What is the meaning of double honor in 1 Timothy 5:17?

1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” The phrase “double honor” has been interpreted in different ways by Bible scholars over the years. Here is an in-depth look at the possible meanings behind this intriguing verse.

The Context of 1 Timothy 5:17

First, it is important to understand the context of this verse. 1 Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to his younger co-worker Timothy, instructing him on various matters regarding the Ephesian church where Timothy was serving at the time. In chapter 5, Paul gives Timothy specific guidelines about caring for different groups of people in the church.

Verses 17-18 come in the middle of instructions about honoring, disciplining and providing for elders or overseers of the church. Paul distinguishes between elders “who rule well” and should receive double honor, and those who continue in sin and should be rebuked publicly. So the context implies the “double honor” has something to do with the care and compensation for elders.

Definition of “Honor”

“Honor” in this context refers to respect, deference and esteem shown toward someone. The Greek word is “time”, which means honor or pay given to someone. Elsewhere in the New Testament it usually means honor, dignity, or respect.

So in this passage, Paul instructs Timothy to make sure the elders who lead and teach well should receive ample, or double, honor and respect from the church. This honor would be commensurate with their leadership responsibilities among God’s people.

The Meaning of “Double Honor”

There are several main interpretations of what “double honor” means for elders who rule well:

1. Double honor and respect – Elders who lead and teach with dedication and integrity are worthy of extra honor and appreciation. This means verbally expressing gratitude for their service, and speaking highly of them to others.
2. Double remuneration/pay – In addition to honor and respect, elders should receive adequate and fair wages for their spiritual leadership roles. The “double” indicates compensation beyond a basic living wage.
3. Both honor and remuneration – Paul could be advocating for elders to receive a double measure of both honor and tangible support. Treat them with great respect, while also paying them sufficiently.
4. “Twofold” honor – Another view is that double honor refers to two forms of honor: respect and financial support. Both are necessary to properly honor elder-leaders.

There are good arguments from the text for each of these interpretations. It seems clear that respect and honor are involved, but the reference to double honor may also imply material and financial support.

Evidence for Financial Support

There are several reasons why “double honor” likely includes or primarily refers to adequate pay for elders in 1 Timothy 5:17:

• The Greek word time translated “honor” here can mean pay, wages, or money.
• The following verse connects the worker being worthy of his wages with the teaching on double honor.
• Paul often collected wages for his ministry work from churches (1 Cor 9, 2 Cor 11:8).
• Elders lead, teach, care for people, and devote time and energy to ministry, making it difficult to support themselves. Honoring them with pay makes sense.
• Jesus taught that the laborer deserves his food/pay (Matt 10:10) and Paul quotes this.

So compensating elders allows them to serve without being burdened, similar to supporting other full-time ministers and missionaries.

Support Beyond a Living Wage

The emphasis on “double” seems to indicate providing excess pay beyond a basic living wage. Why give double honor or pay to certain elders?

• They have greater responsibilities preaching and teaching God’s word.
• Compensating them allows more time to invest in ministry.
• It follows the teaching that greater responsibility deserves greater honor (Luke 12:48).
• It distinguishes them from other volunteer elders and servants.

Higher pay allows elders who excel in preaching and shepherding to devote themselves more fully to serve Christ in this manner. While supporting all elders to free them for ministry, Paul indicates that those whose commitment, abilities and effort exceed expectations deserve ample remuneration from the church.

Practical Application

How should this principle be applied today? Here are some implications for churches and elders:

• Show appreciation, care and respect to all elders who lead faithfully.
• Find ways to honor elders beyond words, such as gifts or time off.
• Elders who devote most time to preaching and shepherding may require livable compensation.
• Aim to pay preaching elders well beyond a basic wage, based on objective factors like responsibilities, hours invested, education and experience.
• All financial matters should have accountability, transparency and input from the church community.

While every situation differs, 1 Timothy 5:17 suggests that churches should aim to generously and appropriately support qualified elders who devote themselves to spiritually caring for God’s people.

Insights on Honor and Leadership

This teaching on double honor also provides some broader principles applicable to ministry and leadership:

• Honor follows humility and dedicated service. Elders earn respect and support by first demonstrating Christlike leadership.
• Responsibility should correspond to compensation. Greater burdens deserve greater provision and care.
• Ministry requires both sacrifice and sustainability. Serving God while neglecting personal needs hurts in the long-run.
• Churches should care for those who care for people’s souls. This honors Christ and enables ministries to flourish.

While specifics will differ, the timeless truth remains – honor those who faithfully serve God and His people. Provide adequate, generous support to enable continued fruitful ministry for God’s glory.

Conclusion

1 Timothy 5:17 teaches that elders who lead and teach well are worthy of “double honor.” This seems primarily to refer to respectable, ample pay that allows ministers to serve without lacking basic needs. It also involves showing verbal and tangible appreciation. Churches should aim to honor excellent elders in both word and deed, empowering them to continue using their gifts to build up God’s people for His glory.