1 Timothy 3:2 net — The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,…

NET Bible

"The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,"

— 1 Timothy 3:2, NET Bible

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1 Timothy 3:2 in Other Translations

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1 Timothy 3 — Context

1

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons This saying is trustworthy:“If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”

2

The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,

3

not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

4

He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity.

5

But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

1 Timothy 3:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Timothy 3:2 say?
1 Timothy 3:2 in the NET Bible reads: “The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,”
Where is 1 Timothy 3:2 in the Bible?
1 Timothy 3:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, verse 2.
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 3:2.
What translation should I read 1 Timothy 3:2 in?
1 Timothy 3:2 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 3:2?
1 Timothy 3:2 reads (NET): “The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher,” 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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