Biblical Basis for Double Honor for Elders
The biblical basis for double honor for elders is rooted in 1 Timothy 5:17, which states, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine" [1, 2]. This passage is a key text in understanding the concept of double honor for elders.
The term "double honour" in 1 Timothy 5:17 has been interpreted in various ways by different traditions. According to Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, "double honour" refers to "double maintenance, double to what they have had, or to what others have" [5]. This interpretation is supported by Luther's Small Catechism, which cites 1 Timothy 5:17-18 as a basis for the ordained principle that those who preach the Gospel should live off the Gospel [6].
The concept of honoring elders is not limited to 1 Timothy 5:17. In the Old Testament, the elderly were respected for their wisdom (Job 32:7) [9]. The biblical principle of honoring the elderly is also reflected in Leviticus 19:32, which commands the Israelites to "rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man" [9]. This principle is rooted in the understanding that honoring the elderly is a way of honoring God.
The early Church Fathers also emphasized the importance of honoring elders. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox Father, interpreted the concept of double honor as a call to provide generously for those who labor in the word and doctrine [7]. Similarly, John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, understood "double honour" as a call to esteem those who labor in the word and doctrine "very highly" and to provide for them with an "honourable maintenance" [8].
The biblical basis for double honor for elders is thus rooted in the principle of respecting and providing for those who have demonstrated leadership and labored in the word and doctrine. This principle is reflected in various biblical passages, including 1 Timothy 5:17, and has been interpreted and applied in different ways by various Christian traditions.
The practice of honoring elders is deeply ingrained in biblical culture and is reflected in the social and religious norms of ancient Israel. The elderly were seen as possessing wisdom and authority, and their role in the community was highly valued [3, 4]. The biblical principle of honoring elders continues to be relevant in contemporary Christian communities, where it is understood as a way of demonstrating respect for those who have served and led the community.
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 5:17 — Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 5:17 (KJV) — Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Elder — A name frequently used in the Old Testament as denoting a person clothed with authority, and entitled to respect and reverence (Gen. 50:7). It also denoted a political office (Num. 22:7). The "elders of Israel" held a rank among the people indicative of authority. Moses opened his commission to them (Ex. 3:16). They attended Moses on all important occasions. Seventy of them attended on him at the giving of the law (Ex. 24:1). Seventy also were selected from the whole number to bear with Moses the burden of the people (Num. 11:16, 17). The "elder" is the keyst”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Elder — The term elder, or old man as the Hebrew literally imports, was one of extensive use, as an official title, among the Hebrews and the surrounding nations, because the heads of tribes and the leading people who had acquired influence were naturally the older people of the nation. It had reference to various offices. (Genesis 24:2; 50:7; 2 Samuel 12:17; Ezekiel 27:9) As betokening a political office, it applied not only to the Hebrews, but also to the Egyptians, (Genesis 50:7) the Moabites and the Midianites. (Numbers 22:7) The earliest notice of the elders acti”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 5:17: Here are directions, I. Concerning the supporting of ministers. Care must be taken that they be honourably maintained (Ti1 5:17): Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour (that is, of double maintenance, double to what they have had, or to what others have), especially those who labour in the word and doctrine, those who are more laborious than others. Observe, The presbytery ruled, and the same that ruled were those who laboured in the word and doctrine: they had not one to preach to them and another to rule them, but the work was done ”
- Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran) “Luther's Small Catechism (Lutheran, 1529), Even: Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. 9:14. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Gal. 6:6. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn; and the laborer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim. 5:17-18. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your soul”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: said, “let them maintain them expensively,” but “let them relieve them.” “That the Church,” he says, “may relieve them that are widows indeed.” She therefore has the reward of this help also, for she that helps the Church, helps not her only, but those widows too whom the Church is thus enabled to maintain more bountifully. “I will therefore that the younger widows”—do what? live in luxury and pleasure? By no means; but—“marry, bear children, guide the house.” That he may not be supposed to encourage them to live luxuriously, he ”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 5:13: And to esteem them very highly,.... Or, as the Ethiopic version renders it, "honour them abundantly"; for such are worthy of double honour, and to be had in reputation; they should be honourably thought of, and be high in the affections of the saints, who should esteem them better than themselves, or others in the community; and should be spoke well of, and their characters vindicated from the reproach and obloquy of others; and should be spoke respectfully to, and be honourably done by; should be provided for with an honourable maintenance, which is part of ”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 19:32: 19:32 In the ancient world, the elderly and the aged were respected for their wisdom (Job 32:7). Honoring the elderly also honors God.”