Bible Strands
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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy on church leadership qualifications, directly following the observation that aspiring to the overseer role is a noble pursuit.
The words — ἀνεπίλημπτον (anepilēmpton) means above reproach, and ἐπίσκοπον (episkopon) translates to overseer, establishing the baseline character and office.
The thread — The blameless and one-wife requirements reappear in Titus 1:6, the teaching mandate aligns with 2 Timothy 2:24, and the hospitality command mirrors Romans 12:13.
Why it lands — The text explicitly demands moral integrity, marital faithfulness, self-discipline, respectability, hospitality, and teaching ability as non-negotiable prerequisites for leadership.
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
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Cross-references
- Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.
- 2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
- Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- 1 Timothy 5:9 A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband,
- 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
- 1 Timothy 3:10 Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Titus 2:2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
- Philippians 2:15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
- Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.