Spiritual Leaders 3
“DOUBLE HONOUR”: MEANING, MEASURE, AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Scripture says: “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Tim. 5:17 (NKJV)
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1Tim. 5:17-18 (WEB)
Is “double honour” about curtsying to them twice, bowing to them twice, saying “Good morning” twice, or helping them carry their Bible and something else, while others get only half the equivalent courtesy?
What are your thoughts?
The first thing the passage above shows us is that honour is not uniform. There are degrees of honour, and Scripture clearly identifies a category of elders who deserve double honour:those who labour in preaching and teaching.
To understand what this truly means, we must examine the Greek words used by the apostle Paul.
Kopiō: Laborious Toil
The Greek word for “labour” here is kopiō (κοπιῶ). Κορίō means:
• To toil to the point of exhaustion
• To work until weary
• Labour that drains strength
• Continuous, demanding effort
This is not casual ministry. This is not occasional teaching. This is intensive, consuming labour.
It is used when referring to men who are fully given to preaching and teaching, often at the expense of personal comfort, time, and alternative means of income. They are often full-time shepherds, not part-time workers.
“Double Honour”: Diplēs Timēs
The word translated “honour” is the Greek word timē (τιμή). Timē means value, esteem and respect. It is also used to refer to material support and compensation; that which is assigned worth.
In Scripture, ‘time’ consistently includes tangible provision. This is why Paul immediately follows the instruction with asking for grain for oxen and wages for labourers! (1 Timothy 5:18). As we saw last week, just as parents are honoured with provision and care, spiritual leaders are also honoured through tangible support.
The word in Greek for “Double” is diplēs. Diplēs means twofold, more than equal, abundant or multiplied. Therefore giving double honour does not mean paying homage, giving extra compliments or louder praise, and according more titles to our spiritual leaders.
It means double value and recognition by providing double material consideration, especially when compared to others who serve but are not carrying the same weight of labour. To give them double honour is to provide for them generously.
Why Double Honour?
Why is it important to give double honour to those who labor in the Word and in teaching?
Those who shepherd the flock spiritually, through preaching, teaching, and guiding people in the Word, are training them in the way of godliness.
Their work impacts the lives of the congregation not only now, but also in the life to come. Their work has eternal significance. The Bible says, “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8, ESV)
Think about it: in churches where the leaders are devoted to the Word and prayer, the congregation is spiritually stronger. The members are able to overcome sin, engage in spiritual warfare, resist the devil and grow into effective soldiers for the Kingdom.
But in churches where teaching is neglected or where leaders only give “ear-tickling” messages, the congregation tend to be weak, carnal, and worldly.
A Clear Example: Apostles Prioritizing the Word
An example of this is seen in Acts 6:1-4. At first, the apostles were involved in distributing food to widows, serving tables, and managing the needs of the people.
But a problem arose: some widows were being overlooked and there were complaints. The apostles realized:
“It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2-4 NKJV)
The apostles understood that laboring in the Word and prayer is serious work, more so than practical service like serving tables. This labor sustains the spiritual life of the church.
Leadership That Shapes Lives
In Ephesians 4, the Bible clearly states that God gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as gifts to the Church, and their assignment as leaders in the body of Christ is specific and purposeful.
Their work is to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. This work is not light or casual; it continues until believers attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4:12-13). It directly determines whether God’s people remain infants or become mature sons and daughters.
When proper teaching is done in the church, the people will not be tossed back and forth by waves, nor carried about by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14). In other words, sound teaching produces discernment, stability, and spiritual strength.
Such believers are not easily deceived by false teachers and the devil. They are able to stand firm in truth and resist error. When leaders are freed up and supported to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word, the entire body benefits.
The Lord desires shepherds who feed His people with wisdom and understanding (Jer. 3:15, Eze. 34:23). They are like parents who go out to work, gather food, and provide for their children. Spiritually, leaders who labor diligently in prayer and teaching are providing spiritual nourishment for God’s children, which is God’s primary desire for His people.
…”Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. (Luk. 12:42-44 NIV)
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