1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

◄ 1 Timothy 3:1 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.

English Standard Version
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

New American Standard Bible
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This saying is trustworthy: "If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work."

International Standard Version
This is a trustworthy saying: The one who would an elder be, a noble task desires he.

American Standard Version
Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Douay-Rheims Bible
A faithful saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

Darby Bible Translation
The word is faithful: if any one aspires to exercise oversight, he desires a good work.

Young's Literal Translation
Stedfast is the word: If any one the oversight doth long for, a right work he desireth;

Cross References

Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

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Bishop Church Desire Desires Desireth Desiring Eager Exercise Faithful Fine Good Heart Noble Office Overseer Oversight Position Right Seeks Sets Statement Stedfast Sure Task True. Trustworthy Word Work

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

3:1-7 If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Mt 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

CHAPTER 3

1Ti 3:1-16. Rules as to Bishops (Overseers) AND Deacons. The Church, and the Gospel Mystery Now Revealed to It, Are the End of All Such Rules.

1. Translate as Greek, "Faithful is the saying." A needful preface to what follows: for the office of a bishop or overseer in Paul's day, attended as it was with hardship and often persecution, would not seem to the world generally a desirable and "good work."

desire—literally, "stretch one's self forward to grasp"; "aim at": a distinct Greek verb from that for "desireth." What one does voluntarily is more esteemed than what he does when asked (1Co 16:15). This is utterly distinct from ambitious desires after office in the Church. (Jas 3:1).

bishop—overseer: as yet identical with "presbyter" (Ac 20:17, 28; Tit 1:5-7).

good work—literally, "honorable work." Not the honor associated with it, but the work, is the prominent thought (Ac 15:38; Php 2:30; compare 2Ti 4:5). He who aims at the office must remember the high qualifications needed for the due discharge of its functions.