1 Timothy 3:4
What does 1 Timothy 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:4 means
The overseer’s leadership is tested first at home. He must “rule” his household well—not with harshness, but with steady, dignified care. His children should respond with respectful obedience, reflecting a pattern of wise instruction and consistent discipline. Gravity here means seriousness fitting for holy things; the family atmosphere is orderly and honorable. A man who nurtures, guides, and corrects in love at home is demonstrating the same capacities needed in the church. Domestic faithfulness reveals whether he can balance authority with tenderness, instruction with patience, and correction with example—qualities essential to shepherding God’s people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
KJV
King James Version · 1611One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Ruling his house well, having his children under control with all serious behaviour;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862his own house leading well, having children in subjection with all gravity,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890conducting his own house well, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity;
Context
Paul moves from general virtues to the concrete arena of family life. Verse 4 insists that leadership credibility begins in the household, where character cannot be staged. The requirement is not perfection but observable, respectful order. Verse 5 will underline why this matters by arguing from the lesser to the greater: if a man cannot manage his home, he is unfit to care for God’s church. This sets a practical, verifiable standard for appointments.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 10:2
a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
- Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- 1 Timothy 3:12
Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
- Titus 2:2
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
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