1 Timothy 3:2

King James Version (KJV)

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Translations

1 Timothy 3:2 - Amplified Bible

Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation {but} must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect {and} temperate {and} self-controlled; [he must be] sensible {and} well behaved {and} dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable {and} qualified teacher,

1 Timothy 3:2 - American Standard Version

The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2 - Bible in Basic English

The Bishop, then, is to be a man of good name, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, serious-minded, having respect for order, opening his house freely to guests, a ready teacher;

1 Timothy 3:2 - Darby Bible

The overseer then must be irreproachable, husband of one wife, sober, discreet, decorous, hospitable, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2 - English Standard Version

Therefore an overseer sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2 - King James Version

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2 - La Biblia de las Americas

Un obispo debe ser, pues, irreprochable, marido de una sola mujer, sobrio, prudente, de conducta decorosa, hospitalario, apto para enseñar,

1 Timothy 3:2 - The Message

1 Timothy 3:2 - New American Standard Bible

An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Un obispo debe ser, pues, irreprochable, marido de una sola mujer, sobrio, prudente, de conducta decorosa, hospitalario, apto para enseñar,

1 Timothy 3:2 - World English Bible

The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;

1 Timothy 3:2 - Young's Living Translation

it behoveth, therefore, the overseer to be blameless, of one wife a husband, vigilant, sober, decent, a friend of strangers, apt to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2 - Additional Comments

Here begins the list of qualifications for the office of elder. Note that these are also the qualities of a godly man, for all men should strive to attain to these qualities.
Blameless - he must give little occasion for blame, for this would reflect poorly on the church, and on Jesus Christ Himself.
The husband of one wife - (see also vs 12) he must not be divorced, a widower, or a polygamist. This implies also not an adulterer.
Temperate - balanced, watchful, sober, circumspect, i.e. thoughtful and careful about his actions
Sober-minded - (see also Titus 1:8) - desires and passions are under control; makes good and proper decisions
Of good behavior - a gentleman, avoids rough or boorish behavior; also careful about his appearance
Hospitable - makes people feel comfortable and welcome in his presence, whether at home or away from home
Able to teach - (see also Titus 1:9) can counsel, use Scripture, guide, instruct, draw others to God. All men are called to be able to teach. Not all men are to become formal teachers, but all are called to be able to teach.

Comments are closed.