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1 Timothy 3:2

1 Timothy 3:1 kjva — This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."

— 1 Timothy 3:1, King James Version with Apocrypha

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1 Timothy 3:1 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Timothy 3 — Context

1

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

2

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

3

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

1 Timothy 3:1 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Timothy 3:1 say?
1 Timothy 3:1 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”
Where is 1 Timothy 3:1 in the Bible?
1 Timothy 3:1 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, verse 1.
Who wrote 1 Timothy?
1 Timothy is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 62–66.
What is the book of 1 Timothy about?
The first of the "Pastoral Epistles" — Paul's how-to for the young pastor Timothy at Ephesus. He addresses false teachers, qualifications for elders and deacons, the role of men and women in worship, the use of money, and the steady call of gospel ministry.
What are the major themes of 1 Timothy?
1 Timothy explores themes including Sound Doctrine, Pastoral Care, Church Order, Godliness, Contentment. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Timothy 3:1.
What translation should I read 1 Timothy 3:1 in?
1 Timothy 3:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Timothy 3:1?
1 Timothy 3:1 reads (KJVA): “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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