"LET THE ELDERS WHO RULE WELL BE CONSIDERED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOR"

 

 

 “Double Honor” in 1 Timothy 5:17–18: Respect or Salary?

Apostolic context and community responsibility

The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, his co-worker, on how to organize and guide the community of believers in Ephesus. One of the key points in his letter is how the elders (presbyters) who led the Church should be treated.

In 1 Timothy 5:17–18 , Paul writes:

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
For it is Scripture that says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain;’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.’”
(1 Tim. 5:17-18)

What does “double honor” mean?

The Greek word translated “honor” in this passage is τιμή ( timḗ ), which has a meaning that goes beyond respect or esteem. According to Strong’s Dictionary (G5092), timḗ can mean:

·         Value, esteem, respect

·         A sum of money, price, remuneration

This term comes from the verb τιμάω ( timaō ), which can also imply assessing the value of something or someone, including their material livelihood .

The context makes it clear: it is about economic support.

Paul leaves no room for doubt about what he means. In the next verse (v. 18), he quotes two passages:

1.     Deuteronomy 25:4 – “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain”
→ This refers to allowing the ox to eat while working, which is an image of rewarding the worker while he performs his function.

2.     Luke 10:7 (or a related tradition) – “The laborer is worthy of his wages”
→ This phrase was said by Jesus when he sent his disciples out, indicating that they were to be supported by those they served.

Therefore, the “double honor” Paul mentions must be understood in this context as double pay or double financial support, especially for elders who are fully dedicated to teaching and preaching.

A fair and balanced apostolic structure

This teaching shows that the Apostolic Church had an organized system of support for its ministers , based on righteous and biblical principles:

·         The priority was true and diligent spiritual service (“those who govern well”).

·         was made between types of spiritual work , giving greater support to those who taught and preached .

·         Financial support was not based on prestige or titles, but on effort and dedication to the service of God and one's brothers.

Conclusion

The phrase "double honor" in 1 Timothy 5:17 should not be understood simply as an invitation to verbal respect or recognition. Paul is clearly speaking of real financial support , in accordance with God's laws and Jesus' teachings.

Ministers who labor faithfully in teaching the word are worthy of being supported generously and justly , not only with gratitude, but also with the material resources they need to continue their work without distraction or need.

“The worker is worthy of his wages.” (1 Tim. 5:18)