But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety toward their own family and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. Let her [2] learn first, and so forth He gives this as a mark to know if widows deserve to be maintained out of the common stock; if they have been careful of their own family, and to assist their parents, if yet alive. In most Greek copies, and in the Syriac, is read, let them learn; that is let the children and grandchildren learn to govern their family, and to assist their parents, when they are widows; that, as it is said verse 16 the Church may not be burthened with maintaining them. Witham.—Let her render to her children the same good services she has received from her parents, that she may also expect from them what is her due as mother. Theodoret.
TR adds “good and”