1 Timothy 3 3

1 Timothy 3:3 kjv

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

1 Timothy 3:3 nkjv

not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

1 Timothy 3:3 niv

not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:3 esv

not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:3 nlt

He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

1 Timothy 3 verses

1 Timothy 3 3 Meaning

This verse outlines a key qualification for church leadership: the overseer must not be argumentative, but rather gentle, and not a lover of money. These characteristics are essential for someone who will shepherd and guide the flock of God.

1 Timothy 3 3 Context

This verse is part of Paul's instruction to Timothy regarding the qualifications for bishops (overseers) in the church at Ephesus. The letter addresses how to conduct oneself in the church, particularly concerning church leadership and the challenges of false teachings. Chapter 3 specifically details the character and conduct expected of those who would hold positions of oversight within the Christian community.

1 Timothy 3 3 Word analysis

• Epi (ἐπί): Greek preposition. "Upon," "over," "concerning." Indicates a relationship of authority or responsibility.
• Dei (δεῖ): Greek verb. "It is necessary," "one ought." Highlights a required qualification, not optional.
• to (τὸ): Greek article. "The." Refers to a specific quality.
• paroinon (πάροινoν): Greek adjective. Derived from "paroinos" (παραoinos).
  • Para (παρά): "Beside," "alongside."
  • Oinos (οἶνος): "Wine."
  • Literally: "Beside wine," or "having drunk wine." Figuratively: "given to wine," "drunk." The word signifies excessive or habitual drinking, indicating a lack of self-control and a potential impediment to sound judgment and leadership.
• Mē (μή): Greek negative particle. "Not."
• Maxalon (μάχαλον): Greek adjective. Derived from "machē" (μάχη), "fight," "strife," "quarrel." It describes someone who is contentious, quarrelsome, easily provoked to dispute or argument. It implies a readiness for conflict, an unpeaceable spirit.
• Apēlon (ἀπέλον): Greek adjective. Derived from "apelos" (ἀπελος), meaning "not fighting," "not contentious," "peaceable." It presents the opposite characteristic to "maxalon." A peaceable person avoids strife and promotes harmony.
• Asilos (ἄσιλος): Greek adjective. Derived from "a-" (privative prefix) and "silon" (σίλος), possibly referring to "love of silver," "greed," or "avarice."
  • A literal translation points to "not lovers of money."
  • The core meaning is a disposition of covetousness or greed for material wealth.
• phaulon (φαῦλον): Greek adjective. "Bad," "vile," "worthless," "trifling," "low-minded." When applied to money, it implies not just the love of it, but a grasping, petty, or low standard in handling or desiring it, perhaps linked to unscrupulous gain.

Words group by words group analysis:

• "Mē maxalon": Not quarrelsome. This stresses the need for a leader to possess a peaceful, non-contentious nature, avoiding unnecessary disputes and fostering unity.
• "Apēlon": Peaceable. This reinforces the previous point, highlighting the positive quality of being inclined towards peace and tranquility, rather than conflict.
• "Asilos phaulon": Not lovers of money. This phrase points to a lack of covetousness or greedy attachment to wealth. It signifies a generous spirit, not easily swayed by material gain, and perhaps a contentment with what one has, rather than a constant pursuit of more. The addition of "phaulon" suggests a character free from the base, selfish desire for money that can corrupt and lead to dishonest practices.

1 Timothy 3 3 Bonus section

The triad of negative qualities—given to wine, quarrelsome, and a lover of money—reveals that Paul is addressing potential moral and character flaws that disqualify individuals from responsible leadership in the church. These are not minor peccadillos but represent a lack of self-control and an unhealthy focus on worldly things, both sensual (wine) and material (money), as well as a detrimental interpersonal tendency (quarrelsomeness). The emphasis on "gentle" and "peaceable" serves as a counterpoint, highlighting the character qualities necessary for a shepherd to care for and guide the flock effectively. This verse sets a high bar for leadership, underscoring that spiritual authority demands not just theological correctness but a transformed life, characterized by meekness, humility, and detachment from selfish desires.

1 Timothy 3 3 Commentary

The qualification that an overseer should not be quarrelsome or greedy addresses two critical areas that can undermine a leader's effectiveness and the health of the church. A quarrelsome spirit breeds division and unrest, hindering fellowship and spiritual growth. A leader consumed by the love of money, or simply preoccupied with it, is susceptible to manipulation, can lack generosity, and may prioritize worldly success over spiritual stewardship. The emphasis on gentleness and peaceableness suggests a leader who can navigate disagreements with wisdom and compassion, rather than escalating them. The prohibition against the love of money points to a selfless servant who is content with their provisions and is not driven by personal accumulation. This detachment from wealth enables a focus on ministry and the needs of the flock.