Read the Bible — American Standard Version · 1 Timothy

1 Timothy 3

1 Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • This G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • a true G4103 (πιστός) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
  • saying G3056 (λόγος) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computa…
  • If G1487 (εἰ) — if, whether, that, etc.
  • a man G5100 (τὶς) — some or any person or object
  • desire G3713 (ὀρέγομαι) — to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for)
  • the office of a bishop G1984 (ἐπισκοπή) — inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian "episcopate"
  • he desireth G1937 (ἐπιθυμέω) — to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise)
  • a good G2570 (καλός) — properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from , w…
  • work G2041 (ἔργον) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

2 The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • A bishop G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • A bishop G1985 (ἐπίσκοπος) — a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)
  • then G3767 (οὖν) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
  • must G1163 (δεῖ) — also ; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
  • be G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • blameless G423 (ἀνεπίληπτος) — not arrested, i.e. (by implication) inculpable
  • the husband G435 (ἀνήρ) — a man (properly as an individual male)
  • of one G1520 (εἷς) — one
  • wife G1135 (γυνή) — a woman; specially, a wife
  • vigilant G3524 (νηφάλεος) — sober, i.e. (figuratively) circumspect
  • sober G4998 (σώφρων) — safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion)
  • of good behaviour G2887 (κόσμιος) — orderly, i.e. decorous
  • given to hospitality G5382 (φιλόξενος) — fond of guests, i.e. hospitable
  • apt to teach G1317 (διδακτικός) — instructive ("didactic")

3 no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Not G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • given to wine G3943 (πάροινος) — staying near wine, i.e. tippling (a toper)
  • no G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • striker G4131 (πλήκτης) — a smiter, i.e. pugnacious (quarrelsome)
  • greedy of filthy lucre G146 (αἰσχροκερδής) — sordid
  • but G235 (ἀλλά) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
  • patient G1933 (ἐπιεικής) — appropriate, i.e. (by implication) mild
  • not a brawler G269 (ἄμαχος) — peaceable
  • not covetous G866 (ἀφιλάργυρος) — unavaricious

4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • One that ruleth G4291 (προΐστημι) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
  • well G2573 (καλῶς) — well (usually morally)
  • his own G2398 (ἴδιος) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate
  • house G3624 (οἶκος) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
  • having G2192 (ἔχω) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
  • his children G5043 (τέκνον) — a child (as produced)
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • subjection G5292 (ὑποταγή) — subordination
  • with G3326 (μετά) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with wh…
  • all G3956 (πᾶς) — all, any, every, the whole
  • gravity G4587 (σεμνότης) — venerableness, i.e. probity

5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • For G1161 (δέ) — but, and, etc.
  • if G1487 (εἰ) — if, whether, that, etc.
  • a man G5100 (τὶς) — some or any person or object
  • know G1492 (εἴδω) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent and ; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the p…
  • not G3756 (οὐ) — the absolute negative (compare ) adverb; no or not
  • how G1492 (εἴδω) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent and ; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the p…
  • to rule G4291 (προΐστημι) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
  • his own G2398 (ἴδιος) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate
  • house G3624 (οἶκος) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
  • how G4459 (πῶς) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
  • shall he take care G1959 (ἐπιμελέομαι) — to care for (physically or otherwise)
  • of the Assembly G1577 (ἐκκλησία) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or sain…
  • of God G2316 (θεός) — a deity, especially (with ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • G2443 (ἵνα) — in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
  • Not G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • a novice G3504 (νεόφυτος) — newly planted, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert ("neophyte")
  • lest G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • being lifted up with pride G5187 (τυφόω) — to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit
  • he fall G1706 (ἐμπίπτω) — to fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
  • into G1519 (εἰς) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
  • the condemnation G2917 (κρίμα) — a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
  • of the devil G1228 (διάβολος) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare )

7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Moreover G1161 (δέ) — but, and, etc.
  • he G846 (αὐτός) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the compound ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
  • must G1163 (δεῖ) — also ; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
  • G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • have G2192 (ἔχω) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
  • a good G2570 (καλός) — properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from , w…
  • report G3141 (μαρτυρία) — evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
  • of G575 (ἀπό) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • them which are without G1855 (ἔξωθεν) — external(-ly)
  • lest G2443 (ἵνα) — in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
  • lest G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • he fall G1706 (ἐμπίπτω) — to fall on, i.e. (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
  • into G1519 (εἰς) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
  • reproach G3680 (ὀνειδισμός) — contumely
  • and G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • the snare G3803 (παγίς) — a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
  • of the devil G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • of the devil G1228 (διάβολος) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare )

8 Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Likewise G5615 (ὡσαύτως) — as thus, i.e. in the same way
  • the deacons G1249 (διάκονος) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deacone…
  • grave G4586 (σεμνός) — venerable, i.e. honorable
  • not G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • doubletongued G1351 (δίλογος) — equivocal, i.e. telling a different story
  • given to G4337 (προσέχω) — (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
  • much G4183 (πολύς) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
  • wine G3631 (οἶνος) — "wine" (literally or figuratively)
  • greedy of filthy lucre G146 (αἰσχροκερδής) — sordid

9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): 1 Timothy 1:5 · 1 Timothy 1:19 · 1 Timothy 3:16
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Holding G2192 (ἔχω) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
  • the mystery G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • the mystery G3466 (μυστήριον) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
  • of the faith G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • of the faith G4102 (πίστις) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salva…
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • a pure G2513 (καθαρός) — clean (literally or figuratively)
  • conscience G4893 (συνείδησις) — co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • And G1161 (δέ) — but, and, etc.
  • let G1381 (δοκιμάζω) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
  • these G3778 (οὗτος) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated)
  • also G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • first G4412 (πρῶτον) — firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)
  • be proved G1381 (δοκιμάζω) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
  • then G1534 (εἶτα) — a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
  • let them use the office of a deacon G1247 (διακονέω) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon
  • being G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • blameless G410 (ἀνέγκλητος) — unaccused, i.e. (by implication) irreproachable

11 Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • Even so G5615 (ὡσαύτως) — as thus, i.e. in the same way
  • wives G1135 (γυνή) — a woman; specially, a wife
  • grave G4586 (σεμνός) — venerable, i.e. honorable
  • not G3361 (μή) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas expects an affirmative one)) whether
  • slanderers G1228 (διάβολος) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare )
  • sober G3542 (νομή) — pasture, i.e. (the act) feeding (figuratively, spreading of a gangrene), or (the food) pasturage
  • faithful G4103 (πιστός) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • all things G3956 (πᾶς) — all, any, every, the whole

12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

Cross references & Strong's
Cross references (TSK): Philippians 1:1 · 1 Timothy 3:2 · 1 Timothy 3:4 · 1 Timothy 3:8
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • Let G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • the deacons G1249 (διάκονος) — an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deacone…
  • be G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • the husbands G435 (ἀνήρ) — a man (properly as an individual male)
  • of one G1520 (εἷς) — one
  • wife G1135 (γυνή) — a woman; specially, a wife
  • ruling G4291 (προΐστημι) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
  • their children G5043 (τέκνον) — a child (as produced)
  • and G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • their own G2398 (ἴδιος) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate
  • houses G3624 (οἶκος) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
  • well G2573 (καλῶς) — well (usually morally)

13 For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • For G1063 (γάρ) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
  • they that have used the office of a deacon G1247 (διακονέω) — to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon
  • well G2573 (καλῶς) — well (usually morally)
  • purchase G4046 (περιποιέομαι) — to make around oneself, i.e. acquire (buy)
  • to themselves G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.
  • a good G2570 (καλός) — properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from , w…
  • degree G898 (βαθμός) — a step, i.e. (figuratively) grade (of dignity)
  • and G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • great G4183 (πολύς) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
  • boldness G3954 (παῤῥησία) — all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • the faith G4102 (πίστις) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salva…
  • which is G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • Christ G5547 (Χριστός) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
  • Jesus G2424 (Ἰησοῦς) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites

14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly;

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • These things G3778 (οὗτος) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated)
  • write I G1125 (γράφω) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
  • unto thee G4771 (σύ) — thou
  • hoping G1679 (ἐλπίζω) — to expect or confide
  • to come G2064 (ἔρχομαι) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
  • unto G4314 (πρός) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near…
  • thee G4771 (σύ) — thou
  • shortly G5032 (τάχιον) — more swiftly, i.e. (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily

15 but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • But G1161 (δέ) — but, and, etc.
  • if G1437 (ἐάν) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
  • I tarry long G1019 (βραδύνω) — to delay
  • that G2443 (ἵνα) — in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
  • thou mayest know G1492 (εἴδω) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent and ; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the p…
  • how G4459 (πῶς) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
  • thou oughtest G1163 (δεῖ) — also ; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
  • to behave thyself G390 (ἀναστρέφω) — to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. remain, live
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • the house G3624 (οἶκος) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
  • of God G2316 (θεός) — a deity, especially (with ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
  • which G3748 (ὅστις) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same
  • is G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • the Assembly G1577 (ἐκκλησία) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or sain…
  • of the living G2198 (ζάω) — to live (literally or figuratively)
  • God G2316 (θεός) — a deity, especially (with ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
  • the pillar G4769 (στῦλος) — a post ("style"), i.e. (figuratively) support
  • and G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • ground G1477 (ἑδραίωμα) — a support, i.e. (figuratively) basis
  • of the truth G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • of the truth G225 (ἀλήθεια) — truth

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Cross references & Strong's
Strong's numbers (from RLT):
  • G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • And G2532 (καί) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
  • without controversy G3672 (ὁμολογουμένως) — confessedly
  • great G3173 (μέγας) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
  • is G1510 (εἰμί) — I exist (used only when emphatic)
  • the mystery G3466 (μυστήριον) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
  • of godliness G3588 (ὁ) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
  • of godliness G2150 (εὐσέβεια) — piety; specially, the gospel scheme
  • God G2316 (θεός) — a deity, especially (with ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
  • was manifest G5319 (φανερόω) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
  • in G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • the flesh G4561 (σάρξ) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the sy…
  • justified G1344 (δικαιόω) — to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent
  • the Spirit G4151 (πνεῦμα) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, men…
  • seen G3708 (ὁράω) — by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
  • of angels G32 (ἄγγελος) — compare ) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
  • preached G2784 (κηρύσσω) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
  • unto G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • the Gentiles G1484 (ἔθνος) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
  • believed on G4100 (πιστεύω) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)
  • the world G2889 (κόσμος) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
  • received up G353 (ἀναλαμβάνω) — to take up
  • into G1722 (ἐν) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
  • glory G1391 (δόξα) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)