New International Versionnot given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
New Living TranslationHe must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
English Standard Versionnot a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Berean Standard Biblenot dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
Berean Literal Biblenot given to wine, not a striker, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money,
King James BibleNot given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
New King James Versionnot given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
New American Standard Biblenot overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.
NASB 1995not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
NASB 1977not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, uncontentious, free from the love of money.
Legacy Standard Biblenot addicted to wine or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money;
Amplified Biblenot addicted to wine, not a bully nor quick-tempered and hot-headed, but gentle and considerate, free from the love of money [not greedy for wealth and its inherent power—financially ethical].
Christian Standard Biblenot an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.
Holman Christian Standard Biblenot addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy—
American Standard Versionno brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;
Contemporary English VersionThey must not be heavy drinkers or troublemakers. Instead, they must be kind and gentle and not love money.
English Revised Versionno brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but he must be gentle. He must not be quarrelsome or love money.
Good News Translationhe must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money;
International Standard VersionHe must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money.
NET Biblenot a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.
New Heart English Biblenot a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money;
Webster's Bible TranslationNot given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient; not a brawler, not covetous;
Weymouth New Testamentnot a hard drinker nor given to blows; not selfish or quarrelsome or covetous; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblenot dependent on wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
World English Biblenot a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionnot given to wine, not a striker, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,
Berean Literal Biblenot given to wine, not a striker, but gentle, peaceable, not loving money,
Young's Literal Translation not given to wine, not a striker, not given to filthy lucre, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,
Smith's Literal TranslationNot intoxicated, not a quarrelsome person, not occupied in sordid gain; but equitable, without fighting, exempt from avarice; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNot given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but
Catholic Public Domain Versionnot a drunkard, not combative but restrained, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
New American Biblenot a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.
New Revised Standard Versionnot a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNot given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but meek, not a brawler;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he does not transgress concerning wine and his hand is not swift to strike, but he should be humble, not contentious, neither a lover of money, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentnot fond of wine, not quarrelsome, not one who makes money by base means; but gentle, not contentious, not covetous;
Godbey New Testamentnot given to wine, not a controvertist; but gentle, peaceable, not a money lover;
Haweis New Testamentnot addicted to wine, not using hard words or blows, not greedy of base gain; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money;
Mace New Testamentnot given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy,
Weymouth New Testamentnot a hard drinker nor given to blows; not selfish or quarrelsome or covetous;
Worrell New Testamentnot given to wine, not a striker, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money,
Worsley New Testamenthospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of sordid gain, moderate, not quarrelsome,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Qualifications for Overseers… 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3notdependent on wine,notviolentbutgentle,peaceable,and free of the love of money.4An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.…
Cross References Titus 1:7As 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.
1 Peter 5:3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Ephesians 5:18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Galatians 5:23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 6:10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 23:29-35Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ...
1 Corinthians 9:25Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
Proverbs 31:4-5It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, / lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.
1 Peter 4:3For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
Romans 13:13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Proverbs 16:32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
2 Timothy 2:24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
Proverbs 25:28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
Treasury of Scripture Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; Not given to wine. 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewisemust the deaconsbe grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Leviticus 10:9 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die:it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: Isaiah 5:11,12 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning,that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night,till wine inflame them! … no. 2 Timothy 2:24,25 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto allmen, apt to teach, patient, … Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; not greedy. Proverbs 1:19 Soare the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Isaiah 56:11 Yea,they are greedy dogswhich can never have enough, and theyare shepherdsthat cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. filthy. 1 Timothy 3:8 Likewisemust the deaconsbe grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 1 Samuel 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. Titus 1:7,11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; … patient. 1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Ecclesiastes 7:8 Betteris the end of a thing than the beginning thereof:and the patient in spiritis better than the proud in spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward allmen. a brawler. Jump to Previous AddictedBlowsBrawlerContentionContentiousCovetousDrinkerDrunkennessExcessesFighterFilthyFreeGentleGreedyHardLucreMoneyMovedPatientPeaceablePugnaciousQuarrelsomeQuicklySelfishStrikerViolentWineWrathJump to Next AddictedBlowsBrawlerContentionContentiousCovetousDrinkerDrunkennessExcessesFighterFilthyFreeGentleGreedyHardLucreMoneyMovedPatientPeaceablePugnaciousQuarrelsomeQuicklySelfishStrikerViolentWineWrath1 Timothy 3 1.How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;14.and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.15.Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.not dependent on wineThis phrase emphasizes the importance of sobriety and self-control, particularly for leaders within the church. In the cultural context of the early church, wine was a common beverage, and excessive drinking was a prevalent issue. The Bible frequently warns against drunkenness ( Proverbs 20:1, Ephesians 5:18), highlighting the need for leaders to set an example of moderation. The Greek word used here suggests not being addicted or enslaved to wine, indicating a broader principle of avoiding any form of substance dependency that could impair judgment or moral integrity. not violent but gentle
This phrase contrasts two opposing behaviors, urging leaders to avoid aggression and instead embody gentleness. The historical context of the early church involved frequent conflicts and persecution, making the call for gentleness particularly significant. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of gentleness (Matthew 11:29), and leaders are encouraged to emulate His approach. The term "violent" implies physical aggression or a quarrelsome nature, which is contrary to the peaceful and nurturing role expected of a church leader. peaceable
Being peaceable involves fostering harmony and avoiding unnecessary disputes. In the early Christian communities, maintaining unity was crucial, as divisions could weaken the church's witness (1 Corinthians 1:10). The call to be peaceable aligns with the Beatitudes, where peacemakers are blessed (Matthew 5:9). This quality reflects the character of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and it is essential for leaders to promote reconciliation and understanding within the church body. free of the love of money
This phrase warns against greed and the pursuit of wealth, which can lead to corruption and distraction from spiritual responsibilities. The love of money is described elsewhere in Scripture as a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), highlighting its potential to lead individuals away from faith. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, wealth was often associated with power and status, but Christian leaders are called to prioritize spiritual riches over material gain. This principle is exemplified by Jesus, who lived a life of simplicity and taught about the dangers of wealth (Matthew 6:24). Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct. 2. TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, entrusted with the leadership of the church in Ephesus. 3. EphesusThe city where Timothy was stationed, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian leadership. 4. Church Elders/OverseersThe primary audience of this passage, as Paul outlines the qualifications for church leadership. 5. Early Christian ChurchThe broader context in which these instructions were given, emphasizing the need for order and godly leadership. Teaching Points Sobriety and Self-ControlLeaders must exhibit self-control, particularly in relation to substances like alcohol, to maintain clear judgment and moral integrity. Gentleness Over ViolenceA leader's strength is shown through gentleness and patience, not through aggression or violence. This reflects Christ's own approach to leadership. Peaceable NatureLeaders should strive to be peacemakers, fostering unity and harmony within the church community. Freedom from MaterialismA leader's focus should be on spiritual wealth rather than material gain, ensuring that their motives are pure and aligned with God's will. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3
What does the Bible say about women as elders?
What were the main outcomes of the Lateran Councils?
Is there any historical or archeological evidence that specifically validates or challenges the author's directives in 1 Timothy 3 regarding church hierarchy?
What are the biblical qualifications for a pastor?(3) Not given to wine.--Drunkenness is scarcely alluded to here. It is rather a warning against choosing for the sacred office one given to frequenting noisy banquets, where wild and imprudent words are often spoken. No striker.--Probably something more than merely brawling and fighting may here be included. Not only must the pattern minister of the Lord never smite his brother believer, but he must also never wound his soul with cutting, unkind words. Not greedy of filthy lucre.--The Greek word thus translated does not occur in the older MSS. in this place. But patient.--God's minister must be considerate toward the prejudices of others, forbearing, and gentle. Not a brawler.--Better rendered,not contentious. He must not be easily vexed; but must exercise a steady command over his temper, avoiding all wordy strife. Not covetous.--Literally,not a lover of money. The disinterested minister, who cares nothing for money for money's sake, would ever stand out in all societies a strangely attractive figure. Verse 3. - Nobrawler for not given to wine, A.V.; the R.T. omits the clause μὴ αἰσξρερδη; gentle for patient, A.V.; contentious for a brawler, A.V.; no lover of money, for not covetous, A.V. No brawler ( μὴ πάροινον); only here and Titus 1:7; but, as well as παροίνιος, common in classical Greek, in the sense of "quarrelsome over wine." In Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34 "wine-bibber" is οἰνοπότης. In 1 Peter 4:3 the word for "excess of wine" is οἰνοφλυγία. No striker ( μὴ τλήκτην); only here and Titus 1:7. It is used, though rarely, in classical Greek for a "striker," "brawler." There is but weak manuscript authority for the reading in the T.R., μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ, not given to filthy lucre, which is thought to have been derived from Titus 1:7 ( q. v.). The internal evidence, however, is in its favor, as something is wanted to correspond to ἀφιλάργυρον, just as πάροινον and πλήκτην correspond to ἐπιεικῆ and at, ἄμαχον respectively. Gentle ( ἐπιεικῆ); as Titus 3:2. So also it is rendered in the A.V. of James 3:17; 1 Peter 2:18. It is very common in classical Greek, in the sense of " fair," " meet," "suitable," of things; and of " fair," " kind," " gentle," of persons. The substantive ἐπιεικεία means "clemency," " gentleness," ( Acts 24:4; 2 Corinthians 10:1). Not contentious ( ἄμαχον); only here and Titus 3:3 in the New Testament, and in Ecclus. 19:5 in the Complutensian edition. It is also used in this sense in AEschylus, 'Persse,' 955, though its more common meaning in classical Greek is "invincible." No lover of money ( ἀφιλάργυρον); only here and Hebrews 13:5. Ἁφιλαργυρία occurs in Hippocrates. The positive φιλάργυρος, φιλαργυρία, occurs in 1 Timothy 6:10; 2 Timothy 3:2; Luke 16:14. Neither the A.V. nor the R.V. quite preserves the form of the original sentence, where the three negative qualities ( μὴ πάροινον μὴ πλήκτην μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ, T.R.) are followed by three positive qualities ( ἐπιοικῆ ἄμαχον ἀφιλάργυρον - " gentle," " peaceful," and " indifferent about money").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.dependent on wine,πάροινον(paroinon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3943:Given to wine, drunken, quarrelsome. From para and oinos; staying near wine, i.e. Tippling.notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.violentπλήκτην(plēktēn)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4131:A striker, contentious person, brawler. From plesso; a smiter, i.e. Pugnacious.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.gentle,ἐπιεικῆ(epieikē)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1933:Gentle, mild, forbearing, fair, reasonable, moderate. From epi and eiko; appropriate, i.e. mild.peaceable,ἄμαχον(amachon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 269:Peaceable, abstaining from fighting, not contentious. Peaceable.[and] free of the love of money.ἀφιλάργυρον(aphilargyron)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 866:Not loving money, not avaricious. Unavaricious.
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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:3 Not a drinker not violent not greedy (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) |
