1 Timothy 3:6 kjv
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 nkjv
not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 niv
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 esv
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:6 nlt
A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
1 Timothy 3 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 3:3 | ...not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. | Qualification for bishop |
| 1 Tim 3:6 | He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. | Warning against pride |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Principle of pride's danger |
| Prov 18:12 | Before destruction, a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. | Humility leads to honor |
| Isa 14:13-14 | You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” | Satan's pride and fall |
| Luke 10:18 | ...I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. | Jesus' perspective on Satan's fall |
| 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. | Sources of worldly temptation |
| 2 Cor 10:17 | Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. | True boasting in the Lord |
| 2 Tim 2:24 | And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, | Instruction on Christian conduct |
| Titus 1:7 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. | Overseer's responsibility |
| Titus 1:9 | ...holding fast to the faithful word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction by sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. | Bishop's teaching duty |
| Heb 12:15 | See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God, that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled, | Warning against bitterness |
| Jas 4:6 | But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” | God's stance on pride and humility |
| 1 Pet 5:5 | Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” | Humility in church relations |
| 1 Tim 5:15 | ...for some have already turned away to follow Satan. | Danger of straying |
| Matt 26:33 | Peter said to him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” | Peter's overconfidence and subsequent fall |
| 1 Cor 10:12 | Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. | Warning against overconfidence |
| Gal 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. | Gentle restoration and self-examination |
| Eph 4:14 | So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. | Maturity in faith |
| 1 Tim 4:16 | Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching. Persevere in them, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers. | Importance of self-care and teaching |
| 2 Tim 4:5 | As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. | Call to sobriety and ministry fulfillment |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 6 Meaning
A newly converted person should not be appointed as a bishop. The reason is that pride may cause them to fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
1 Timothy 3 6 Context
In 1 Timothy chapter 3, Paul outlines the qualifications for bishops (or overseers) in the early church. This specific verse addresses the requirement that a bishop must not be a new convert. The context emphasizes the need for mature, stable, and experienced individuals to lead and teach. This is crucial for safeguarding the church from false doctrines and internal disorder, especially in a time when the church was establishing its structure and leadership.
Historically, the early church faced internal challenges and external pressures. New converts, while zealous, might lack the spiritual discernment and steadfastness to withstand opposition or subtle errors. The temptation for pride, a characteristic associated with the fall of Satan, is a particular concern for those newly experiencing leadership or spiritual authority.
1 Timothy 3 6 Word analysis
- neophyte (Greek: neophytos)
- Literally: "newly planted."
- Meaning: A beginner or novice in a religion or religious order. In this context, it refers to someone recently converted to Christianity.
- Significance: Implies a lack of established spiritual grounding and maturity.
- puffed up (Greek: typhotheis)
- Literally: "smoked up" or "made proud/haughty."
- Meaning: To become conceited, arrogant, or inflated with pride.
- Origin: Derives from typhos, meaning smoke, vapor, or arrogance.
- Significance: Directly links spiritual pride to a detrimental mental state, leading to downfall.
- judgment (Greek: krima)
- Literally: condemnation, a sentence of punishment, or an adverse judgment.
- Meaning: The same condemnation or judgment that befell the devil.
- Significance: Points to a severe and spiritual downfall, drawing a parallel with Satan's rebellion.
- the devil (Greek: ho diabolos)
- Literally: "the accuser" or "the slanderer."
- Meaning: Satan, the adversary of God and humanity.
- Origin: Refers to Satan's nature as an accuser and his original rebellion against God.
- Significance: The fall of the devil is a primary example of how pride leads to ruin.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "He must not be a recent convert": This is a directive against appointing those newly joined to the faith. It highlights the need for established Christian character and understanding before leadership roles.
- "or he may become puffed up with conceit": This presents the specific danger for new converts: spiritual pride. The transition into new responsibilities or attention can foster arrogance if not properly rooted.
- "and fall into the condemnation of the devil": This links the pride of a new convert to the ultimate fall of Satan, implying a spiritual downfall that carries severe consequences. It warns against the insidious nature of pride that can manifest even in those professing faith.
1 Timothy 3 6 Bonus section
The principle here is about the necessity of spiritual maturity and stability in leadership. Just as an unstable foundation cannot support a strong building, a new believer, however sincere, may not possess the deep-rooted faith and tested character required for effective spiritual leadership. The danger of "pride" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, directly linked to spiritual ruin (Proverbs 16:18). The specific comparison to "the devil" emphasizes that this is not a minor failing but a fundamental character flaw that can lead to utter spiritual disaster. The analogy to Satan's fall, from Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, highlights the profound danger of exalting oneself. The verse implicitly argues for the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in forming character over time, not just igniting passion. It also speaks to the discernment needed in church governance to protect the integrity and stability of the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 3 6 Commentary
This verse serves as a vital cautionary note regarding leadership selection in the church. A spiritual leader requires tested character and a humility that can only be cultivated over time through spiritual growth and trial. Untested zeal, when coupled with sudden prominence, can easily inflate the ego, making the individual susceptible to the very arrogance that led to Satan's expulsion from heaven. Therefore, maturity and proven faithfulness are paramount for those who will shepherd the flock, ensuring they are not themselves vulnerable to the same spiritual dangers they are called to guard others against.
- Practical Usage: Churches should implement a period of apprenticeship or service for aspiring leaders, allowing time for character development and discernment rather than immediate promotion. Spiritual mentors are crucial for new believers to guard against pride and immaturity.