Bible Strands
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, instructing him on church leadership standards during a period of organizational establishment.
The words — Πιστὸς (pistos) translates literally to "trustworthy," characterizing the reliability of the statement, while ὀρέγεται (oregetai) means "aspires" or "reaches out for," indicating earnest desire.
The thread — This oversight theme appears in Titus 1:7, Acts 20:28, and 1 Peter 5:2, where leaders are similarly called to shepherd God’s flock willingly.
Why it lands — The text states that aspiring to overseership is desiring a noble task, which requires readers to evaluate their motives against the rigorous qualifications that immediately follow in 1 Timothy 3:2.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
Cross-references
- Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
- Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
- 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- 1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
- 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
- James 5:19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
- Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
- Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
- 1 Timothy 3:2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
- 1 Timothy 4:9 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.