1 Timothy 3 KJV
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Timothy 3 (New Testament)
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1 Timothy 3 (New Testament)
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἐπίσκοπος — episkopos | Verse 1 — “…the office of a bishop…” | “Overseer,” supervisor. | Episkopos (“overseer”) denotes spiritual leadership (“bishop/overseer”). Paul defines pastoral qualifications. The term frames church governance. — Richard C. Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| νηφάλιος — nēphalios | Verse 2 — “…vigilant…” | “Sober,” clear-minded. | Nēphalios (“sober”) stresses emotional steadiness (“temperate”). Leaders require stable judgment. The term underscores disciplined living. — Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| κόσμιος — kosmios | Verse 2 — “…of good behavior…” | “Orderly,” respectable. | Kosmios (“orderly”) marks dignified conduct (“respectable”). Paul links behavior to reputation. The term supports public testimony. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| διδακτικός — didaktikos | Verse 2 — “…apt to teach…” | “Skillful,” able to teach. | Didaktikos (“teachable/able to teach”) denotes instructional skill (“teaching-capable”). Leaders must communicate truth effectively. The term emphasizes competency. — Philip Schaff, Commentary on Timothy (1882) |
| πρόσκοπος — proskopos | Verse 2 — “not given to offense…” | “Stumbling,” not easily offended. | Proskopos (“stumbling”) signifies blamelessness (“not causing offense”). Church leaders must avoid scandal. The term supports moral credibility. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| φιλοξενία — philoxenia | Verse 2 — “…given to hospitality…” | “Hospitality,” love of strangers. | Philoxenia (“hospitality”) stresses generous welcome (“love of strangers”). Pastors must open their homes and hearts. The term reflects Christlike generosity. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| πρόϊστημι — proïstēmi | Verse 4 — “…ruleth well his own house…” | “Lead,” preside. | Proïstēmi (“to lead”) indicates authoritative care (“rule”). Family stewardship reflects church stewardship. The term gauges leadership fitness. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| τυφόω — typhoō | Verse 6 — “…lifted up with pride…” | “Puffed up,” conceited. | Typhoō (“be conceited”) exposes pride (“puffed up”). Novices risk moral downfall. The term warns of spiritual arrogance. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| διάκονος — diakonos | Verse 8 — “…likewise must the deacons…” | “Servant,” minister. | Diakonos (“servant”) emphasizes supportive ministry (“deacon”). Deacons uphold practical service. The term underscores humility. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| μυστήριον — mystērion | Verse 9 — “…mystery of the faith…” | “Mystery,” revealed truth. | Mystērion (“mystery”) refers to sacred revelation (“revealed truth”). Leaders guard gospel integrity. The term affirms doctrinal stewardship. — Joseph Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
Chapter 3
Verse: "He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive" - 1 Timothy 3:4
Lesson: In this chapter, Paul lays out the qualifications for overseers and deacons. He emphasizes the importance of character, especially in managing one's household.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: Character is an essential qualification for church leadership. A person's ability to manage their household well is an indication of their character and their suitability for leadership.
Prayer Points: Lord, help us to develop godly character and to manage our households well. Help us to be faithful and trustworthy leaders in your church.
