1 Timothy 3:5
What does 1 Timothy 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:5 means
This parenthetical question drives the point home: failure in household management signals unfitness for church oversight. The church is “the church of God,” His precious flock, not a platform for experiments. To “take care” of the church implies tender, attentive shepherding—watchfulness, provision, and protection. If a man cannot cultivate respectful order among those who know him best, how will he handle the more complex, sensitive work of congregational care? The verse urges sober realism in selecting leaders: proven skill and faithfulness in the smaller sphere prepare a man for responsibility in the larger, sacred sphere.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
KJV
King James Version · 1611(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(For if a man has not the art of ruling his house, how will he take care of the church of God?)
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862(and if any one his own house <FI>how<Fi> to lead hath not known, how an assembly of God shall he take care of?)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(but if one does not know how to conduct his own house, how shall he take care of the assembly ofGod?)
Context
Verse 5 explains the logic behind verse 4. By comparing home leadership with church care, Paul sets a clear qualification that can be assessed by observable fruit. This ensures that oversight flows from demonstrated ability, not mere aspiration or charisma. With the family test clarified, Paul will add another safeguard in verse 6—spiritual maturity—so that new converts are not thrust into positions that their character cannot yet support.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 5:24
But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.
- 1 Timothy 3:15
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.
- Acts 20:28
Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
- 1 Samuel 3:13
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not.
- Ephesians 5:32
This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church.
- Ephesians 1:22
and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,
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