Bible Strands
1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy on the qualifications for church overseers, placing this requirement between warnings against recent converts and standards for deacons. The directive addresses leaders whose conduct must withstand external scrutiny.
The words — καλὴν μαρτυρίαν (kalēn marturian) literally means "good testimony." It denotes a publicly recognized reputation that functions as a protective boundary against shame.
The thread — The call to maintain a credible witness before non-believers aligns with the instruction to act wisely toward outsiders in Colossians 4:5 and the emphasis on doing what is right in the eyes of men in 2 Corinthians 8:21. The warning against falling into the devil's snare parallels the call to escape captivity to his will in 2 Timothy 2:26.
Why it lands — The text requires leaders to cultivate a blameless public record to avoid disgrace. It demands practical vigilance against spiritual traps that emerge from compromised conduct.
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
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
- Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- 2 Timothy 2:26 Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.
- Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
- 1 Corinthians 10:32 Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
- 2 Corinthians 6:3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
- 1 Timothy 6:9 Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
- Titus 2:8 and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.