1 Timothy 3:7
What does 1 Timothy 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:7 means
An overseer must carry a good reputation with those outside the church. Outsiders’ honest assessments matter because the gospel’s credibility is bound up with its messengers. A man with a pattern of dishonesty, scandal, or contentiousness invites reproach, creating a snare in which the devil can entangle him and disgrace the ministry. Conversely, fair‑minded respect from the community—earned through integrity, reliability, and kindness—fortifies the church’s witness. Leaders must be men whose lives commend the message they preach, so that slander finds no foothold and the adversary gains no easy advantage.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he is to have a good name among those outside the church, so that nothing may be said against him and he may not be taken by the designs of the Evil One.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and it behoveth him also to have a good testimony from those without, that he may not fall into reproach and a snare of the devil.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Moreover, he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But it is necessary that he should have also a good testimony from those without, that he may fall not into reproach and [the] snare of the devil.
Context
With verse 7, Paul completes the overseer qualifications by looking beyond the congregation. The leader’s life must stand scrutiny in the broader community to protect the church from avoidable reproach. Having set the standards for bishops (verses 1–7), Paul now turns to deacons (verses 8–13), who, though not required to teach, must display similar virtues because their service visibly represents Christ and supports the church’s ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 4:14
If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.
- Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
- Acts 6:3
Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;
- 2 Corinthians 8:21
for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
- Mark 4:11
And he said unto them, Unto you is given the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all things are done in parables:
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