1 Timothy 3:6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
νεόφυτον
a novice
G3504
νεόφυτον
a novice
Strong's:
G3504
Word #:
2 of 10
newly planted, i.e., (figuratively) a young convert ("neophyte")
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τυφωθεὶς
being lifted up with pride
G5187
τυφωθεὶς
being lifted up with pride
Strong's:
G5187
Word #:
5 of 10
to envelop with smoke, i.e., (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κρίμα
the condemnation
G2917
κρίμα
the condemnation
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
7 of 10
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ἐμπέσῃ
he fall
G1706
ἐμπέσῃ
he fall
Strong's:
G1706
Word #:
8 of 10
to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.1 Peter 2:2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:Isaiah 2:12For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:1 Corinthians 3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2 Corinthians 12:7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our culture's emphasis on youthful leadership conflict with Paul's 'not a novice' requirement?
- What specific dangers does rapid elevation to ministry create in a person's spiritual life?
- How long is enough time for a convert to mature before eldership consideration?
Analysis & 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.