King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 3:1 Mean?

1 Timothy 3:1 in the King James Version says “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”

1 Timothy 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; of good: or, modest

3

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; given: or, ready to quarrel, and offer wrong, as one in wine

Read 1 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. Paul introduces the second "faithful saying" in the Pastorals, affirming that aspiring to church leadership is noble. "If a man desire" (ei tis oregetai, εἴ τις ὀρέγεται) suggests legitimate aspiration, not mere ambition. "The office of a bishop" (episkopēs, ἐπισκοπῆς) literally means "oversight"—the role of overseeing, shepherding, and leading the church. "Bishop" (episkopos) and "elder" (presbyteros) refer to the same office in the New Testament, used interchangeably.

"He desireth a good work" (kalou ergou epithymei, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ) describes leadership as "work"—active service requiring effort, not merely honorific position. "Good" (kalos, καλός) means noble, excellent, beautiful—leading Christ's church is glorious labor. This positive affirmation counters potential hesitation: aspiring to spiritual leadership, when properly motivated and qualified, is commendable.

However, the qualifications Paul lists (vv. 2-7) demonstrate that desire alone doesn't qualify someone for leadership. Godly aspiration must be matched by biblical qualifications, congregational recognition, and divine calling. The church needs leaders; noble aspiration to serve in leadership is good; but only those meeting rigorous biblical standards should be appointed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The emerging church needed organized leadership to maintain doctrinal purity and practical order. While charismatic leadership (apostles, prophets) had guided the earliest churches, settled pastoral oversight became necessary as apostles died and churches matured. The offices of elder/bishop and deacon provided this ongoing leadership structure.

"Bishop" (episkopos) was used in Greco-Roman culture for civic officials who supervised public affairs. Paul adapts this term for church leaders who oversee congregations. The qualification list that follows would have been recognizable to ancient readers as similar to requirements for civic officials, though with distinctly Christian content—moral character and spiritual maturity matter more than social status or rhetorical skill.

Timothy's task in Ephesus included appointing qualified elders to counter false teaching and lead the church faithfully. Paul's affirmation that aspiring to this office is good encouraged qualified men to pursue it while the subsequent qualifications ensured only those truly prepared would be appointed. The balance between encouraging aspiration and maintaining standards remains relevant for churches today.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church identify, encourage, and prepare men who demonstrate calling and gifting for eldership?
  2. What motivations drive your own ministry aspirations—godly desire to serve or ungodly ambition for recognition?
  3. In what ways do you view church leadership as demanding work requiring divine enabling rather than honorific position?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
πιστὸς1 of 10

“This is a true”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ2 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος3 of 10

“saying”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

Εἴ4 of 10
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις5 of 10
G5100

some or any person or object

ἐπισκοπῆς6 of 10

“the office of a bishop”

G1984

inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the christian "episcopate"

ὀρέγεται7 of 10

“desire”

G3713

to stretch oneself, i.e., reach out after (long for)

καλοῦ8 of 10

“a good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἔργου9 of 10

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἐπιθυμεῖ10 of 10

“he desireth”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:7Acts 20:281 Peter 5:21 Peter 2:251 Timothy 1:15James 5:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Timothy 3 with CommentaryAll 1 Timothy ChaptersComplete 1 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes