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
1How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified; 14and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things 15Of 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]
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]
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 12:9Abhor [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 5:11If 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 5:11Or 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 11:20Smite 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 4:5Your 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 3:8Grave [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 3:8Not 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]
Titus 1:7Not 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 1:11Overthrow [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 1:11For 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 1:7As 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 3:2Not 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]
Hebrews 13:5Let 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?
notgiven to winea strikerbutgentlepeaceablenot loving money
Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:3
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]
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]
See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. [source]
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]
Late word In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
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]
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]
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]
Omit. [source]
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]
Better, not contentious. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 3:3
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]
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]
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]
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]
“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]
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]
“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]
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]
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]
“Not greedy of shameful gain.” Used of deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8, aphilarguron used of elders in 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
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]
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]
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]
“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]
See note on 1 Timothy 3:3. [source]
Better as Rev., not to be contentious. See on 1 Timothy 3:3. Pastonosupersub. [source]
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]