Note 31 at 1 Tim. 5:12: Most people think of the word "damnation" in respect to eternal damnation of the soul from God. Yet, this English word also means "to criticize adversely" (NAHD). The Greek word "KRIMA" from which "damnation" was translated can mean "a decision" (Strong) and was translated "judgment"12 times in the New Testament (see note 10 at 1 Cor. 11:29, p. 925). In 1 Peter 4:17, Peter said, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: . . .?" Certainly Peter wasn't using this word in the sense of eternal judgment, but of examining ourselves and changing our ways.

The widows who were put on the list of women who the church became financially responsible for made a commitment to remain single and serve the Lord and His people in celibacy (see note 30 at v. 11). If they violated that oath, they became subject to the judgment of the church and were removed from the number of widows who the church supported. This does not mean they were eternally damned if they remarried. The NIV translates this verse as, "Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge."

Note 32 at 1 Tim. 5:12: This is not speaking about a widow violating her commitment to her first husband if she remarries, nor is it speaking of her renouncing her faith in Christ if she remarries. This is speaking of the pledge or oath that she took to the church that she would remain single and serve the Lord totally if she was taken care of financially by the church (see note 30 at v. 11).

The NIV supports this interpretation when it says, "Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge."