King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 3:2 Mean?

1 Timothy 3:2 in the King James Version says “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt ...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

1 Timothy 3:2 · 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

4

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

Read 1 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A bishop then must be blameless (ἀνεπίλημπτον, anepilēmpton)—the overseer must be 'above reproach,' giving opponents no basis for accusation. Husband of one wife (μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα, mias gynaikos andra) literally 'a one-woman man'—emphasizing marital faithfulness, not necessarily excluding singles or widowers, but prohibiting polygamy and serial divorces.

Vigilant, sober, of good behaviour—Greek nēphalion (clear-headed, temperate), sōphrona (self-controlled, prudent), kosmion (orderly, respectable). The elder must demonstrate both internal discipline and external propriety.

Apt to teach (didaktikon) distinguishes the elder/overseer from the deacon—teaching ability is essential for shepherding God's flock in sound doctrine. This comprehensive list shows that character precedes competence in church leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote 1 Timothy circa AD 62-64 to his protégé Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus—a major city plagued by false teachers mixing Judaism, Greek philosophy, and proto-Gnosticism. The qualifications for episkopos (overseer/bishop) and diakonos (deacon) were essential to establish credible leadership in a morally corrupt, pagan environment where the church's reputation was constantly under scrutiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these elder qualifications challenges you most in your own character development?
  2. Why does Paul emphasize 'blameless' and 'good report' rather than mere doctrinal knowledge?
  3. How does 'one-woman man' (marital fidelity) relate to broader integrity in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
δεῖ1 of 14

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

οὖν2 of 14

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸν3 of 14
G3588

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

ἐπίσκοπον4 of 14

“A bishop”

G1985

a superintendent, i.e., christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)

ἀνεπίληπτον5 of 14

“blameless”

G423

not arrested, i.e., (by implication) inculpable

εἶναι6 of 14

“be”

G1511

to exist

μιᾶς7 of 14
G1520

one

γυναικὸς8 of 14

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἄνδρα9 of 14

“the husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

νηφάλεον10 of 14

“vigilant”

G3524

sober, i.e., (figuratively) circumspect

σώφρονα11 of 14

“sober”

G4998

safe (sound) in mind, i.e., self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion)

κόσμιον12 of 14

“of good behaviour”

G2887

orderly, i.e., decorous

φιλόξενον13 of 14

“given to hospitality”

G5382

fond of guests, i.e., hospitable

διδακτικόν14 of 14

“apt to teach”

G1317

instructive ("didactic")

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 3:2 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 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:6-92 Timothy 2:24Romans 12:131 Timothy 5:91 Timothy 3:10-111 Peter 4:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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