double honor' mean in 1 Timothy 5:17? Does it refer to pay or respect? Learn the biblical meaning and how it applies to church leaders today.
Context
This verse sits in a section where Paul is giving Timothy practical instructions for the church in Ephesus. He has just laid out how to care for widows and now turns to the elders, the men entrusted with spiritual oversight. The entire chapter deals with how the church treats different groups with dignity and fairness. Paul wants Timothy to ensure that those who lead well are not overlooked, especially the ones who pour themselves into preaching and teaching. The next verse will quote the Old Testament law about muzzling an ox and Jesus’ saying that a laborer deserves his wages, making clear this is about practical support.
Key Words
Two Greek words give this verse its weight. The verb behind “rule well” is proestōtes, which pictures someone standing at the front, taking responsibility for the flock. It is the same word Paul uses for managing a household in the previous chapter. That caring oversight is what makes an elder worthy of honor. The word for “honor” here is timē. In the New Testament, timē can mean respect or a price. When Paul says “double honor,” he means both esteem and material support, not a strict twice the amount, but generous provision. The other key term is “labor,” from kopiaō, meaning to work to the point of weariness. Those who teach and preach often pour themselves out in a way that a church should see and respond to.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have understood “double honor” differently across traditions. Many commentators, like Adam Clarke and Matthew Henry, see it primarily as financial support, a larger salary for those who serve well. Others, like the Cambridge Bible, note it includes but is not limited to money, covering respect and provision. A long-standing debate is whether Paul distinguishes two kinds of elders, ruling only and teaching. Some Reformed traditions (like the Westminster divines) read this as support for separate ruling elders who do not preach. But many other interpreters, including Calvin, Gill, and Vincent, argue Paul is describing different emphases within one office, not two orders. Both sides agree that faithful leaders who work hard in the word deserve generous recognition.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers take “double honor” to mean that every elder should be paid twice what they already receive, or that the verse sets a strict pay scale. In fact, the word “double” here is not a precise number but a way of saying “generous and abundant.” Paul is telling the church to be openhanded toward elders who lead well, especially those who exhaust themselves in teaching. It is a call to generous support, not a mathematical formula.
Living This Out
This week, take a moment to think about the people who teach you from Scripture. Maybe it is a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, or a small group leader. Is there a way you can show them “double honor”, not just with words, but with something practical? A thank-you note, a meal, an offer to help with a task. Paul’s instruction reminds us that those who give themselves to the word deserve to be cared for, and our generosity toward them is a way of saying we see their labor.
Main takeaway: God calls his church to generously honor and support elders who lead well, especially those who work hard in teaching and preaching.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people in the church work very hard to teach us about God. God wants us to say thank you and help take care of them.
For ages 9, 12
Paul tells Timothy that church leaders who work hard at teaching and leading should be honored in a big way, ‘double honor.’ That means not just saying nice things but also making sure they have what they need. Think about your pastor or youth leader. Could you write them a note or help with something this week?
Questions People Ask
What does 'double honor' mean in 1 Timothy 5:17?
'Double honor' refers to both respect and material support. The Greek word for honor (timē) can mean esteem or payment. Paul is not giving a strict mathematical double but is calling the church to be generous, offering abundant honor to elders who lead and teach well.
Does this verse distinguish between ruling elders and teaching elders?
The verse has been read both ways. Some traditions see a distinction between elders who primarily govern and those who teach. Others see one office with different emphases. Most commentators agree Paul highlights that those who labor in teaching deserve special recognition, without necessarily creating two separate groups.
Why does Paul mention 'especially those who labor in the word and teaching'?
The Greek word for 'labor' (kopiaō) means to work to the point of weariness. Teaching and preaching are demanding tasks. Paul wants the church to notice and reward those who pour themselves into this work, as they are especially worthy of generous support.
Is 'double honor' only about money?
No. While financial support is clearly included (as the next verse about wages shows), the word 'honor' also covers respect and esteem. The church should show appreciation in both tangible and intangible ways.
What does 'rule well' mean in this verse?
The Greek phrase means 'to preside over' or 'to take the lead.' It implies caring oversight, like managing a household. An elder who 'rules well' leads with wisdom and faithfulness, not just authority, guiding the church with love.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study