1
Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος· εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ.
Trustworthy is the saying: if anyone aspires to oversight, he desires a noble work.
A πιστὸς ὁ λόγος citation (as at 1:15; 4:9) commends a maxim: to aspire to the overseer's office is to set one's heart on a good work — the thesis the qualification-list then governs.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ΠιστὸςtrustworthyNominativepredicate adjective (fronted, emphatic)πιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy, reliable'; the fronted predicate stamps the following maxim as one to be relied on — a Pastoral-Epistles citation formula.
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςsayingNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, saying'; here a fixed dictum being quoted and endorsed — 'the saying' that follows.
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition)εἰ: 'if'; with the indicative ὀρέγεται it frames a real, assumed-true case — 'if (as happens) anyone aspires.'
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
ἐπισκοπῆςof oversightGenitivegenitive object of ὀρέγεται (reaching for)ἐπισκοπή: 'overseership, office of bishop' (from ἐπίσκοπος); the function of watching over, here the office itself.
ὀρέγεταιaspiresPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ὀρέγομαιmain verb (protasis)→ gnomic presentὀρέγομαι: 'stretch oneself out toward, reach for, aspire to'; a vivid metaphor of reaching out the hand for a thing desired.
καλοῦnobleGenitiveattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, noble, fine'; not merely useful (ἀγαθός) but admirable, honorable in itself.
ἔργουof workGenitivegenitive object of ἐπιθυμεῖἔργον: 'work, task, deed'; oversight is framed as labor (a 'work'), not a dignity to be enjoyed.
ἐπιθυμεῖhe desiresPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιθυμέωmain verb (apodosis)→ gnomic presentἐπιθυμέω: 'desire, long for'; here in a wholly positive sense — a worthy longing, since its object is a good work.
2
δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι, μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα, νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον, διδακτικόν,
The overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, a one-woman man, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, able to teach,
From the worthiness of the office (v.1) follows its weight of qualification: the governing requirement is ἀνεπίλημπτον — irreproachable — under which the virtues cluster.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal main verb (+ acc. & inf.)→ gnomic presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary, one must'; impersonal verb of binding obligation, governing the accusative-and-infinitive construction that follows.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore, then'; draws the consequence from the noble character of the office.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἐπίσκοπονoverseerAccusativeaccusative subject of εἶναιἐπίσκοπος: 'overseer, guardian, bishop' (ἐπί + σκοπέω, 'watch over'); the church leader charged with supervision; cf. πρεσβύτερος (Tit 1:5–7).
ἀνεπίλημπτονabove reproachAccusativepredicate accusative (governing requirement)ἀνεπίλημπτος: 'not able to be laid hold of, irreproachable' (ἀ- + ἐπιλαμβάνομαι); giving no handle for accusation — the umbrella term for the list.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive complement of δεῖ→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; the infinitive completing δεῖ — 'must be.'
μιᾶςof oneGenitiveattributive (numeral, emphatic position)εἷς (fem. μία): 'one'; the emphatic 'one' of the famous phrase μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα — fidelity to a single wife.
γυναικὸςwoman/wifeGenitivegenitive of relationship (with ἄνδρα)γυνή: 'woman, wife'; 'a one-woman man' — most commonly read as marital faithfulness to one wife.
ἄνδραman/husbandAccusativeapposition to ἐπίσκοπονἀνήρ: 'man, husband'; the Semitic-idiom phrase 'one-woman man' denotes a one-wife husband, marked by sexual and marital fidelity.
νηφάλιονtemperateAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)νηφάλιος: 'sober, temperate'; literally free from wine, then clear-headed and self-controlled.
σώφροναsensibleAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)σώφρων: 'of sound mind, prudent, self-controlled' (σῶς + φρήν); the cardinal Greek virtue of disciplined good sense.
κόσμιονdignifiedAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)κόσμιος: 'orderly, respectable, well-arranged' (from κόσμος, 'order'); the outward orderliness that befits inner σωφροσύνη.
φιλόξενονhospitableAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)φιλόξενος: 'loving strangers, hospitable' (φίλος + ξένος); welcome of travelers and guests, vital in the early mission.
διδακτικόνable to teachAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)διδακτικός: 'skilled in teaching, apt to teach'; the one didactic requirement, distinguishing the overseer from the deacon.
3
μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἄμαχον, ἀφιλάργυρον,
not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, peaceable, not a lover of money,
The list turns to vices barred (μὴ … μή) then the answering virtues (ἀλλά): the overseer must be neither addicted to drink nor combative, but forbearing, peaceable, and free of avarice.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
μὴnotnegative particleμή: 'not'; the negative proper to qualities-to-be-excluded in this descriptive list.
πάροινονa drunkardAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)πάροινος: 'given to wine, drunken' (παρά + οἶνος); one whose conduct beside the wine is overbearing or quarrelsome.
μὴnotnegative particle
πλήκτηνviolentAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)πλήκτης: 'striker, bully' (from πλήσσω, 'strike'); a man quick with his fists — pugnacious.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the strong contrast pivoting from the vices to the corresponding virtues.
ἐπιεικῆgentleAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)ἐπιεικής: 'yielding, forbearing, reasonable'; the gentleness that does not insist on the letter of its rights.
ἄμαχονpeaceableAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)ἄμαχος: 'not contentious, peaceable' (ἀ- + μάχη, 'battle'); disinclined to fight or quarrel.
ἀφιλάργυρονnot a lover of moneyAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)ἀφιλάργυρος: 'not loving silver, free from avarice' (ἀ- + φίλος + ἄργυρος); cf. the warning that love of money is a root of all evils (6:10).
4
τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου καλῶς προϊστάμενον, τέκνα ἔχοντα ἐν ὑποταγῇ μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος·
managing his own household well, keeping his children in submission with all dignity —
From personal character the list moves to the home: the overseer must govern his own household well, his children obedient and respectful — the test-case for governing the church.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἰδίουhis ownGenitiveattributive adjective (emphatic)ἴδιος: 'one's own, private'; stresses personal responsibility — his very own household.
οἴκουhouseholdGenitivegenitive object of προϊστάμενονοἶκος: 'house, household'; the family with its members and dependents — and, by the analogy of v.15, a figure of the church.
καλῶςwelladverb (manner)καλῶς: 'well, fittingly'; the manner that makes the management commendable.
προϊστάμενονmanagingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · προΐστημιattributive participle (apposition to ἐπίσκοπον)→ customary presentπροΐστημι: 'stand before, preside over, manage' (πρό + ἵστημι); the middle of leading and caring for a household.
τέκναchildrenAccusativedirect object of ἔχοντατέκνον: 'child' (from τίκτω, 'bear'); the offspring whose ordered conduct evidences good fathering.
ἔχονταkeeping/havingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἔχωattributive participle (apposition)→ customary presentἔχω: 'have, hold, keep'; here 'keeping (his children) in a condition of submission.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (state)
ὑποταγῇsubmissionDativedative of state/conditionὑποταγή: 'subjection, obedience' (from ὑποτάσσω, 'arrange under'); the orderly submission of well-raised children.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (attendant circumstance)
πάσηςallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every'; 'all' dignity — full, unqualified gravity.
σεμνότητοςdignityGenitiveobject of μετά (attendant manner)σεμνότης: 'dignity, gravity, seriousness'; the honorable bearing that earns respect (likely the father's, governing the home).
5
εἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται;
but if anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God? —
A parenthetical rationale for the household requirement: failure in the lesser sphere (one's own house) disqualifies for the greater (God's church) — from less to greater.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
εἰifconjunction (first-class condition)εἰ: 'if'; assumes the case for argument's sake — the supposed incompetent manager.
δέbutdevelopmental/contrastive conjunctionδέ: 'but, and'; marks the parenthetical step in the argument.
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἰδίουhis ownGenitiveattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; echoing v.4, sharpening the contrast with God's church.
οἴκουhouseholdGenitivegenitive object of προστῆναιοἶκος: 'household'; the smaller, private domain set against ἐκκλησία θεοῦ.
προστῆναιto manageAor Act Inf · προΐστημιcomplementary infinitive (of οἶδεν)→ constative aoristπροΐστημι: 'preside over, manage'; the same verb as v.4, here as the object of 'knows how.'
οὐκnotnegative particleοὐ: 'not'; objective negation with the indicative οἶδεν.
οἶδενhe knows (how)Perf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (protasis)→ perfect-with-present-force (stative)οἶδα: 'know'; perfect in form, present in sense — here 'know how to,' competence in management.
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (rhetorical)πῶς: 'how?'; introduces a rhetorical question expecting the answer 'he cannot.'
ἐκκλησίαςof the churchGenitivegenitive object of ἐπιμελήσεταιἐκκλησία: 'assembly, congregation, church' (from ἐκ + καλέω, 'call out'); the called-out people of God.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of possessionθεός: God; the church belongs to God — raising the stakes of the comparison.
ἐπιμελήσεταιwill he care forFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιμελέομαιmain verb (apodosis)→ deliberative/logical futureἐπιμελέομαι: 'take care of, give attention to' (the verb of the Good Samaritan's tending, Lk 10:34–35); pastoral care, not mere administration.
6
μὴ νεόφυτον, ἵνα μὴ τυφωθεὶς εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου.
not a recent convert, lest, becoming conceited, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Resuming the list (μή as in v.3): not a new convert — with a ἵνα-clause giving the reason, the peril that conceit might plunge him into the devil's own condemnation.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
μὴnotnegative particleμή: 'not'; resumes the descriptive negations of the qualification-list.
νεόφυτονa recent convertAccusativeapposition (predicate accusative)νεόφυτος: 'newly planted' (νέος + φύω, 'grow'); metaphor of a freshly planted shoot — a recent believer ('neophyte').
ἵναlestconjunction (negative purpose, with μή)ἵνα: 'in order that'; with μή, 'so that … not, lest' — introducing the danger to be avoided.
μὴnotnegative (with ἵνα)
τυφωθεὶςbecoming conceitedAor Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · τυφόωadverbial participle (cause/attendant)→ ingressive aoristτυφόω: 'wrap in smoke,' then 'be puffed up, conceited' (from τῦφος, 'smoke, vanity'); beclouded by pride.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal/result)
κρίμαcondemnationAccusativeobject of εἰς (with ἐμπέσῃ)κρίμα: 'judgment, sentence, condemnation'; the adverse verdict — here that incurred by the devil.
ἐμπέσῃhe fallAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐμπίπτωmain verb (purpose-clause subjunctive)→ ingressive aoristἐμπίπτω: 'fall into' (ἐν + πίπτω); to drop into a snare or condemnation, beyond recovery by oneself.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
διαβόλουdevilGenitivegenitive (likely subjective: the devil's own)διάβολος: 'slanderer, accuser, devil' (from διαβάλλω, 'throw across, accuse'); the condemnation 'of the devil' — the same self-exalting fall that ruined him (cf. Is 14).
7
δεῖ δὲ καὶ μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν ἀπὸ τῶν ἔξωθεν, ἵνα μὴ εἰς ὀνειδισμὸν ἐμπέσῃ καὶ παγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου.
He must also have a good testimony from those outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
A final requirement extends beyond the church: a good name among outsiders, again with a ἵνα-clause — disgrace and the devil's trap as the danger of a tarnished reputation.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal main verb (+ inf.)→ gnomic presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary, one must'; resuming the obligation-frame of v.2.
δὲanddevelopmental conjunctionδέ: 'and, but'; carries the list to its closing item.
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive (also)καί: 'also, even'; adds the outsider's testimony to the inner qualifications.
μαρτυρίανtestimonyAccusativedirect object of ἔχεινμαρτυρία: 'witness, testimony, reputation'; here the verdict of public reputation.
καλὴνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fine'; a commendable, honorable reputation.
ἔχεινto havePres Act Inf · ἔχωinfinitive complement of δεῖ→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the infinitive completing δεῖ.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῶνthoseGenitivearticle (substantizes adverb)
ἔξωθενoutsideadverb (substantized: 'outsiders')ἔξωθεν: 'from outside, without'; οἱ ἔξωθεν = those outside the church, the non-Christian world.
ἵναlestconjunction (negative purpose, with μή)ἵνα: with μή, 'lest' — the danger that follows a bad name.
μὴnotnegative (with ἵνα)
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal/result)
ὀνειδισμὸνreproachAccusativeobject of εἰς (with ἐμπέσῃ)ὀνειδισμός: 'reproach, disgrace' (from ὀνειδίζω, 'revile'); the public shame a bad reputation invites onto the church.
ἐμπέσῃhe fallAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐμπίπτωmain verb (purpose-clause subjunctive)→ ingressive aoristἐμπίπτω: 'fall into'; the same verb as v.6 — here into reproach and a snare.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παγίδαsnareAccusativeobject of εἰς (coordinate)παγίς: 'trap, snare' (for catching birds/animals); the devil's snare into which disgrace can drop the unguarded leader (cf. 2 Tim 2:26).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
διαβόλουdevilGenitivegenitive of possession (the devil's snare)διάβολος: 'devil, slanderer'; the snare belongs to and is set by the devil.
8
Διακόνους ὡσαύτως σεμνούς, μὴ διλόγους, μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας, μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς,
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,
ὡσαύτως ('likewise') opens a parallel office: the standard for deacons. The implied δεῖ … εἶναι carries over from v.2; the virtues again pair positive bearing with vices excluded.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ΔιακόνουςdeaconsAccusativeaccusative subject of implied εἶναιδιάκονος: 'servant, minister, deacon' (one who serves); here the church office of service alongside the overseer (cf. Phil 1:1).
ὡσαύτωςlikewiseadverb (correspondence)ὡσαύτως: 'in like manner, likewise' (ὡς + αὕτως); signals a parallel set of requirements, carrying over δεῖ εἶναι.
σεμνούςdignifiedAccusativepredicate accusativeσεμνός: 'dignified, honorable, worthy of respect'; the adjective cognate to σεμνότης (v.4) — grave seriousness.
μὴnotnegative particle
διλόγουςdouble-tonguedAccusativepredicate accusativeδίλογος: 'saying things twice, double-tongued' (δίς + λόγος); insincere, telling one tale to one and another to another.
μὴnotnegative particle
οἴνῳto wineDativedative object of προσέχονταςοἶνος: 'wine'; the object of an excessive devotion to be avoided.
πολλῷmuchDativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'much, many'; 'much wine' — the issue is excess, not abstinence.
προσέχονταςgiven/devotingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · προσέχωattributive participle (predicate)→ customary presentπροσέχω: 'turn toward, attend to, give oneself to' (πρός + ἔχω); 'addicted to,' habitually occupied with much wine.
μὴnotnegative particle
αἰσχροκερδεῖςgreedy for dishonest gainAccusativepredicate accusativeαἰσχροκερδής: 'eager for base gain' (αἰσχρός, 'shameful' + κέρδος, 'gain'); fond of dishonorable profit — a special peril for those handling the church's funds.
9
ἔχοντας τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει.
holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Beyond outward bearing, the deacon's inner hold on the faith: keeping the revealed mystery of the gospel in a conscience kept clean — doctrine wedded to integrity.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ἔχονταςholdingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ἔχωattributive participle (predicate)→ customary presentἔχω: 'have, hold, keep'; here 'holding fast' to the faith's mystery.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
μυστήριονmysteryAccusativedirect object of ἔχονταςμυστήριον: 'mystery'; God's once-hidden, now-revealed saving purpose — anticipating the 'mystery of godliness' of v.16.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveepexegetic/content genitive (the mystery = the faith)πίστις: 'faith'; here the body of believed truth — 'the mystery which is the faith.'
ἐνwith/inpreposition + dative (manner/accompaniment)
καθαρᾷclearDativeattributive adjectiveκαθαρός: 'clean, pure'; a conscience unstained by hypocrisy or hidden sin (cf. 1:5).
συνειδήσειconscienceDativedative of manner/accompanimentσυνείδησις: 'conscience, co-knowledge' (σύν + οἶδα); the inner moral awareness that must match outward profession.
10
καὶ οὗτοι δὲ δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον, εἶτα διακονείτωσαν ἀνέγκλητοι ὄντες.
And let these also first be tested; then let them serve, being beyond reproach.
καὶ … δέ ('and indeed') adds a procedure: deacons too are to be proved before serving — the sequence πρῶτον … εἶτα making approval the precondition of office.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
καὶandconjunction (with δέ: 'and indeed')καί: with the following δέ, the correlative καὶ … δέ adds and intensifies — 'and these too.'
οὗτοιtheseNominativesubject (demonstrative pronoun)οὗτος: 'this one'; resumes the deacons of v.8 as the subject of the directive.
δὲindeedparticle (completing καὶ … δέ)δέ: here the second member of καὶ … δέ, lending emphasis.
δοκιμαζέσθωσανlet them be testedPres Pass Impv 3 Pl · δοκιμάζωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ iterative/customary presentδοκιμάζω: 'test, prove, examine for approval' (as metals are assayed); a vetting before installation.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (sequence)πρῶτον: 'first(ly)'; the testing precedes the serving in time.
εἶταthenadverb (sequence)εἶτα: 'then, next'; the second step, contingent on passing the test.
διακονείτωσανlet them servePres Act Impv 3 Pl · διακονέωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ customary presentδιακονέω: 'serve, minister' (cognate to διάκονος); to exercise the deacon's ministry.
ἀνέγκλητοιbeyond reproachNominativepredicate adjective (with ὄντες)ἀνέγκλητος: 'unaccused, blameless' (ἀ- + ἐγκαλέω, 'bring a charge'); against whom no charge stands — the result of the test.
ὄντεςbeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · εἰμίadverbial participle (condition/attendant)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; 'if/since they are blameless' — the qualifying condition of their service.
11
γυναῖκας ὡσαύτως σεμνάς, μὴ διαβόλους, νηφαλίους, πιστὰς ἐν πᾶσιν.
The women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
A second ὡσαύτως introduces 'the women' — whether deacons' wives or women who serve — with a fourfold standard mirroring the deacons': dignity, no slander, sobriety, fidelity throughout.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
γυναῖκαςwomen/wivesAccusativeaccusative subject of implied εἶναιγυνή: 'woman, wife'; the unmodified 'women' is ambiguous — deacons' wives, or women in diaconal service (cf. Rom 16:1, Phoebe).
ὡσαύτωςlikewiseadverb (correspondence)ὡσαύτως: 'likewise'; carries over the implied δεῖ εἶναι, paralleling vv.2 and 8.
σεμνάςdignifiedAccusativepredicate accusativeσεμνός: 'dignified, honorable'; the same grave dignity required of the deacons (v.8).
μὴnotnegative particle
διαβόλουςslanderersAccusativepredicate accusativeδιάβολος: as an adjective, 'slanderous, given to malicious talk' (the same word rendered 'devil' in vv.6–7); here the human vice of false accusation.
νηφαλίουςtemperateAccusativepredicate accusativeνηφάλιος: 'sober, temperate'; the same self-controlled clear-headedness required of the overseer (v.2).
πιστὰςfaithfulAccusativepredicate accusativeπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; reliable in every responsibility.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
πᾶσινall thingsDativeobject of ἐν (substantival neuter)πᾶς: 'all'; 'in all things' — comprehensive fidelity, no sphere excepted.
12
διάκονοι ἔστωσαν μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες, τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων.
Let deacons be one-woman men, managing their children and their own households well.
Returning to the deacons, the same domestic standard as the overseer (vv.2,4): a single wife, and children and household managed well — proven faithfulness in the home.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
διάκονοιdeaconsNominativesubjectδιάκονος: 'deacon, servant'; the office resumes the subject from v.8, now with an explicit imperative.
ἔστωσανlet them bePres Act Impv 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; the imperative 'let them be' making the qualification a standing command.
μιᾶςof oneGenitiveattributive (numeral, emphatic)εἷς (fem. μία): 'one'; echoes the overseer's μιᾶς γυναικός (v.2).
γυναικὸςwoman/wifeGenitivegenitive of relationship (with ἄνδρες)γυνή: 'wife'; marital fidelity required of deacons as of overseers.
ἄνδρεςmen/husbandsNominativepredicate nominativeἀνήρ: 'man, husband'; 'one-woman men,' the plural of the phrase in v.2.
τέκνωνof childrenGenitivegenitive object of προϊστάμενοιτέκνον: 'child'; the offspring whose ordered upbringing again attests fitness to serve.
καλῶςwelladverb (manner)καλῶς: 'well, commendably'; the manner of the management, as in v.4.
προϊστάμενοιmanagingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προΐστημιattributive participle (predicate)→ customary presentπροΐστημι: 'preside over, manage'; the same household-leadership verb as v.4.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἰδίωνtheir ownGenitiveattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; their very own households, as in vv.4–5.
οἴκωνhouseholdsGenitivegenitive object of προϊστάμενοι (coordinate)οἶκος: 'household'; the family and its affairs, capably governed.
13
οἱ γὰρ καλῶς διακονήσαντες βαθμὸν ἑαυτοῖς καλὸν περιποιοῦνται καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.
For those who serve well as deacons gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
γάρ supplies the motive for the foregoing standard: faithful service earns a good standing and great confidence — a reward that crowns and commends the deacon's labor.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
οἱthose whoNominativearticle (substantizes participle)
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunctionγάρ: 'for'; grounds the requirement in its reward — an incentive to serve well.
καλῶςwelladverb (manner)καλῶς: 'well'; the manner that secures the reward.
διακονήσαντεςhaving servedAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διακονέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ constative aoristδιακονέω: 'serve, minister'; the aorist views the service as a completed course of faithful ministry.
βαθμὸνstanding/rankAccusativedirect object of περιποιοῦνταιβαθμός: 'step, grade, standing' (from βαίνω, 'go, step'); a good 'rung' or standing — likely esteem before God and the church, perhaps also spiritual progress.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesDativedative of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: 'oneself'; the gain accrues to the servants themselves.
καλὸνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, honorable'; the standing is a worthy, commendable one.
περιποιοῦνταιthey gainPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · περιποιέομαιmain verb→ gnomic presentπεριποιέομαι: 'acquire for oneself, gain, secure' (περί + ποιέω); the middle of obtaining a lasting possession.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πολλὴνgreatAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'much, great'; abundant confidence.
παρρησίανboldnessAccusativedirect object (coordinate with βαθμόν)παρρησία: 'frankness, boldness, confidence' (πᾶν + ῥῆσις, 'all-speech'); freedom of speech and assurance — toward God and in witness.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πίστειfaithDativedative of sphereπίστις: 'faith'; the sphere in which the boldness is exercised — confidence grounded in believing.
τῇthe (one)Dativearticle (with prepositional modifier)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (locative/union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere/union)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the faith 'in Christ Jesus' — the Pauline locus of union and confidence.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
14
Ταῦτά σοι γράφω, ἐλπίζων ἐλθεῖν πρὸς σὲ τάχιον·
These things I write to you, hoping to come to you soon —
A hinge to the letter's stated aim: Paul writes the instructions in hand even while hoping for a personal visit — the present letter provides for the meantime.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
Ταῦτάthese thingsAccusativedirect object of γράφω (demonstrative)οὗτος: 'this'; the foregoing instructions (and, with v.15, the letter's purpose generally).
σοιto youDativeindirect object (recipient)σύ: 'you'; Timothy, the letter's addressee.
γράφωI writePres Act Indic 1 Sg · γράφωmain verb→ epistolary presentγράφω: 'write'; the epistolary present, viewing the act of writing from the reader's standpoint.
ἐλπίζωνhopingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐλπίζωadverbial participle (concession/attendant)→ present (concurrent)ἐλπίζω: 'hope, expect'; the hope that frames the writing — 'though I hope to come.'
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (of ἐλπίζων)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; the object of the hope — a personal arrival.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
σὲyouAccusativeobject of πρός
τάχιονsoon/quicklyadverb (comparative, of time)τάχιον: 'more quickly, soon' (comparative of ταχέως); here with elative force, 'soon, before long.'
15
ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω, ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία θεοῦ ζῶντος, στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας.
but if I delay, that you may know how one ought to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.
The contingency (a delayed visit) makes the letter necessary; the ἵνα-clause states its grand purpose — right conduct in God's household, which Paul defines in a swelling triad: church of the living God, pillar and bulwark of the truth.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)ἐάν: 'if (perhaps)'; with the subjunctive, a contingency left open — 'should I be delayed.'
δὲbutcontrastive conjunctionδέ: 'but'; sets the possibility of delay against the hope of v.14.
βραδύνωI delayPres Act Subj 1 Sg · βραδύνωmain verb (protasis subjunctive)→ present (contingent)βραδύνω: 'be slow, delay, tarry' (from βραδύς, 'slow'); to be detained, the visit postponed.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)ἵνα: 'in order that'; introduces the purpose of writing — the apodosis is left implicit ('I write this').
εἰδῇςyou may knowPerf Act Subj 2 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (purpose-clause subjunctive)→ perfect-with-present-force (stative)οἶδα: 'know'; the purpose — Timothy's settled knowledge of proper conduct.
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (indirect question)πῶς: 'how'; introduces the indirect question — the manner of conduct.
δεῖone oughtPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb (+ inf.)→ gnomic presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary, one ought'; the binding propriety of conduct in God's house.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place/sphere)
οἴκῳhouseholdDativedative of place/sphereοἶκος: 'house, household'; here the church as God's family/household — the chapter's controlling image (anarthrous, qualitative).
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of possessionθεός: God; the household belongs to God — believers are his family.
ἀναστρέφεσθαιto conduct oneselfPres Mid/Pass Inf · ἀναστρέφωinfinitive complement of δεῖ→ customary presentἀναστρέφω (mid./pass.): 'turn about,' then 'conduct oneself, live, behave'; one's whole manner of life (cf. ἀναστροφή, 'conduct').
ἥτιςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative: 'which indeed')ὅστις: 'whoever, which'; the qualitative relative — 'which is of such a kind as to be …,' introducing the church's definition.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; the copula equating God's household with the following predicates.
ἐκκλησίαchurchNominativepredicate nominativeἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the called-out congregation, identified with the household.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of possession
ζῶντοςlivingPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ζάωattributive participle (with θεοῦ)→ stative presentζάω: 'live'; 'the living God' — the OT epithet (Deut 5:26) contrasting the true God with dead idols.
στῦλοςpillarNominativepredicate nominative (apposition)στῦλος: 'pillar, column'; what upholds and displays — the church bears up the truth before the world.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἑδραίωμαbulwark/foundationNominativepredicate nominative (apposition)ἑδραίωμα: 'support, bulwark, foundation' (from ἑδραῖος, 'firm, seated'); a rare word — the stay that holds the truth firm.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀληθείαςtruthGenitiveobjective genitive (pillar/bulwark of the truth)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the gospel truth that the church upholds and protects — leading into the confession of v.16.
16
καὶ ὁμολογουμένως μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον· ὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί, ἐδικαιώθη ἐν πνεύματι, ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις, ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ, ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ.
And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: who was manifested in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed in the world, taken up in glory.
The truth the church guards is summed in a confession 'great by common consent': a six-line hymn, each line a passive aorist with a 'flesh/spirit, earth/heaven' rhythm, tracing Christ from incarnation to ascension.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
καὶandconjunction (continuative)καί: 'and'; links the confession to the church's truth-bearing role (v.15).
ὁμολογουμένωςconfessedlyadverb (manner: 'by common confession')ὁμολογουμένως: 'admittedly, by common consent' (from ὁμολογέω, 'confess'); the greatness of the mystery is owned by all — a hapax in the NT.
μέγαgreatNominativepredicate adjective (fronted, emphatic)μέγας: 'great'; the fronted predicate stresses the surpassing magnitude of the mystery.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; the copula of the declaration.
τὸtheNominativearticle (with μυστήριον)
τῆςof theGenitivearticle (with εὐσεβείας)
εὐσεβείαςgodlinessGenitivegenitive (content/source of the mystery)εὐσέβεια: 'godliness, piety, true religion' (εὖ + σέβομαι, 'worship well'); a keyword of the Pastorals — devout life rooted in this revealed mystery.
μυστήριονmysteryNominativesubjectμυστήριον: 'mystery'; the once-hidden, now-revealed truth of Christ — here unfolded in the hymn that follows.
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of the hymn; ad sensum = Christ)ὅς: 'who'; the masculine relative (best reading, vs. later θεός) agreeing with the implied Christ rather than neuter μυστήριον — a sign the line opens a quoted hymn.
ἐφανερώθηwas manifestedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · φανερόωmain verb (line 1)→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make visible, reveal' (from φανερός, 'manifest'); the incarnation — the pre-existent one made visible in flesh.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
σαρκίfleshDativedative of sphereσάρξ: 'flesh'; the sphere of human, bodily existence — the realm of the manifestation.
ἐδικαιώθηwas vindicatedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · δικαιόωmain verb (line 2)→ constative aoristδικαιόω: 'declare righteous, vindicate'; of Christ, 'shown to be in the right' — vindicated by/in the Spirit, supremely at the resurrection.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πνεύματιspiritDativedative of sphere (antithetical to σαρκί)πνεῦμα: 'spirit/Spirit'; the antithetical counterpart to 'flesh' — the spiritual realm (or the Holy Spirit) in which Christ was vindicated.
ὤφθηwas seenAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb (line 3)→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. pass. ὤφθη): 'be seen, appear'; the standard verb of resurrection/glory appearances — here beheld by angels.
ἀγγέλοιςby angelsDativedative of agency/indirect object (seen by)ἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; the heavenly hosts that beheld the exalted Christ.
ἐκηρύχθηwas proclaimedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · κηρύσσωmain verb (line 4)→ constative aoristκηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald, preach'; the announcement of Christ in the apostolic mission.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere/scope)
ἔθνεσινnationsDativedative of sphere (scope of proclamation)ἔθνος: 'nation'; the Gentiles/nations — the universal reach of the gospel.
ἐπιστεύθηwas believedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πιστεύωmain verb (line 5)→ constative aoristπιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; here passive — Christ 'was believed on' in the world, the gospel's reception.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κόσμῳworldDativedative of sphereκόσμος: 'world'; the inhabited human world that came to faith in him.
ἀνελήμφθηwas taken upAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀναλαμβάνωmain verb (line 6)→ constative aoristἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up, receive up' (ἀνά + λαμβάνω); the technical verb of the ascension (cf. Acts 1:11) — the hymn's climactic exaltation.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/manner)
δόξῃgloryDativedative of sphere/mannerδόξα: 'glory, splendor'; the realm of heavenly glory into which the ascended Christ was received — the hymn's resolving note.