1 Timothy 3 2

1 Timothy 3:2 kjv

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2 nkjv

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2 niv

Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2 esv

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2 nlt

So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.

1 Timothy 3 verses

1 Timothy 3 2 Meaning

The verse instructs that a bishop must be blameless, a husband of one wife. This means he must be without reproach, irreproachable in his character and conduct, and monogamous, married to only one woman.

1 Timothy 3 2 Context

This verse is part of 1 Timothy chapter 3, which outlines the qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons in the early church. The primary audience is Timothy, a young pastor, to whom Paul is giving instructions on church leadership and order. The historical context involves the establishment and growth of the early Christian church, necessitating clear standards for leadership to ensure doctrinal purity and practical function. The need for strong, exemplary leadership was paramount as Christianity was spreading and facing opposition.

1 Timothy 3 2 Word Analysis

• anepilēmpton (ἀνεπίλημπτον):
  • Meaning: Blameless, unimpeachable, beyond reproach, faultless.
  • Significance: This speaks to a life free from serious moral or ethical failings that would bring discredit upon oneself or the church. It implies an absence of significant accusations.
• gynaikos henos (γυναικὸς ἑνός):
  • gynaikos (γυναικός): Wife, woman.
  • henos (ἑνός): One, of one.
  • Meaning: Husband of one wife.
  • Significance: This phrase emphasizes monogamy. It speaks to marital fidelity and the expectation that church leaders would model the biblical standard of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. It may also imply that the wife should be a believer, though this is debated in exegesis.

1 Timothy 3 2 Bonus Section

The phrase "husband of one wife" is interpreted in various ways:

• Monogamy: The most common understanding, meaning a man should be married to only one woman throughout his life.
• Single Marriage: Some interpret it as not having been divorced and remarried.
• Wife Must Be a Believer: A less common, though argued, view is that the wife of the overseer must also be a believer, based on parallels in 1 Timothy and the emphasis on leadership’s suitability within the faith community. This is not universally accepted by scholars. The emphasis on a stable family life, as indicated in verses 4-5, underpins the reason for this qualification. A well-ordered home life demonstrates the potential for ordered church leadership.

1 Timothy 3 2 Commentary

The requirement for a bishop to be "blameless" points to an irreproachable character. This doesn't mean sinless perfection, but a life characterized by integrity and freedom from gross, unrepentant sin that would disqualify someone from leadership. The qualification "husband of one wife" stresses marital faithfulness and monogamy as a fundamental aspect of a leader's life, reflecting the New Testament's emphasis on the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage. This quality demonstrates a leader's ability to maintain commitment and order within his own household, which is a prerequisite for leading God's household, the church. It establishes a high standard for those entrusted with spiritual oversight.