1 Timothy 3:5 net — But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?

NET Bible

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

— 1 Timothy 3:5, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Timothy 3:5 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

1 Timothy 3 — Context

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?

6

He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.

7

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.

8

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

1 Timothy 3:5 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Timothy 3:5 say?
1 Timothy 3:5 in the NET Bible reads: “But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?”
Where is 1 Timothy 3:5 in the Bible?
1 Timothy 3:5 is found in the New Testament, in the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 3, verse 5.
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 3:5.
What translation should I read 1 Timothy 3:5 in?
1 Timothy 3:5 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 3:5?
1 Timothy 3:5 reads (NET): “But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2