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<!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 3:4 An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/54_1Ti_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:4 - Qualifications for Overseers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity." /><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'; 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<a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a> one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity <a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved] <a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; <a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Church officials must be in control of their own families, and they must see that their children are obedient and always respectful. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. <a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a> He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but ruling his own household wisely and well, with children kept under control with true dignity. <a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a> one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> leading his own house well, having children in subjection with all dignity, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> managing the own house well, having children in submission, with all dignity-- <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> his own house leading well, having children in subjection with all gravity, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Presiding well over his own house, having the children in subjection with all gravity;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> but a man who leads his own house well, having children who are subordinate with all chastity. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a> He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> One who rules well his own household, and keeps his children under submission to bring them up with all purity. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he governs his house well, and holds his children in subjection with all purity.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> one that rules his own house well; having his children in subjection with all gravity: <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> ruling his own house beautifully; having children in subordination with all gravity; <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> presiding over his own family with propriety, having his children under subjection with all gravity of behaviour: <a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> obliging his children to behave with decorum. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but ruling his own household wisely and well, with children kept under control with true dignity. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> presiding well over his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> not covetous, governing his own family well, having his children in subjection with all gravity; <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=349" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Overseers</a> …3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. 4<a href="/greek/4291.htm" title="4291: proistamenon (V-PPM-AMS) -- From pro and histemi; to stand before, i.e. to preside, or to practise.">An overseer must manage</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.">his</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idiou (Adj-GMS) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">own</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikou (N-GMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">household</a> <a href="/greek/2573.htm" title="2573: kalōs (Adv) -- Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.">well</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echonta (V-PPA-AMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">and keep</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">his children</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">under</a> <a href="/greek/5292.htm" title="5292: hypotagē (N-DFS) -- Subjection, submission, obedience. From hupotasso; subordination.">control,</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasēs (Adj-GFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">complete</a> <a href="/greek/4587.htm" title="4587: semnotētos (N-GFS) -- Dignity, honor, gravity, seriousness. From semnos; venerableness, i.e. Probity.">dignity.</a> 5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6</a> An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a> Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a> For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a> These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a> He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a> A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Proverbs 29:17</a> Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul. <a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” <a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm">1 Samuel 2:22-25</a> Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. / No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. ... <a href="/1_samuel/3-12.htm">1 Samuel 3:12-13</a> On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end. / I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-6</a> We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Proverbs 4:1-4</a> Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. / For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive. / When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother, ... <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a> Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;ruleth.<a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">1 Timothy 3:12</a> Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.<a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.<a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.with.<a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a> Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.<a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Titus 2:2,7</a> That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/acts/17-15.htm">Conducting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-15.htm">Family</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Gravity</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/philippians/4-22.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Manage</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Respectful</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Serious</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Way</a> <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Conducting</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Family</a> <a href="/titus/2-7.htm">Gravity</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Leading</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Manage</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Proper</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Respectful</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Ruling</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Serious</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a> 14. <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a> 15. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a> </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'; 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In the early church, the family was seen as a microcosm of the church itself. The ability to manage one's household effectively was a reflection of one's ability to lead a congregation. This concept is rooted in the biblical principle that leadership begins at home, as seen in passages like <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a>, where Abraham is commended for directing his children and household. The term "overseer" refers to a church leader, often synonymous with elder or bishop, and underscores the responsibility of stewardship and governance.and keep his children under control The requirement for children to be under control highlights the importance of discipline and order within the family. In the Greco-Roman world, the family was the basic unit of society, and the father's role was to maintain order and discipline. This mirrors the biblical expectation found in <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a>, which advises training a child in the way they should go. The ability to maintain control over one's children was seen as evidence of a leader's capability to guide and instruct the church community effectively.with complete dignity This phrase underscores the manner in which an overseer should exercise authority—marked by dignity and respect. The concept of dignity is tied to the character and integrity of the leader, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit as described in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>. It suggests that leadership should not be authoritarian or harsh but should reflect the gentle and respectful nature of Christ, who is the ultimate example of dignified leadership. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus in passages like <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, providing guidance to Timothy on church leadership. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, receiving instructions on how to appoint church leaders. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was stationed, dealing with issues of church order and leadership. 4. <a href="/topical/o/overseers.htm">Overseers (Episkopos)</a> Church leaders or bishops responsible for guiding the congregation. 5. <a href="/topical/h/household.htm">Household (Oikos)</a> Refers to the family unit, which is a microcosm of church leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_leadership.htm">The Importance of Family Leadership</a> The family is the first ministry for any leader. Effective management of one's household reflects the ability to lead in the church. <a href="/topical/d/dignity_in_discipline.htm">Dignity in Discipline</a> Discipline should be administered with dignity, reflecting Christ-like character and avoiding harshness or provocation. <a href="/topical/r/role_modeling.htm">Role Modeling</a> Leaders must model godly behavior for their children, as their conduct sets a standard for the church community. <a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_character.htm">Consistency in Character</a> A leader's private life should align with their public ministry, ensuring integrity and authenticity. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_training_at_home.htm">Spiritual Training at Home</a> The home is a training ground for spiritual growth, where children learn the values and principles of the faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a> <a href="/q/do_preachers'_kids_face_more_challenges.htm">Do preachers' kids face more challenges than others?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'first_lady_of_the_church'.htm">What does "First Lady of the church" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_1_tim_3_4-5_stress_family_management.htm">Why does 1 Timothy 3:4–5 emphasize managing children and household as a test for church leadership, given that many modern leaders might not have families? </a> <a href="/q/titus_1_6_-_can_leaders'_kids_be_required_faithful.htm">Titus 1:6 – How realistic is it to demand that church leaders have “faithful children,” and does this requirement conflict with the idea of free will or individual responsibility? </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>(4) One that ruleth well his own house.--Paul here again turns to the vein of thought first struck in <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm" title="A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;">1Timothy 3:2</a> : The life of the officer in the Church of God must be a pattern life for those without, as well as for those within the Church's fold, to copy and imitate. He must be pre-eminent in nobility of life and aims; but the life and the aims must belong to ordinary every day life. His high standard must be no inimitable one; the example must be one that all honest men may follow and copy, if they will. So, first of all (<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm" title="A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;">1Timothy 3:2</a>), the Apostle places among the qualities necessary for a governing elder in the Church, the pure home life of the husband; then, after enumerating other points to be sought for in the character of one chosen to rule in the congregation, Paul comes back to this central idea, the home life of the Church official; that home life must present the spectacle of a well-ordered household. This will be at least a good test of a man's fitness to rule the large family gathered together in the form of a congregation, if his own home is gently yet firmly ruled; the wife, a pattern Christian lady; the children growing up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.Having his children in subjection with all gravity.--The Greek word rendered "gravity" occurs in <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm" title="For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.">1Timothy 2:2</a>, where it is translated in the authorised version, not very happily, by "honesty." The word employed in the original Greek denotes that decorum, that propriety of demeanour, which belongs especially to the pure and chaste, and seems to urge that a peculiar reverence and an especial decorum shall be aimed at in all relations with the young. Maxima debetur pueris reverentia. The child life in the families of these ministers of Christ's religion must, too, be an example to countless other homes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - One that ruleth well his own house. The ἐπίσκοπος is one who has to preside over and rule (προίστασθαι) the house of God (<a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17</a>; <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:12</a>), as the high priest was called "ruler of the house of God" (<a href="/1_chronicles/9-11.htm">1 Chronicles 9:11</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/11-11.htm">Nehemiah 11:11</a>). So in Justin Martyr the bishop is called ὁ προεστῶς τῶν ἀδελφῶν ('Apology,' 11) and simply ὁ προεστῶς, and similarly in <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Hebrews 13:7</a> the clergy are οἱ ἡγούμενοι ὑμῶν, "they which have the rule over you." How needful, then, is it that he should rule well his own house, and have his own children in subjection! The testimony given in this passage to a married clergy is too clear to need any comment. In subjection (ἐν ὑποταγῇ); as above, <a href="/1_timothy/2-11.htm">1 Timothy 2:11</a>, where see note. For the sense, comp. <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Titus 1:6</a>, which leads us to apply the words, with all gravity (σεμνότητος), the contrary to "riot," ἀσωτία), to the children. The children of the ἐπίσκοπος are to exhibit that seriousness and sobriety of conduct which is in accordance with their father's office, μετά, together with, as in <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">1 Timothy 1:14</a>. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[An overseer must] manage προϊστάμενον (proistamenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4291.htm">Strong's 4291: </a> From pro and histemi; to stand before, i.e. to preside, or to practise. [his] τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. own ἰδίου (idiou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. household οἴκου (oikou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. well καλῶς (kalōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2573.htm">Strong's 2573: </a> Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well. [and] keep ἔχοντα (echonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. [his] children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. under ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. control, ὑποταγῇ (hypotagē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5292.htm">Strong's 5292: </a> Subjection, submission, obedience. From hupotasso; subordination. with μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. complete πάσης (pasēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. dignity. σεμνότητος (semnotētos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4587.htm">Strong's 4587: </a> Dignity, honor, gravity, seriousness. From semnos; venerableness, i.e. Probity. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:4 One who rules his own house well (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:5" /></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>