1 Timothy 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#2
δέ
G1161
(For
but, and, etc
#3
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἰδίου
G2398
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#6
οἴκου
G3624
house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#7
προστῆναι
G4291
to rule
to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
#8
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
οἶδεν
G1492
how
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#10
πῶς
G4459
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#11
ἐκκλησίας
G1577
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#12
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#13
ἐπιμελήσεται
G1959
shall he take care of
to care for (physically or otherwise)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to 1 Timothy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of 1 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection