I Timothy 5:17 · Bible study
1 Timothy 5:17 Commentary: Study: Double Honor and the Work of Elders
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore Paul's instruction on honoring elders who rule well, especially those laboring in word and teaching. Discover the meaning of double honor.
Research Summary
- Meaning: “Double honor” includes both respect and financial support; the phrase is comparative, not necessarily literal.
- Key words: προεστῶτες (ruling/presiding), κοπιῶντες (laboring to the point of exhaustion), διπλῆς τιμῆς (double honor).
- Main debate: Whether the verse distinguishes two types of elders (ruling vs. teaching) or recognizes varied functions within one office.
- Theological theme: The church is responsible to provide for those who lead and teach, especially as a safeguard against false doctrine.
- Best use: Grounding a congregation’s practice of fair compensation and thankful recognition for pastoral staff.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
KJV King James Version 1769
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
The well-leading elders of double honour let them be counted worthy, especially those labouring in word and teaching,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Let the elders who take the lead [among the saints] well be esteemed worthy of double honour, specially those labouring in word and teaching;
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Let the priests that rule well be esteemed worthy of double honour: especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Los ancianos que gobiernan bien, sean tenidos por dignos de doblada honra; mayormente los que trabajan en predicar y enseñar.
Os presbíteros ou: anciãos que lideram bem sejam estimados como dignos de honra dobrada, principalmente os que trabalham na palavra e na doutrina.
Que les anciens qui dirigent bien soient jugés dignes d’ un double honneur, surtout ceux qui travaillent à la prédication et à l’ enseignement.
Die Ältesten, die wohl vorstehen, die halte man zweifacher Ehre wert, sonderlich die da arbeiten im Wort und in der Lehre.
Dat de ouderlingen, die wel regeren, dubbele eer waardig geacht worden, voornamelijk die arbeiden in het Woord en de leer.
Gli anziani che tengon bene la presidenza, siano reputati degni di doppio onore, specialmente quelli che faticano nella predicazione e nell’insegnamento;
Starsi, którzy się w przełożeństwie dobrze sprawują, niech będą mieni za godnych dwojakiej czci, a zwłaszcza ci, którzy pracują w słowie i w nauce.
Достойно начальствующим пресвитерам должно оказывать сугубую честь, особенно тем, которые трудятся в слове и учении.
那善於 管理 教會的長老，當以為配受 加倍的 敬奉；那勞苦 傳道 教導人的，更當如此。
Let rulers whose rule is good be honoured twice over, specially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Timothy 5:17
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators broadly agree that “double honor” (διπλῆς τιμῆς) includes financial remuneration, though not exclusively. Adam Clarke, Barnes, and Vincent all note that τιμή can mean “pay” or “wages” (cf. Matthew 27:6; Acts 4:34). Clarke argues the phrase demands a larger salary for diligent elders who incur expenses in hospitality. Vincent adds that “double” is comparative, meaning “more honor” than elders who are less effective. The Cambridge Bible and Gill stress the participle προεστῶτες (“ruling”) implies active leadership, not merely age.
On the identity of elders, a significant divergence appears: some commentators, like Matthew Henry, see a distinction between ruling elders and teaching elders, while Gill and Vincent insist the passage refers to one office with varied functions. JFB holds that of the ruling presbyters, some labored in word and teaching and some did not. Despite this disagreement, all agree that those who combine faithful governance with diligent preaching and teaching are especially deserving of the church’s support.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Financial compensation view: Emphasizes the use of τιμή in other passages meaning ‘price’ or ‘wage’ (Matt 27:6; Acts 4:34) and the quotation of Deut 25:4 and Luke 10:7 in v. 18.
- Broad honor view: Holds that ‘double honor’ primarily means respect and recognition, though it may include financial support; points to the general sense of ‘honor’ in 1 Tim 5:3 for widows.
- Two-office view (ruling and teaching elders): Reads the verse as distinguishing between ‘elders who rule’ and ‘those who labor in word and teaching’ as separate categories; supported by Matthew Henry and Reformed polity.
- Single-office view: Argues that all elders rule, but some work harder at teaching; the distinction is functional, not formal; supported by Gill, Vincent, and the Cambridge Bible.
What is clear: Elders who lead the church effectively deserve tangible respect and support, and the highest honor belongs to those who work hard in preaching and teaching.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of ‘double honor’ | It includes tangible support (wages, provision) and is not limited to verbal respect; most commentators see the next verse (1 Tim 5:18) as confirming a financial element. | Some (e.g., Barnes, Clarke) emphasize financial compensation as primary, while others (e.g., Calvin, Wesley) stress broader honor that may include but is not limited to money. |
| Types of elders: one office or two? | The verse assumes a group of elders who rule and among them some labor especially in word and teaching. | Matthew Henry and the Reformed tradition see this as evidence of two distinct offices (ruling elders and teaching elders). Gill and Vincent argue that all elders rule, and the distinction is between degrees of effort and gifting within a single office. |
| Role of ‘labor’ (κοπιῶντες) | The word implies hard, wearisome work, not casual service; such effort merits special recognition. | Whether this ‘labor’ is a separate function from ‘ruling well’ or simply an intensified description of the same work. Cambridge Bible notes that ruling might be performed without teaching, but the highest honor goes to those who do both. |
| Comparison with elders who rule less effectively | The verse assumes a range of performance among elders; all deserve honor, but those who rule well deserve more. | Does ‘double honor’ compare to other elders or to other church members? Vincent and JFB argue it is comparative among elders themselves. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The term “elder” (πρεσβύτερος) in the early church drew directly from the Jewish synagogue, where a bench of elders presided over community life (cf. Matthew 15:2; Acts 11:30). Paul’s letters to Timothy reveal that churches in Ephesus had not yet settled on a uniform officer structure: the same men are called “bishops” (ἐπίσκοποι) and “elders” interchangeably (cf. Acts 20:17,28; Titus 1:5,7). The verb προεστῶτες (“ruling”) appears in Romans 12:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12, suggesting a recognized function of leadership and care.
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul has just given detailed instructions about supporting widows (vv. 3, 16). Now he turns to the support of elders, perhaps reflecting a natural movement from the weakest to the most honored members of the congregation. The historical setting is significant: Ephesus was plagued by false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3, 7), making the public ministry of the word and sound teaching especially critical. Those who “labor in the word and teaching” (κοπιῶντες ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ) were the frontline defense against error. The word κοπιῶντες implies toil to the point of exhaustion, underscoring the demanding nature of their work. Timothy, as Paul’s delegate, held authority to see that these ministers received proper recognition and material support. The surrounding verses (vv. 19, 22) also grant him power to discipline and restore elders, indicating the high stakes of church leadership in this period. Paul reinforces his point in the following verse (v. 18) by quoting Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7, grounding the principle of material support for workers in both Old Testament law and Jesus’ own teaching.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for 1 Timothy 5:17. The Greek text is stable across manuscript traditions.
Reception History
The early church fathers, such as Chrysostom and Augustine, read this verse as a mandate for supporting clergy, often linking it to the principle that the worker deserves his wages (1 Tim 5:18). In the medieval period, it was used to justify the material upkeep of priests and bishops. During the Reformation, the verse became a point of contention between those who saw two distinct offices (ruling elders and teaching elders) and those who insisted on a single pastoral office. The Reformed tradition, especially Presbyterian polities, appealed to this text to establish a separate order of lay elders who govern but do not preach. In contrast, Lutheran and Anglican exegetes have generally maintained that the passage describes varying degrees of dedication within one office. Modern evangelical commentaries continue to debate the implications for church structure, while all traditions affirm the core call to honor and support faithful ministers.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Faithful Stewards of God’s Household, The elders who “rule well” are those who preside with wisdom, ability, and loving faithfulness over the flock. They do not lord it over others but lead as servants under Christ.
- Honor That Goes Beyond Words, Paul insists that “double honor” includes tangible support, not just verbal respect. The following verse (v. 18) quotes the law and Jesus to show that laborers deserve wages.
- The Centrality of Word and Teaching, The special emphasis (μάλιστα) falls on those who toil in preaching and instruction. In a church threatened by false teaching, the public and private ministry of the word is the church’s lifeline.
Five-point outline
- Recognize Effective Elders, Identify those who genuinely care for the church and lead with diligence.
- Define Honor as Practical Support, Move beyond thank-yous to concrete provision: salary, benefits, sabbatical.
- Distinguish, Not Divide, The verse does not create a lower tier of elders; it calls for special acknowledgment of those who combine ruling with teaching.
- Guard Against Partiality, Verses 19, 21 show that honor must not become favoritism; discipline for sin applies to all.
- Invest in the Frontline of Truth, The church’s best defense against error is faithful, sustained teaching. Supporting these workers is an investment in the church’s health.
Illustration hooks
- The farmer and the ox, Paul’s quotation of “You shall not muzzle the ox” (v. 18) grounds the principle in everyday life: even animals get fed from the work they do.
- The small church dilemma, A congregation that loves its pastor but has limited means wrestles with what “double honor” looks like when the budget is tight. The text pushes toward generosity and trust, not guilt.
- Visible and invisible labor, A preacher’s Sunday sermon is seen by all; the hours of study, prayer, and pastoral counseling are unseen. The verse honors the unseen toil.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does “double honor” mean we should double our pastor’s salary?
- Are there elders in the church who rule but don’t teach, and how do we honor them?
- How do we balance financial support with other needs in the church?
Leading a Discussion
This passage challenges us to think about how we value those who lead and teach among us. It is set in a letter dealing with false teaching and church order, so the care of elders is not a side issue but a way of protecting the truth. As you discuss, consider both the principle and your own church’s practice.
Discussion questions
- What does the phrase “rule well” tell us about the kind of leadership Paul expects from elders?
- Look at the Greek word translated “labor” (κοπιῶντες). How does the sense of toil change what we think a pastor’s work involves?
- Why does Paul use a farming proverb and Jesus’ saying about wages (v. 18) to back up his command about honor?
- In your church, is honor for elders expressed more through words, gifts, or both? Which might be missing?
- Some Christians read this verse as supporting two separate offices (ruling elders and teaching elders). Others see one office with varied gifts. What difference does each view make for church practice?
- The word “especially” (μάλιστα) focuses extra honor on those who teach. How can a church recognize teaching without diminishing those who lead in other ways?
- How does the immediate context, accusations against elders (v. 19) and public rebuke (v. 20), balance the call to honor with the need for accountability?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Kings 2:9 | When they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be on me.” |
| Isaiah 40:2 | “Speak comfortably to Jerusalem, and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh’s hand double for all her sins.” |
| Jeremiah 16:18 | First I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations.” |
| Jeremiah 17:18 | Let them be disappointed who persecute me, but don’t let me be disappointed. Let them be dismayed, but don’t let me be dismayed. Bring on them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction. |
| Zechariah 9:12 | Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. |
| Matthew 9:37 | Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. |
| Matthew 9:38 | Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.” |
| Matthew 24:25 | “Behold, I have told you beforehand. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
11 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke argues that "elder" originally referred to any holder of a sacred office, not a distinct order. "Double honor" means generous financial support for ministers who lead well, especially those diligent in public and private teaching. The later technical distinctions between bishop, elder, and pastor were, in his view, a later development.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes observes that this verse distinguishes elders who rule from those who also preach and teach, but he argues this does not necessarily prove two separate offices. Instead, it reflects a flexible body of elders where some devoted more time to instruction while others focused on governance, all within the same group.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin sees correction as a bitter medicine, and Timothy's youth would make harshness even harder to bear. The apostle therefore urges him to treat older men with the reverence due a father, not to spare them from correction but to make it more acceptable. Younger men should receive brotherly gentleness, with respect adjusted according to age.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible School notes that the word translated as "rule" is too general to establish a separate class of ruling elders distinct from teaching elders. The three functions of ministry—hard work, spiritual leadership, and teaching—are already blended together in the earliest epistles. The phrase "labour in word and doctrine" emphasizes the painful toil involved, not casual effort.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note gives "double honour" a concrete meaning: it includes both proper respect and material support for elders who lead well. It then draws a clear distinction, singling out elders who labor in preaching and teaching as especially deserving of this provision.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill insists that the elders Paul describes are church officers who both rule and teach, not separate lay rulers or civil authorities. He argues that there is no biblical order of elders who rule without teaching. The double honour means generous material support, especially for those who labor diligently in preaching and studying Scripture.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB explains that "double honour" for elders who rule well refers to generous material support, not literally twice the pay of other elders. He also notes the passage distinguishes two kinds of ruling elders: those who preach and teach, and those who do not. Both are ruling elders, but the former deserve special recognition.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange insists that "double honor" refers not to literal twofold payment but to greater esteem shown in larger measure. He also stresses that the distinction between elders who rule and those who teach is not a division of office but different labors within one calling, with teaching receiving special emphasis.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry argues that the elders who rule well are the same ones who labour in the word and doctrine, not a separate class of ruling elders. For him, double honour means generous material support, and the text does not establish a distinction between those who govern and those who preach.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent argues that double honor for elders includes financial payment and should not be split between separate classes of ruling elders and teaching elders. He insists this honor belongs to those who combine both roles, with special weight on the hard work of teaching as protection against false teaching.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley explains that "double honour" means generous material provision for faithful elders, not merely respect. He observes that the early church entrusted such gifts to these leaders for the poor, but later this practice corrupted into clerical wealth. The donors' original pious intent must still guide how such resources are used.