The Meaning of 1 Timothy 3:3 Explained

1 Timothy 3:3

KJV: Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

YLT: not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,

Darby: not given to excesses from wine, not a striker, but mild, not addicted to contention, not fond of money,

ASV: no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Not  given to wine,  no  striker,  not  greedy of filthy lucre;  but  patient,  not a brawler,  not covetous; 

What does 1 Timothy 3:3 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Fitness For Christian Leadership
One of Timothy's most urgent duties was to take care that those who held office in the churches were beyond reproach. The tone of a Christian community is largely that of its leaders. As the margin suggests, the bishop of the early Church was an overseer or presbyter. See Acts 20:28, r.v. God's minister must not only be irreproachable as far as the outside world is concerned, but exemplary in his domestic relations. Such was the facility of divorce among the Jews that it was a common thing for a man to have more than one woman living who had been his wife: but by Paul's ruling this would debar him from holding office, unless his divorce be for cause as provided in Matthew 19:9.
Notice how often those words grave, sober-minded, temperate occur in this chapter. The effect of a good sermon will be spoiled if a man yields to foolish levity or intemperate habits. Moderation, serenity of temper, freedom from love of money, a well-ordered household, an obedient and reverent family-these are signs that a man may aspire to the sacred work of the ministry; and these are the qualities which people should look for in candidates for pulpits, more than those of rhetoric, brilliance, or outward attractiveness. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 3

1  How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;
14  and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things
15  Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:3

No brawler [μη παροινον]
Later word for the earlier παροινιος — paroinios one who sits long at (beside, παρα — para) his wine. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:3. [source]
No striker [μη πληκτην]
Late word from πλησσω — plēssō to strike. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:3. Gentle (επιεικη — epieikē). See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. Not contentious Old word (from α — a privative and μαχη — machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον — aphilarguron). Late word (α — a privative and compound πιλαργυρος — phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Gentle [επιεικη]
See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. [source]
Not contentious [αμαχον]
Old word (from α — a privative and μαχη — machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον — aphilarguron). Late word (α — a privative and compound πιλαργυρος — phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
No lover of money [απιλαργυρον]
Late word In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Given to wine [πάροινον]
Only here and Titus 1:7. The verb παροινεῖν tobehave ill at wine, to treat with drunken violence, is found in Xenophon, Aeschines, Aristophanes, and Aristotle. Once in lxx, Isaiah 41:12. Rev. renders brawler, which is not definite enough. Better, quarrelsome over wine. See Aristoph. Acharn. 981: παροίνιος ἀνὴρ ἔφυ which Frere renders “behaved in such a beastly way.” Cicero, ad Att. x. 10, uses παροινικῶς =insolently. [source]
Not covetous [ἀφιλάργυρον]
Only here and Hebrews 13:5. olxx, oClass. Φιλάργυρος money-loving Luke 16:14; 2 Timothy 3:2. Rend. not a money-lover. The word for covetous is πλεονέκτης. For the distinction see on Romans 1:29. This admonition is cited by some writers in support of the view that the original ἐπίσκοπος was simply a financial officer. It is assumed that it was prompted by the special temptations which attached to the financial function. Admitting that the episcopal function may have included the financial interests of the church, it could not have been confined to these. It can hardly be supposed that, in associations distinctively moral and religious, one who bore the title of overseer should have been concerned only with the material side of church life. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Striker [πλήκτην]
Only here and Titus 1:7. Some soften down the meaning into a pugnacious or combative person. In any case, it is a peculiar state of things which calls out such admonitions to Bishops. [source]
Not greedy of filthy lucre []
Omit. [source]
Patient [ἐπιεικῆ]
Better, forbearing. The word occurs Philemon 4:5, and ἐπιεικία forbearancein 2 Corinthians 10:1, where it is associated with πραΰ̀της meeknessFrom εἰκός reasonableHence, not unduly rigorous; not making a determined stand for one's just due. In 1 Peter 2:18; James 3:17, it is associated with ἀγαθὸς kindlyand εὐπειθής easyto be entreated. It occurs in lxx. [source]
Not a brawler [ἄμαχον]
Better, not contentious. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 3:3

Romans 12:9 Abhor [ἀποστυγοῦντες]
Lit., abhorring. The only simple verb for hate in the New Testament is μισέω . Στυγέω , quite frequent in the classics, does not occur except in this compound, which is found only here. The kindred adjective στυγητός hatefulis found 1 Timothy 3:3. The original distinction between μισέω and στυγέω is that the former denotes concealed and cherished hatred, and the latter hatred expressed. The preposition ἀπό awayfrom, may either denote separation or be merely intensive. An intense sentiment is meant: loathing. [source]
1 Corinthians 5:11 If any man that is named a brother be [εαν τις αδελπος ονομαζομενος ηι]
Condition of the third class, a supposable case. Or a reviler or a drunkard (η λοιδορος η μετυσος — ē loidoros ē methusos). Λοιδορος — Loidoros occurs in Euripides as an adjective and in later writings. In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 6:10. For the verb see note on 1 Corinthians 4:12. Μετυσος — Methusos is an old Greek word for women and even men (cf. παροινος — paroinos of men, 1 Timothy 3:3). In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 6:10. Cf. Romans 13:13. Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 316) gives a list of virtues and vices on counters for Roman games that correspond remarkably with Paul‘s list of vices here and in 1 Corinthians 6:10. Chrysostom noted that people in his day complained of the bad company given by Paul for revilers and drunkards as being men with more “respectable” vices! With such a one, no, not to eat Associative instrumental case of τοιουτωι — toioutōi after συνεστιειν — sunesthiein “not even to eat with such a one.” Social contacts with such “a brother” are forbidden [source]
1 Corinthians 5:11 Or a reviler or a drunkard [η λοιδορος η μετυσος]
Λοιδορος — Loidoros occurs in Euripides as an adjective and in later writings. In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 6:10. For the verb see note on 1 Corinthians 4:12. Μετυσος — Methusos is an old Greek word for women and even men (cf. παροινος — paroinos of men, 1 Timothy 3:3). In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 6:10. Cf. Romans 13:13. Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 316) gives a list of virtues and vices on counters for Roman games that correspond remarkably with Paul‘s list of vices here and in 1 Corinthians 6:10. Chrysostom noted that people in his day complained of the bad company given by Paul for revilers and drunkards as being men with more “respectable” vices! [source]
2 Corinthians 11:20 Smite you on the face []
The climax of insult. Compare Matthew 5:39; Luke 22:64; Acts 23:2. Also the injunction to a bishop not to be a striker, 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7. Stanley notes the decree of the Council of Braga, a.d. 675, that no bishop, at his will and pleasure, shall strike his clergy. [source]
Philippians 4:5 Your forbearance [το επιεικες υμων]
“Your gentleness,” “your sweet reasonableness” (Matthew Arnold), “your moderation.” Old adjective (επι εικος — epiη επιεικεια — eikos) as in James 3:17; 1 Timothy 3:3. Article and neuter singular here= χρηστον — hē epieikeia (Acts 24:4; 2 Corinthians 10:1) like to ο κυριος εγγυς — chrēston in Romans 2:4. [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Grave [σεμνους]
See note on Philemon 4:8. Repeated in 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:2. Not double-tongued (μη διλογους — mē dilogous). Rare word (δισ λεγω — disδιλογεω — legō) saying same thing twice. Xenophon has διλογια — dilogeō and διγλωσσος — dilogia In Pollux, but lxx has μη οινωι πολλωι προσεχοντας — diglōssos (double-tongued, Latin bilinguis). Only here in N.T. One placed between two persons and saying one thing to one, another to the other. Like Bunyan‘s Parson “Mark. Two-Tongues.” Not given to much wine “Not holding the mind That attitude leads to over-indulgence. Not greedy of filthy lucre (αισχρος — mē aischrokerdeis). Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Not given to much wine [τον νουν]
“Not holding the mind That attitude leads to over-indulgence. Not greedy of filthy lucre (αισχρος — mē aischrokerdeis). Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
1 Timothy 3:8 Not greedy of filthy lucre [αισχρος]
Old word from κερδος — aischros (Ephesians 5:12) and kerdos (Philemon 1:21). “Making small gains in mean ways” (Parry). Not genuine in 1 Timothy 3:3. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:7 (of bishops). [source]
Titus 1:7 Not soon angry [οργη]
Old adjective from αισχροκερδη — orgē (anger). Here only in N.T. Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see note on 1 Timothy 3:2. Not greedy of filthy lucre (απιλαργυρον — aischrokerdē). “Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Titus 1:7 Not greedy of filthy lucre [απιλαργυρον]
“Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Titus 1:11 Overthrow [ανατρεπουσιν]
Old and common verb, to turn up, to overturn. In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:18. In papyri to upset a family by perversion of one member. Things which they ought not (α μη δει — ha mē dei). Note subjective negative μη — mē with indefinite relative and indicative mode. For filthy lucre‘s sake The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul‘s warnings in 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the professional teacher” (Parry). See Titus 1:7 above. Disgraceful gain, made in shameful ways. [source]
Titus 1:11 For filthy lucre‘s sake [αισχρου κερδους χαριν]
The Cretans are given a bad reputation for itinerating prophets for profit by Polybius, Livy, Plutarch. Paul‘s warnings in 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:5 reveal it as “a besetting temptation of the professional teacher” (Parry). See Titus 1:7 above. Disgraceful gain, made in shameful ways. [source]
Titus 1:7 As God‘s steward [ως τεου οικονομον]
See note on 1 Corinthians 4:1. for Paul‘s idea of the bishop (elder) as God‘s steward (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:17; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:2; 1 Timothy 1:4). Not self-willed (μη αυταδη — mē authadē). Old word (from αυτοσ ηδομαι — autosοργιλον — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant. In N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:10. Not soon angry Old adjective from αισχροκερδη — orgē (anger). Here only in N.T. Vulgate, iracundum. For “brawler” and “striker” see note on 1 Timothy 3:2. Not greedy of filthy lucre (απιλαργυρον — aischrokerdē). “Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Titus 3:2 Not to be contentious [αμαχους ειναι]
“To be non-fighters” (1 Timothy 3:3), originally “invincible.” Gentle (επιεικεις — epieikeis). See note on 1 Timothy 3:3. Meekness Πραοτητα — Praotēta See note on Colossians 3:12. [source]
Titus 3:2 Gentle [επιεικεις]
See note on 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Titus 3:2 No brawlers [ἀμάχους]
Better as Rev., not to be contentious. See on 1 Timothy 3:3. Pastonosupersub. [source]
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness [ἀφιλάργυρος ὁ τρόπος]
Τρόπος originally turn or direction. Hence ways manner, fashion; way or manner of life. In this sense N.T.oElsewhere often in the phrase ὅν τρόπον or καθ ' ὅν τρόπον inor according to the way in which. See Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34; Acts 1:11; Acts 15:11; Acts 27:25. The meaning here is character or moral disposition. Ἁφιλάργυρος withoutcovetousness, only here and 1 Timothy 3:3, see note. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 3:3 mean?

not given to wine a striker but gentle peaceable not loving money
μὴ πάροινον πλήκτην ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ ἄμαχον ἀφιλάργυρον

πάροινον  given  to  wine 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: πάροινος  
Sense: given to wine, drunken.
πλήκτην  a  striker 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: πλήκτης  
Sense: bruiser, ready for a blow.
ἐπιεικῆ  gentle 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπιεικής  
Sense: seemingly, suitable.
ἄμαχον  peaceable 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄμαχος  
Sense: not to be withstood, invincible.
ἀφιλάργυρον  not  loving  money 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀφιλάργυρος  
Sense: not loving money, not avaricious.