CINXE.COM
1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/54_1Ti_03_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:6 - Qualifications for Overseers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/3-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/3-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:5">◄</a> 1 Timothy 3:6 <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not a novice, lest having been puffed up, he might fall into <i>the</i> judgment of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the <i>same</i> condemnation as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>and</i> not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>and</i> not a new convert, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>and</i> not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and <i>He must</i> not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They must not be new followers of the Lord. If they are, they might become proud and be doomed along with the devil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, so that he won't become arrogant and fall into the devil's condemnation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert or he may become arrogant and fall into the punishment that the devil will exact.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He ought not to be a new convert, for fear he should be blinded with pride and come under the same condemnation as the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the Devil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />not a novice, lest having been puffed up, he might fall into <i>the</i> judgment of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the devil;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Not newly planted, lest rendered proud he fall into condemnation of the accuser.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Not a neophyte: lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He must not be a new convert, lest, being elated by pride, he may fall under the sentence of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He should not be a recent convert, lest he become proud and fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Neither should he be a young disciple, lest he be lifted up and would fall into the judgment of Satan;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Not a new convert, lest, having become conceited, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />not a novice, lest being puffed up he may fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Not a new convert, lest he be puffed up, and fall into the devil?s crime.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He ought not to be a new convert, for fear he should be blinded with pride and come under the same condemnation as the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />not a novice; lest, being puffed up, he fall into condemnation of the Devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />not one newly converted, least being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=365" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Overseers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">He must not be</a> <a href="/greek/3504.htm" title="3504: neophyton (Adj-AMS) -- From neos and a derivative of phuo; newly planted, i.e. a young convert.">a recent convert,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5187.htm" title="5187: typhōtheis (V-APP-NMS) -- From a derivative of tupho; to envelop with smoke, i.e. to inflate with self-conceit.">or he may become conceited</a> <a href="/greek/1706.htm" title="1706: empesē (V-ASA-3S) -- To fall in, be cast in, be involved in. From en and pipto; to fall on, i.e. to be entrapped by, or be overwhelmed with.">and fall</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">under</a> <a href="/greek/2917.htm" title="2917: krima (N-ANS) -- From krino; a decision (crime).">the same condemnation</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">as the</a> <a href="/greek/1228.htm" title="1228: diabolou (Adj-GMS) -- From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.">devil.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-17.htm">Ezekiel 28:17</a></span><br />Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a></span><br />How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. / You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a></span><br />or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a></span><br />But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a></span><br />When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a></span><br />Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a></span><br />I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a></span><br />For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a></span><br />Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.</p><p class="hdg">novice.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1</a></b></br> And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, <i>even</i> as unto babes in Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12,13</a></b></br> For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which <i>be</i> the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a></b></br> As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:</p><p class="hdg">lest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/8-14.htm">Deuteronomy 8:14</a></b></br> Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20</a></b></br> That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, <i>to</i> the right hand, or <i>to</i> the left: to the end that he may prolong <i>his</i> days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">2 Kings 14:10</a></b></br> Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory <i>of this</i>, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to <i>thy</i> hurt, that thou shouldest fall, <i>even</i> thou, and Judah with thee?</p><p class="hdg">the condemnation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-14</a></b></br> How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! <i>how</i> art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/10-18.htm">Luke 10:18</a></b></br> And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">2 Peter 2:4</a></b></br> For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast <i>them</i> down to hell, and delivered <i>them</i> into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Church</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Conceited</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Convert</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">High</a> <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Incurred</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Inflated</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">New</a> <a href="/matthew/9-16.htm">Newly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-4.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Puffed</a> <a href="/luke/24-14.htm">Recent</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">Blinded</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Conceit</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Conceited</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Convert</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">High</a> <a href="/exodus/28-38.htm">Incurred</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Inflated</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">New</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-7.htm">Newly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Puffed</a> <a href="/luke/24-14.htm">Recent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He must not be a recent convert</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in church leadership. In the early church, leaders were expected to have a deep understanding of Christian doctrine and a proven track record of faithfulness. The Greek term for "recent convert" is "neophytos," meaning newly planted, suggesting that spiritual growth takes time. This requirement is consistent with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, which values experience and maturity. The early church faced many challenges, including false teachings, and needed leaders who were well-grounded in their faith.<p><b>or he may become conceited</b><br>The danger of pride is a recurring theme in Scripture. Pride was the original sin of Satan, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a>, where the fall of Lucifer is described. This warning against conceit is a reminder that leadership in the church is a position of service, not of power or prestige. Jesus taught His disciples to be humble servants (<a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a>), and this principle is foundational for Christian leadership. The cultural context of the Greco-Roman world, where honor and status were highly valued, makes this warning particularly relevant.<p><b>and fall under the same condemnation as the devil</b><br>This phrase connects the potential downfall of a prideful leader to the fall of Satan. The devil's condemnation is a result of his rebellion against God, as described in passages like <a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a>. The New Testament frequently warns against the dangers of pride and the spiritual warfare that believers face (<a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>). The early church was aware of the spiritual realm and the reality of demonic influence, making this warning both practical and theological. The call to humility and vigilance is echoed throughout the New Testament, urging believers to resist the devil and remain steadfast in their faith (<a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>- A young pastor and protégé of Paul, tasked with overseeing the church in Ephesus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>- The city where Timothy was stationed, known for its diverse population and challenges in maintaining doctrinal purity.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_devil.htm">The Devil</a></b><br>- Referred to in this verse as an example of pride leading to downfall.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a></b><br>- The context in which this letter was written, dealing with issues of leadership and spiritual maturity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity_is_essential_for_leadership.htm">Spiritual Maturity is Essential for Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders in the church must be spiritually mature to avoid the pitfalls of pride and conceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride can lead to a downfall, as exemplified by the devil. Leaders must guard their hearts against becoming conceited.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_time_and_experience.htm">The Importance of Time and Experience</a></b><br>New converts need time to grow in their faith before taking on leadership roles to ensure they are grounded and humble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_leadership.htm">Accountability in Leadership</a></b><br>Church leaders should be held accountable to maintain humility and avoid the temptations of power and pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mentorship.htm">The Role of Mentorship</a></b><br>Just as Paul mentored Timothy, experienced believers should guide new converts to help them grow in their faith and character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_the_devil's_condemnation.htm">Is it the same condemnation as the Devil's?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_caused_satan's_fall_from_heaven.htm">What caused Satan's fall from heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_diotrephes'_portrayal_bias.htm">How do we reconcile the portrayal of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9–10 with potential bias, since we only hear one side? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_satan_originally_an_angel.htm">Was Satan originally an angel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Not a novice.</span>--In the Church of Ephesus, which, when Paul wrote these charges to Timothy, had been established some years, the chief pastor would have for the church office an ample choice of disciples of some considerable standing and experience. The word "novice" here refers rather to want of experience and standing in the Christian brotherhood than to "youth." Timothy himself, to whom St. Paul was writing, and whom the Apostle had placed over this church, was at the time, comparatively speaking, still a man young in years, although old in trials and in Christian experiences.<p><span class= "bld">Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.</span>--The Greek word rendered here "being lifted up," would be more happily Englished by <span class= "ital">being clouded</span> or <span class= "ital">deluded.</span> It marks the pride or vanity engendered by the finding himself in a position of authority for which no previous training and experience had fitted him. Such a "novice" would be in imminent danger of falling into the judgment passed by God upon the devil, whose fall was owing to the same blinding effect of pride.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> <span class="accented">Puffed up</span> for <span class="accented">lifted up with pride</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">A novice</span> (<span class="greek">νεόφυτον</span>); only here in the New Testament, but found repeatedly in the LXX. in its literal sense of "a tree" or "plantation" newly planted (Psalm 127:3 (Psalms 128:3, A.V.); 144:12; <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Isaiah 5:7</a>). Here the <span class="accented">novice</span> or <span class="accented">neophyte</span> is one recently converted and received into the Church (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6</a>; <a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a>). As such he is not yet fit to be a ruler and a teacher of the brethren. The reason follows. <span class="cmt_word">Lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil</span>. <span class="greek">Τυφωθεις</span>, puffed up, is peculiar in the New Testament to the pastoral Epistles (<a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">2 Timothy 3:4</a>), from <span class="greek">τυφός</span>, smoke (comp. <span class="greek">λίνον τυφόμενον</span>, "smoking flax," <a href="/matthew/12-10.htm">Matthew 12:10</a>). The idea seems to be "lightness," "emptiness," and "elation." Some add that of "obscuration" as by smoke; <span class="greek">τυφόω</span>, to wrap in smoke; <span class="greek">τετύφωμαι</span>, to be wrapt in clouds of conceit and folly (Liddell and Scott). <span class="accented">The condemnation of the devil</span>. A somewhat obscure phrase. It means either <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> the same condemnation as that into which the devil fell through pride, - and so Chrysostom, Olshausen, Bishop Ellicott, Wordsworth, Alford, etc., take it; or <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> the condemnation or accusation of the devil. In the latter case <span class="greek">κρῖμα</span> would be used in the same sense as <span class="greek">κρίσις</span> in <a href="/jude/1-9.htm">Jude 1:9</a>, and would mean the charge preferred against him by "the accuser of the brethren" (comp. <a href="/job/1-9.htm">Job 1:9</a>; <a href="/job/2-4.htm">Job 2:4, 5</a>). One of the senses of <span class="greek">κρίνω</span> is "to accuse" - like <span class="greek">κατηγορεῖν</span> (<span class="accented">Liddell</span> and Scott). And this view agrees with <span class="greek">ὀνειδισμὸν καὶ</span> <span class="greek">παγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου</span> in ver. 7, which means, not the trap into which the devil fell, but the trap laid by the devil. It remains doubtful which is the true sense, but <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> seems, on the whole, the most probable. <span class="accented">The devil</span> (<span class="greek">τοῦ διαβόλου</span>) <span class="accented">can</span> only mean Satan (<a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Matthew 4:1</a>; <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Matthew 13:39</a>, etc.), though possibly conceived of as speaking by the mouth of traducers and vilifiers of the Church, as in ver. 7. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[He must] not [be]</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a recent convert,</span><br /><span class="grk">νεόφυτον</span> <span class="translit">(neophyton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3504.htm">Strong's 3504: </a> </span><span class="str2">From neos and a derivative of phuo; newly planted, i.e. a young convert.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or he may become conceited</span><br /><span class="grk">τυφωθεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(typhōtheis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5187.htm">Strong's 5187: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of tupho; to envelop with smoke, i.e. to inflate with self-conceit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] fall</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμπέσῃ</span> <span class="translit">(empesē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1706.htm">Strong's 1706: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall in, be cast in, be involved in. From en and pipto; to fall on, i.e. to be entrapped by, or be overwhelmed with.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰς</span> <span class="translit">(eis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[ the same ] condemnation</span><br /><span class="grk">κρίμα</span> <span class="translit">(krima)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2917.htm">Strong's 2917: </a> </span><span class="str2">From krino; a decision ('crime').</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devil.</span><br /><span class="grk">διαβόλου</span> <span class="translit">(diabolou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1228.htm">Strong's 1228: </a> </span><span class="str2">From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-6.htm">1 Timothy 3:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a new convert lest being puffed (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>