“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God — the familial obligation (tekna ē egona) of providing materially and demonstrating eusebeia (godliness) toward parents precedes the church's responsibility. Divine approval (euareston) attends such filial devotion.
Church Fathers on 1 Timothy 5:4
Observe the discretion of Paul; how often he urges men from human considerations. For he does not here lay down any great and lofty motive, but one that is easy to be understood: “to requite their parents.” How? For bringing them up and educating them. As if he should say, You have received from them great care. They are departed. You can not requite them. For thou did not bring them forth, nor nourish them. Requite them in their descendants, repay the debt through the…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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