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1 Timothy 3

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 3 of 6

1 Faithful is the Word: If anyone reaches out to overseership, he desires a good work.

2 Therefore it is right for the overseer to be blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, well-ordered, hospitable, apt at teaching;

3 not given to wine, not a quarreler, not loving silver, but gentle, not contentious, not eager for ill gain;

4 ruling his own house well, having children in subjection with all honor.

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Chapter Summary

2 How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified. 15 Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught.

Key Greek Words

Πιστὸς believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly) G4103
μιᾶς a(-n, -ny, certain) G1520
καλῶς honestly, recover G2573
ἵνα albeit, because, to the intent (that) G2443
εἰς against, among, as G1519

People & Context

Qualifications for Overseers

Paul outlines that an overseer must be blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, hospitable, apt at teaching, not given to wine, gentle, ru…

Qualifications for Deacons

Deacons must be honorable, not double-tongued, not given to wine, holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience, and tested first. Their wives m…

The House of God and Mystery of Godliness

Paul writes so Timothy may know how to conduct oneself in the house of God, the assembly of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. The gr…

Timeline

Qualifications for Overseers

Paul outlines that an overseer must be blameless, husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, hospitable, apt at teaching, not given to wine, gentle, ruling his house well, not a novice, and having a good witness from outsiders.

1 Timothy 3:1-7
Qualifications for Deacons

Deacons must be honorable, not double-tongued, not given to wine, holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience, and tested first. Their wives must be reverent and faithful. Good service earns good standing and boldness in faith.

1 Timothy 3:8-13
The House of God and Mystery of Godliness

Paul writes so Timothy may know how to conduct oneself in the house of God, the assembly of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. The great mystery of godliness is confessed: God manifested in flesh, justified in Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:14-16

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