1 Timothy 3:4 kjv
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1 Timothy 3:4 nkjv
one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence
1 Timothy 3:4 niv
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
1 Timothy 3:4 esv
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
1 Timothy 3:4 nlt
He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
1 Timothy 3 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 3:5 | but if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? | Direct Consequence |
| Titus 1:6 | looking for a man blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or rebellion. | Qualification of children |
| Ephesians 6:1-4 | Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ... Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. | Parental responsibility |
| Proverbs 22:6 | Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. | Principle of child-training |
| Colossians 3:20 | Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. | Children's obedience |
| Proverbs 17:25 | A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. | Negative example of children |
| Titus 1:7 | For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain, | Steward analogy |
| Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, that he may command his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may give to Abraham what he has promised him. | Command household |
| Deuteronomy 6:6-7 | And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. | Diligent instruction of children |
| John 13:35 | By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. | demonstrating character to others |
| Matthew 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. | External testimony |
| 1 Corinthians 11:1 | Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. | leadership by example |
| Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. | Responsibility of leaders |
| 1 Peter 5:2-3 | shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. | Pastoral oversight |
| Psalm 101:2 | I will consider a righteous course. When will you come to me? I will walk in my house with an innocent heart. | integrity in the household |
| 2 Corinthians 12:14 | For this is the third time I am coming to you. And my speech and my proclamation are not with sophisticated words of wisdom, but with demonstration of the Spirit and power, | Demonstrating God's power |
| Romans 12:13 | contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality. | Hospitality |
| Galatians 6:10 | So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. | Good works within the church |
| 1 Timothy 5:8 | Whoever does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. | Provision for family |
| Philippians 2:15 | that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. | Christian testimony |
| Acts 16:15 | When she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” | Household baptism & faithfulness |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 4 Meaning
The verse highlights a crucial requirement for a church leader: the ability to manage his own household well. This management is demonstrated by his children being respectful and obedient, with his household orderly and well-disciplined. It emphasizes that a man's capacity to lead others in the church is directly linked to his ability to govern his own family.
1 Timothy 3 4 Context
This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Timothy (chapters 2-3) where Paul instructs Timothy on how to organize and lead the church in Ephesus. Specifically, chapter 3 focuses on the qualifications for church leaders, first for overseers (elders/bishops) and then for deacons. Verse 4 provides a key qualification for the overseer role, linking spiritual leadership within the church to the man's domestic leadership. The Ephesian church, like many early churches, faced challenges from false teachings and needed well-ordered and credible leadership. Paul's instructions ensured that those appointed to leadership roles possessed strong character, reflected in their personal lives and family management, before they were entrusted with the care of God's household.
1 Timothy 3 4 Word Analysis
εἴ τις (eí tis): "If anyone" or "Whoever." This introduces a conditional requirement. It sets a standard for qualification.
τὴν ἑαυτοῦ οἰκίαν (tēn heautou oikían): "his own household." This refers to his family, his domestic sphere.
- οἰκία (oikía): Primarily refers to a house or dwelling, but by extension includes the family and everyone living within it. It signifies the management and governance of one's home.
καλῶς (kalōs): "well" or "properly." This adverb describes the manner of managing the household. It implies competence, orderliness, and effectiveness.
προΐστημι (proístēmi): "to manage," "to rule," "to preside over," "to care for." This verb implies taking charge, providing leadership, and being responsible for the well-being and conduct of the household. It carries a sense of active oversight and stewardship.
τὰ ἑαυτοῦ (ta heautou): "his own." Emphasizes personal responsibility for his household.
ἔχῃ (echē): "has," "holds," "possesses." This indicates having the ability or status of managing his household well.
Alternatively, some manuscripts read οὐκ οἶδεν (ouk oîden) in the preceding verse or in parallel constructions for the requirement of a bishop, but the phrase in this verse consistently refers to managing one's own household. The requirement is to be one who manages his household well.
Group Analysis: The phrase "manage his own household well" (τὴν ἑαυτοῦ οἰκίαν καλῶς προΐστημι) is critical. It suggests a qualified man possesses practical, demonstrated competence in leadership within the most intimate and fundamental unit of society – the family. This competence is not merely theoretical but observable.
1 Timothy 3 4 Bonus Section
The ability to "manage" (προΐστημι - proistemi) implies not just ruling but also taking initiative, being a protector, and providing for. It suggests a proactive and responsible leadership within the domestic sphere. This attribute is often learned through practical experience and wisdom gained from upbringing and marital life. The early church, often meeting in homes, saw the domestic environment as intimately connected to the church's public witness, making family management a crucial, observable qualification for leadership. This is why children’s behavior in the household reflects upon the parent's ability to instill godly principles.
1 Timothy 3 4 Commentary
The requirement for a church leader to manage his own household well serves as a foundational proof of his character and gifting for ministry. His family life is the proving ground. If he cannot effectively lead, instruct, and provide for his own wife and children, ensuring a disciplined and respectful environment, then he is unfit to lead the broader spiritual family of the church. This isn't about perfect families but about responsible, godly leadership within the home. It means his household is characterized by order, obedience, and honor, reflecting his spiritual maturity and competence as a steward of God. This principle underscores the biblical view that public ministry is a consequence of private faithfulness.