King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 3:6 Mean?

1 Timothy 3:6 in the King James Version says “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. a novice: or, one newly come t...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. a novice: or, one newly come to the faith”

1 Timothy 3:6 · KJV

Faith

Context

4

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

5

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. a novice: or, one newly come to the faith

7

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not a novice (μὴ νεόφυτον, mē neophyton)—literally 'not newly planted,' a recent convert. The danger: lest being lifted up with pride (τυφωθεὶς, typhōtheis)—'being puffed up with conceit,' from typhoō (to wrap in smoke, to cloud with pride). Rapid elevation to leadership can produce spiritual intoxication.

He fall into the condemnation of the devil—not Satan's condemnation of the proud elder, but the same judgment Satan himself received. The Greek τοῦ διαβόλου (tou diabolou) is a genitive—the elder would fall into the same condemnation that befell Lucifer through pride (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:17).

Pride is the original sin, the root of Satan's fall. New believers need time for character formation before public leadership. Spiritual maturity, not mere knowledge or gifting, qualifies one for oversight.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ephesian church faced the constant influx of new converts from paganism. Some were educated, wealthy, or socially prominent—natural candidates for leadership in Greco-Roman culture. Paul insists Christian leadership requires proven character over time. The church is not a meritocracy but a family where maturity develops through testing and discipleship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our culture's emphasis on youthful leadership conflict with Paul's 'not a novice' requirement?
  2. What specific dangers does rapid elevation to ministry create in a person's spiritual life?
  3. How long is enough time for a convert to mature before eldership consideration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μὴ1 of 10

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

νεόφυτον2 of 10

“a novice”

G3504

newly planted, i.e., (figuratively) a young convert ("neophyte")

ἵνα3 of 10
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ4 of 10

“Not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τυφωθεὶς5 of 10

“being lifted up with pride”

G5187

to envelop with smoke, i.e., (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit

εἰς6 of 10

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

κρίμα7 of 10

“the condemnation”

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

ἐμπέσῃ8 of 10

“he fall”

G1706

to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

διαβόλου10 of 10

“of the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 6:4Hebrews 5:12-131 Peter 2:21 Peter 5:52 Corinthians 12:7Isaiah 14:12-14

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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