1 Timothy 3:4

Translations

Modern

An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.

Traditional

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

Literal

…presiding over his own house well, having children in submission, with all dignity—

Latin

…suæ domui bene præpositum: filios habentem subditos cum omni castitate.

Original

Greek

English

An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:4–5

The church, seen as a household, shared similarities with a family household (3:15). An overseer's ability to manage one area showed his skill in the other (see also 3:12; 5:17; Romans 12:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:12).
Greek and Roman households were united by family bonds with shared responsibilities, roles, and management. The household included relatives by blood living together and other dependents, such as household servants.

1 Timothy 3:1–13

The topic shifts to church leadership by overseers and deacons (3:1–7; 8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less plain than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5). This may be because the church in Ephesus was more mature and better able to manage the process (see Acts 6:2–6).

The criteria listed here focus on character rather than function. It partly responds to the local false teachers and their followers. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and show that the false teachers were not qualified for leadership.

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

Titus 1:6
An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
1 Timothy 3:12
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
Titus 2:2
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
Joshua 24:15
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
Acts 10:2
He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
Titus 2:7
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Psalm 101:2–8
I will ponder the way that is blameless—when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

1 Timothy 3:4

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