1 Timothy 3:2
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
1 of 14
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπίσκοπον
A bishop
G1985
ἐπίσκοπον
A bishop
Strong's:
G1985
Word #:
4 of 14
a superintendent, i.e., christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively)
ἀνεπίληπτον
blameless
G423
ἀνεπίληπτον
blameless
Strong's:
G423
Word #:
5 of 14
not arrested, i.e., (by implication) inculpable
σώφρονα
sober
G4998
σώφρονα
sober
Strong's:
G4998
Word #:
11 of 14
safe (sound) in mind, i.e., self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion)
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.1 Timothy 5:9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:1 Peter 4:9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.Hebrews 13:2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;1 Timothy 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.Titus 2:2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 1 Timothy was written around 62-64 CE from Macedonia to Timothy pastoring in Ephesus.
Occasion: Providing pastoral instructions. These 'Pastoral Epistles' provided guidance for church leadership and organization. False teachers threatened sound doctrine, requiring strong, qualified leadership.
First-century believers lived in a pluralistic, pagan society with many parallels to today. Social structures, economic pressures, and religious confusion all challenged Christian witness. Paul's instructions addressed both timeless theological truths and specific cultural situations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 1 Timothy 3:2 deepen my understanding of the gospel and God's character?
- What specific action or attitude change does this verse call me to make this week?
- How does this passage point to Christ and His redemptive work?
Analysis & Commentary
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Paul provides pastoral instruction for church leadership and sound doctrine. This verse contributes to Paul's overall purpose in 1 Timothy: Instruct in church leadership and sound doctrine. The key themes of church order, leadership qualifications, false teaching are evident in this passage.