1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Original Language Analysis
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
1 of 19
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλὴν
a good
G2570
καλὴν
a good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔχειν
have
G2192
ἔχειν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐμπέσῃ
he fall
G1706
ἐμπέσῃ
he fall
Strong's:
G1706
Word #:
15 of 19
to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παγίδα
the snare
G3803
παγίδα
the snare
Strong's:
G3803
Word #:
17 of 19
a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:21Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.2 Timothy 2:26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.1 Timothy 6:9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.Acts 6:3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.1 Corinthians 10:32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:1 Thessalonians 4:12That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Historical Context
Ephesus was a cosmopolitan port city where Christians lived in close proximity to pagan neighbors. Business dealings, civic responsibilities, and daily interactions meant believers were constantly observed. If church leaders were known for dishonesty, immorality, or financial impropriety, the gospel would be dismissed as powerless. Paul insists elders must demonstrate Christlike character before both church and world.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Christian leadership require the approval of non-Christians regarding character?
- How might a leader with poor outside reputation become ensnared by Satan's schemes?
- What areas of your life would unbelievers critique if they knew you were a Christian leader?
Analysis & Commentary
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without (δεῖ δὲ καὶ μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν ἀπὸ τῶν ἔξωθεν, dei de kai martyrian kalēn echein apo tōn exōthen)—the elder must have 'good testimony from outsiders.' Greek exōthen refers to non-Christians, those outside the church community.
Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil—oneidismon (reproach, disgrace) and pagida (trap, snare). The elder's reputation affects both his ministry effectiveness and his spiritual safety. Satan exploits moral inconsistency to discredit the gospel message. When leaders are hypocrites, the enemy has ammunition to attack both the man and the church.
This remarkable requirement shows Christianity is not a private religion—the watching world's perception matters. Not because we seek human approval, but because our witness to Christ's transforming power requires visible integrity. The elder's life commends or contradicts his message.