1 Timothy 3:2
What does 1 Timothy 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:2 means
Because the role is noble, the bishop must be above reproach—no obvious charge should stick. “Husband of one wife” calls for marital faithfulness and sexual integrity. Temperate and sober‑minded describe a disciplined, balanced judgment that resists extremes. Orderly points to a life that is respectable and well‑arranged. Hospitality shows a welcoming home and heart, opening one’s life to others. “Apt to teach” means the overseer can instruct, correct, and guard the flock with Scripture. Character and competency meet here: leaders must live what they teach and teach what they live, so that truth is both explained and embodied before the congregation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
KJV
King James Version · 1611A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862it behoveth, therefore, the overseer to be blameless, of one wife a husband, vigilant, sober, decent, a friend of strangers, apt to teach,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The overseer then must be irreproachable, husband of one wife, sober, discreet, decorous, hospitable, apt to teach;
Context
Following the commendation of the office, Paul immediately lists positive qualities that must mark an overseer. Verse 2 stresses the inner life, the home, and the public posture of a leader, and uniquely adds the ability to teach—essential for guarding doctrine. The next verse will balance these with prohibitions, clarifying what must be absent from a bishop’s life. Together, these verses define pastoral leadership as more than giftedness; it is tested godliness joined to skill in teaching.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:6
if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
- Hebrews 3:14
for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:
- Hebrews 13:2
Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- Romans 12:13
communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.
- 1 Timothy 4:3
forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
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