1 Timothy 3:1
What does 1 Timothy 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:1 means
Paul affirms a trustworthy maxim: when a man desires the office of a bishop, he is reaching for a worthy task. The emphasis falls on work, not status. Oversight in Christ’s church is labor—shepherding people, guarding sound doctrine, and modeling godliness. Ambition for prominence is dangerous, but aspiration to serve God’s people well is commendable. This verse dignifies the role without glamorizing it. It also implies that leadership begins with a God‑given desire shaped by responsibility and service. The church should neither discourage holy aspiration nor confuse it with self‑promotion. The office is noble because the work itself is good and necessary for the church’s health.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is a true saying, A man desiring the position of a Bishop has a desire for a good work.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Stedfast <FI>is<Fi> the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A faithful saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth good work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The word [is] faithful: if any one aspires to exercise oversight, he desires a good work.
Context
Having addressed public worship and order in chapter 2, Paul now turns to leadership offices. Verse 1 opens the section by stating that the overseer’s role is a good work, preparing readers to see why strict qualifications follow. What comes next (verses 2–7) details the character and competencies required for bishops. Then Paul will give parallel requirements for deacons (verses 8–13). This opening line frames all that follows: the standards are high because the work is both honorable and demanding.
v.1This passage
v.2The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.
- 1 Peter 2:25
For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
- 1 Timothy 4:9
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.
- Acts 1:20
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and, His office let another take.
- James 5:19
My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;
- Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lestthere beany man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;
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