1 Timothy 3:7 kjv
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 nkjv
Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 niv
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
1 Timothy 3:7 esv
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
1 Timothy 3:7 nlt
Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
1 Timothy 3 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 3:6 | He must not be a new convert, lest he become puffed up with pride and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. | Qualities of Overseer |
| Galatians 1:6 | I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— | Danger of False Teachings |
| Titus 1:7 | For the overseer must be above reproach, as God’s steward—not given to debauchery, not a belligerent, not one who looks for sordid gain, but hospitable, loving the good, sensible, upright, devout, self-controlled, | Bishop's Qualifications |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. | Humility |
| Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. | Warning against Pride |
| Ephesians 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 human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. | Spiritual Maturity |
| Colossians 2:18 | Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and the worship of angels, or on visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind. | False Asceticism |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | Discipleship |
| James 3:1 | Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. | Teacher's Accountability |
| 1 Corinthians 10:12 | Therefore let him who thinks he stands take care that he does not fall. | Perseverance |
| Romans 12:3 | For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, of each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. | Humility in Body of Christ |
| Matthew 20:26 | but it is not so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, | Servant Leadership |
| John 13:14 | If then I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. | Example of Humility |
| Acts 15:36-41 | Paul and Barnabas separating due to dispute about John Mark. | Leadership Disputes |
| Hebrews 6:1 | Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, | Moving to Maturity |
| 1 Timothy 4:14 | Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. | Importance of Ordination |
| Titus 1:5 | This is why I left you in Crete, that you might set right what remains and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— | Church Planting |
| Acts 20:28-31 | Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian elders about protecting the flock. | Pastoral Care |
| 1 Corinthians 3:11 | For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. | Christ as Foundation |
| 1 Timothy 5:22 | Do not lay hands on someone hastily, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. | Prudent Ordination |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 7 Meaning
He must not be a recent convert to the faith, lest he become puffed up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil. This highlights the importance of maturity and spiritual grounding before assuming leadership responsibilities within the church, safeguarding against arrogance and spiritual downfall.
1 Timothy 3 7 Context
This verse is found within Paul's first letter to Timothy, specifically in chapter 3, which details the qualifications for overseers (or bishops) and deacons within the early church. The preceding verses (3:1-7) outline the character and conduct expected of an overseer, emphasizing moral integrity, leadership skills, and sound doctrine. This particular verse acts as a specific prohibition against appointing a new convert to such a significant leadership role. The historical context is the establishment and organization of churches in new territories, such as Ephesus where Timothy ministered. Paul is providing practical guidance to ensure strong, stable leadership that would not be susceptible to immaturity or external pressures, thereby protecting the church from division and false teaching.
1 Timothy 3 7 Word Analysis
- He: (Greek: dei) This is an impersonal verb, often translated as "it is necessary" or "one must." Here, it introduces a requirement or a standard.
- not: (Greek: mē) A particle used to negate a subjunctive verb, indicating prohibition.
- a new convert: (Greek: neōphyton) A compound word from neos (new) and phytos (planted). Literally, "newly planted." It refers to someone recently converted to Christianity.
- Significance: This highlights the need for a period of spiritual growth and testing before assuming leadership. The church needs seasoned individuals, not novices who may be easily swayed or lack understanding.
- lest: (Greek: hina mē) A conjunction introducing a negative purpose clause. It signifies the reason why someone should not be a new convert – to avoid a specific negative outcome.
- he become puffed up: (Greek: tuphōthē) From the root tuphoo, meaning to be conceited, arrogant, or inflated with pride. It implies an unhealthy and self-important swelling of the ego.
- Significance: Arrogance is seen as a dangerous trait for leadership, potentially leading to poor decisions and alienating others. It's the opposite of the humility Jesus exemplified.
- with pride: (Greek: tuphos) Related to tuphoo, signifying a haughty spirit, arrogance, or vanity.
- and fall into the condemnation: (Greek: kai pipesē eis ... krima) "Fall" (pipesē) suggests a stumble or a disastrous descent. "Condemnation" (krima) refers to a judgment or sentence of punishment.
- Significance: This connects pride to divine judgment and a falling away, mirroring the downfall of Satan himself. It’s a severe warning against spiritual pride that can lead to a fall from grace or authority.
- of the devil: (Greek: tou diabolou) Genitive case, indicating the source or owner of the condemnation, implying the same condemnation that befell Satan due to his pride and rebellion.
- Significance: This is a strong polemic, comparing the potential pride of an unqualified church leader to the original pride of Satan, the ultimate adversary. It serves as a stark warning about the devastating consequences of spiritual arrogance.
1 Timothy 3 7 Bonus Section
The prohibition against appointing a new convert to leadership is not about demeaning new believers, but about protecting the church and ensuring effective, stable leadership. It is akin to requiring a foundational education before undertaking advanced studies. This principle of maturity being a prerequisite for leadership is echoed in Old Testament passages concerning leaders, who were often seasoned individuals with established track records. The wisdom here is about responsible stewardship, entrusting vital roles only to those who have demonstrated the spiritual endurance and humble character necessary to bear the responsibility without succumbing to the temptations of pride that so easily ensnare those who gain prominence too quickly. The comparison to the devil's fall is a profound illustration of how swiftly even gifted individuals can be derailed by a proud spirit.
1 Timothy 3 7 Commentary
Paul lays down a crucial guideline for church leadership: a new convert is unsuitable for the role of overseer. The primary reason given is the danger of the individual becoming "puffed up with pride." This immaturity in faith can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, causing them to falter and incur the same judgment as the devil. Spiritual pride is a serious threat to both personal integrity and the health of the church. It breeds arrogance, an inability to learn, and can ultimately lead to a spiritual downfall. Therefore, a period of tested spiritual growth, discipleship, and established character is essential for those being considered for leadership within the Christian community. This ensures stability and guards against the destructive influence of conceit.