1 Timothy 3:6

Translations

Modern

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Traditional

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Literal

…not a novice, lest, having been puffed up, he might fall into the judgment of the devil.

Latin

Non neophytum: ne in superbiam elatus, in judicium incidat diaboli.

Original

Greek

English

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Notes

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

1 Timothy 6:4
…he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
Hebrews 5:12–13
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!
1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
1 Corinthians 3:1
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
Isaiah 14:12–14
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.
1 Corinthians 4:6–8
Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.
Isaiah 2:12
For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—
2 Corinthians 12:7
…or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
2 Chronicles 32:25
But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem.
Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Parallels

Titus 1:5–9 1 Peter 5:1–4

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Bishop Ordain, Ordination Spirit of God Timothy, First Letter to Titus, Letter to Wine

Topics

Bishop: (An Overseer, a Supervisor) Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Condemnation: Increased by Pride Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Devil: Character of Proud

1 Timothy 3:6

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