Lexical Summary katalegó: To enroll, to list, to reckon Original Word: καταλέγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to enroll, place on a listFrom kata and lego (in its original meaning); to lay down, i.e. (figuratively) to enrol -- take into the number. see GREEK kata see GREEK lego NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and legó Definition to lay down, choose out NASB Translation put on the list (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2639: καταλέγωκαταλέγω: present passive imperative καταλεγέσθω; 1. properly, to lay down; middle to lie down (Homer). 2. to narrate at length, recount, set forth (from Homer on). 3. to set down in a list or register, to enroll (especially soldiers; see Passow, under the word, 5; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2 (yet the latter connect this use with the meaning of to choose))): of those widows who held a prominent place in the church and exercised a certain superintendence over the rest of the women, and had charge of the widows and orphans supported at public expense, 1 Timothy 5:9 (Winer's Grammar, 590 (549)); cf. DeWette (or Ellicott) at the passage. The term translated “be enrolled” in 1 Timothy 5:9 conveys the deliberate, official inclusion of a name upon a recognized list. In the apostolic churches this list concerned widows who were to receive ongoing material support and to engage in defined spiritual service. The single occurrence in the New Testament focuses all interpretive attention on this practical yet deeply theological directive. Scriptural Occurrence 1 Timothy 5:9 ― “A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,” (Berean Standard Bible). Cultural and Historical Background Roman civic life employed registers for citizenship, military conscription, and financial distributions. Jewish society also kept genealogical rolls and temple tax records (Ezra 2:62; Nehemiah 7:64). Against that milieu Paul instructs Timothy to establish a church roll for widows. The guideline safeguards resources, honors genuine need, and prevents disorder. Within Greco-Roman culture, women typically depended upon a male household head for legal standing and livelihood. A widow without family aid could face destitution. The early churches adopted and elevated the long-standing biblical mandate to defend widows (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:17; Isaiah 1:17) by formalizing provision through this enrollment. Theological Implications 1. Covenant community care: The list embodies the congregation’s covenantal responsibility, dramatizing James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…”. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Discernment: Elders must investigate circumstances rather than react emotionally. Love is expressed within wise boundaries (Philippians 1:9-10). Intertextual Connections Ruth 1; 2 Kings 4:1-7; Psalm 68:5; Mark 12:41-44; Acts 6:1-6. Although none of these passages uses the same Greek verb, each illuminates God’s heart for widows and the community’s role in their welfare. Christological Reflections Jesus highlights a widow in His commendation of sacrificial giving (Mark 12:43-44) and in His resurrection miracle at Nain (Luke 7:11-15). The church, as His body, mirrors that compassion through structured generosity. The list Paul requires is therefore an extension of Christ’s ministry on earth. Contemporary Relevance Modern congregations encounter similar challenges: verifying need, discouraging dependency, and empowering marginalized believers. While social safety nets differ from the first century, the apostolic model encourages churches to maintain accountable benevolence programs, honor elderly saints, and mobilize them for prayer and discipleship. Summary Strong’s Greek 2639 underscores ordered charity within the household of faith. By enrolling qualified widows, early churches balanced mercy with responsibility, reflecting God’s justice and love. The principle endures: compassionate care administered with thoughtful oversight glorifies Christ and authenticates the gospel before a watching world. Englishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 5:9 V-PMM/P-3SGRK: Χήρα καταλεγέσθω μὴ ἔλαττον NAS: A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less KJV: a widow be taken into the number under INT: A widow let be enrolled not less than |
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