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

1 Timothy 3:3 describes specific negative traits an overseer (elder) must avoid and positive qualities they must possess, building upon the requirement of being "blameless." It emphasizes that a leader must be free from any form of addiction (like drunkenness), aggression, or greed. Instead, they must embody gentleness, peaceability, and contentment, reflecting a character that prioritizes spiritual over material gain and promotes harmony rather than conflict within the church and beyond. These qualities are crucial for maintaining a reputation "above reproach" and effectively shepherding God's flock.

1 Timothy 3 3 Context

1 Timothy 3:3 is part of Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the qualifications for church leadership, specifically for overseers (elders). Chapters 2 and 3 focus on proper conduct and order in the church, with a significant emphasis on the character and integrity of those entrusted with leadership roles. Following the overarching requirement in 1 Timothy 3:2 for an overseer to be "above reproach," verse 3 specifies particular virtues and vices that directly impact a leader's reputation, their ability to lead effectively, and the credibility of their ministry. These characteristics are not merely suggestions but foundational requirements, underscoring the serious nature of the office. The qualities listed reflect a deep commitment to Christian ethics, designed to distinguish spiritual leaders from the corrupt or compromised figures sometimes found in broader Greco-Roman society and among the false teachers Timothy was confronting in Ephesus.

1 Timothy 3 3 Word analysis

• μὴ πάροινον (mē paroinon) - "not given to wine":
  • mē: The negative particle emphasizes a strong prohibition or absence.
  • paroinos: Derived from para (beside) and oinos (wine), this term denotes someone prone to drunkenness or habitual excess, which often leads to rowdy, abusive, or uncontrolled behavior. It's not a ban on wine consumption per se (1 Tim 5:23 supports moderate use), but against abuse and the loss of self-control associated with it. An elder must exhibit sober judgment and dignity.
• μὴ πλήκτην (mē plēktēn) - "no striker":
  • plēktēs: Means a striker, brawler, or one prone to physical violence. It can also imply someone argumentative or prone to verbal aggression, quarrelsome in temper. An elder must be peace-loving, not one who uses force, threats, or intimidation, whether physical or verbal.
• μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ (mē aiskhrokerdē) - "not greedy of filthy lucre":
  • aiskhrokerdēs: Literally "shamefully greedy for gain" or "eager for base/disreputable profit." It refers to someone who seeks financial profit through dishonorable or exploitative means, or who allows the pursuit of money to compromise their ethics and integrity. This includes using their position for personal financial enrichment or taking advantage of others.
• ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ (alla epieikē) - "but patient" / "gentle":
  • alla: This conjunction strongly contrasts the preceding negative traits, introducing a positive virtue.
  • epieikēs: Means gentle, fair, reasonable, forbearing, moderate, yielding. It describes someone who does not insist on their full rights or the letter of the law but shows leniency, understanding, and kindness. It's the opposite of being a "striker" or rigid.
• ἀμάχον (amakhon) - "not a brawler" / "not quarrelsome":
  • amakhos: Formed from the negation a- and mache (a fight/quarrel), meaning not combative, peaceable, non-contentious. This refers to someone who avoids arguments, verbal disputes, and conflict, aligning with a gentle spirit. It reinforces epieikēs.
• ἀφιλάργυρον (aphilargyron) - "not covetous" / "not a lover of money":
  • aphilargyros: Composed of a- (negation), philos (loving), and arguros (silver/money). Thus, "not a lover of money," or free from covetousness/greed. This goes deeper than avoiding "filthy lucre" to addressing the heart's disposition towards money itself – a desire for contentment over wealth accumulation, crucial for unbiased ministry.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ" (not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre): This initial set of three negative qualifications addresses key areas of public and personal conduct that could bring scandal or discredit to an elder and the church. They pertain to self-control (drink), temper/interpersonal relations (striker), and financial integrity (greedy of filthy lucre). These vices are particularly dangerous for leaders as they undermine trust and the moral authority necessary for ministry.
• "ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἀμάχον, ἀφιλάργυρον" (but patient/gentle, not a brawler/quarrelsome, not covetous/a lover of money): Following a strong "but" (alla), this group presents positive attributes or the absence of negative dispositions that counter the preceding vices. "Gentle" and "not quarrelsome" provide the opposite character to a "striker," highlighting a disposition towards peace and reasonableness. "Not a lover of money" extends and reinforces "not greedy of filthy lucre," focusing on the internal attitude rather than just illicit gains. These qualities paint a picture of a leader whose character is stable, peace-loving, and inwardly content, modeling true Christian devotion.

1 Timothy 3 3 Bonus section

The strong, repetitive use of the negative particle mē (not) for several characteristics underscores the non-negotiable nature of these disqualifications. These are not minor imperfections but fundamental character flaws that preclude effective and credible leadership. While these virtues are desirable for all believers, they are presented here as critical requirements for church oversight, establishing a high moral and spiritual standard for those in authority. These qualifications guard not only against individual moral failings but also against public scandal that could damage the witness of the church in a non-Christian world. The connection to 1 Tim 3:2 ("above reproach") is profound; the specific prohibitions and exhortations in verse 3 serve as concrete examples of what it means to live a life that stands firm against accusations and leads with integrity.

1 Timothy 3 3 Commentary

1 Timothy 3:3 delves deeper into the practical outworking of an overseer's "blameless" character, moving beyond the marital and familial aspects. Paul prohibits behaviors that stem from a lack of self-control (drunkenness), unchecked anger or aggression (being a striker/brawler), and ungodly motives related to money (greed/covetousness). These are not merely ethical guidelines but essential for anyone seeking to model Christ's leadership. The instruction to be "gentle" serves as a direct antidote to pugnacity, emphasizing compassion and patience in dealings with others, crucial for resolving disputes and pastoring diverse personalities within the church. The repeated emphasis on avoiding the love of money reflects a core danger to spiritual leadership, as covetousness compromises integrity and can lead to exploitation. Ultimately, this verse underscores that an elder's influence flows from a character rooted in Christ-like virtues, demonstrating both spiritual maturity and practical wisdom for the health and reputation of the body of Christ.

• Example 1: An elder refusing an exorbitant salary or avoiding business dealings with church members where there could be a conflict of interest, demonstrating they are not "greedy of filthy lucre."
• Example 2: A leader calmly addressing a disruptive congregant or church dispute with gentle words and a conciliatory spirit, rather than yelling or reacting with aggression, showing they are "gentle" and "not a brawler."