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1 Timothy 3:6

1 Timothy 3:6 in Multiple Translations

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Not one newly taken into the church, for fear that, through his high opinion of himself, he may come into the same sin as the Evil One.

He should not be a new believer, in case he gets so full of himself that he falls under the same condemnation as the devil.

He may not be a yong scholer, lest he being puffed vp fall into the condemnation of the deuill.

not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the devil;

not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Not a neophyte: lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil.

He must not be one who has just recently trusted in Jesus, because if you choose a man like that, he might become conceited/proud because you chose him so soon. As a result of his being conceited/proud, God will condemn him like he condemned the devil because he was conceited/proud.

He has to be a man that has been a Christian for a long time, not a new Christian. A new Christian might start to think he is smart, and God might have to throw him out, like he threw the devil out after the devil thought he was smart. That devil is now the boss over the bad spirits. –

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 3:6

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1 Timothy 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μη νεοφυτον ινα μη τυφωθεις εις κριμα εμπεση του διαβολου
μη G3361 not Particle-N
νεοφυτον neophutos G3504 new convert Adj-ASM
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
μη G3361 not Particle-N
τυφωθεις tuphoō G5187 be conceited Verb-APP-NSM
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
κριμα krima G2917 judgment Noun-ASN
εμπεση empiptō G1706 to fall into Verb-2AAS-3S
του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM
διαβολου diabolos G1228 devilish/the Devil Adj-GSM
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 3:6

μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
νεοφυτον neophutos G3504 "new convert" Adj-ASM
A new convert to the Christian faith, or a neophyte, someone who is still learning and growing in their spiritual journey, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:6. This word is used to describe someone who is newly planted in the faith.
Definition: νεό-φυτος, -ον (νέος, φύω) [in LXX: Job.14:9, Psa.144:12, Isa.5:7 (נֶטַע), Psa.128:3 (שְׁתִל)* ;] newly planted (LXX). Metaphorical, as subst., ὁ ν., a new convert, neophyte, novice: 1Ti.3:6† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: novice See also: 1 Timothy 3:6.
ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
μη G3361 "not" Particle-N
Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.
Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.
τυφωθεις tuphoō G5187 "be conceited" Verb-APP-NSM
This word means to be conceited or full of pride, as in 1 Timothy 3:6 and 6:4. It describes someone who is puffed up with their own importance.
Definition: τυφόω, -ῶ (τῦφος, smoke; metaphorically, conceit), prop., to wrap in smoke; used only metaphorically, to puff up, becloud with pride: pass., 1Ti.3:6 6:4, 2Ti.3:4 (Dem., Arist., al.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud See also: 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
κριμα krima G2917 "judgment" Noun-ASN
Judgment means a decision made for or against someone, like in a court. In the Bible, it often refers to God's judgment, as seen in Romans 2:2 and 2 Peter 2:3. It can also mean condemnation or damnation.
Definition: κρίμα (B1., § 27, 2), -τος, τό (κρίνω), [in LXX chiefly for מִשְׁפָּט ;] the issue of a judicial process, hence, __1. judgment, the decision passed on the faults of others: Mat.7:2; in forensic sense, with genitive pun., Luk.24:20; esp. of the judgment of God, Rom.2:2 5:16 11:33 (ICC, in l), 2Pe.2:3, Ju 4; κ. λαμβάνεσθαι, Mat.23:13 (Rec., R, mg.), Mrk.12:40, Luk.20:47, Rom.13:2, Jas.3:1; ἔχειν, 1Ti.5:12; βαστάζειν, Gal.5:10; ἐσθίειν ἑαυτῷ, 1Co.11:29; εἰς κ. συνέρχεσθαι, 1Co.11:34; εἶναι ἐν τ αὐτῷ κ., Luk.23:40; with genitive obj., Rom.3:8, 1Ti.3:6, Rev.17:1; of God's judgment through Christ, Jhn.9:39; τὸ κ. ἄρχεται, 1Pe.4:17; τ. κ. τ. μέλλον, Act.24:25; κ. αἰώνιον, Heb.6:2; ἔκρινεν ὁ Θεὸς τ. κ. ὐμῶν, Rev.18:20; of the right of judgment, Rev.20:4. __2. a matter for judgment, a law-suit, a case: 1Co.6:7.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment See also: 1 Corinthians 6:7; Luke 23:40; 1 Peter 4:17.
εμπεση empiptō G1706 "to fall into" Verb-2AAS-3S
To fall into something, like a trap or a situation, as in Matthew 12:11 and Luke 6:39. It can also mean to be overwhelmed with something, like judgment or temptation.
Definition: ἐμ-πίπτω [in LXX chiefly for נָפַל ;] to fall into: before εἰς, Mat.12:11, Luk.6:39 10:36; metaphorically, εἰς κρίμα, 1Ti.3:6; ὀνειδισμόν 1Ti.3:7; πειρασμόν, 1Ti.6:9; εἰς χεῖρας θεοῦ (cf. 2Ki.24:14, 1Ch.21:13, Sir.2:18), Heb.10:31.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: fall among (into) See also: 1 Timothy 3:6; Hebrews 10:31; Matthew 12:11.
του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
διαβολου diabolos G1228 "devilish/the Devil" Adj-GSM
The Greek word for the devil or a false accuser, used to describe Satan in the Bible, such as in Matthew 4:1 and Luke 4:2.
Definition: διάβολος, -ον (διαβάλλω, which see) [in LXX for שָׂטָן (as Job.1:6), exc. Est.7:4 8:1 (צַר, צָרַר) ;] slanderous, accusing falsely. As subst., ὁ, ἡ, δ.; __(a) generally (of. Es, ll. with), a slanderer, false accuser: 1Ti.3:6, 7 (CGT, in l., but see infr.) 3:11, 2Ti.3:3, Tit.2:3; __(b) as chiefly in LXX, of Satan, the Accuser, the Devil: Mat.4:1, 5, 8, 11 13:39 25:41, Luk.4:2, 3, 6, 13 8:12, Jhn.13:2, Act.10:38, Eph.4:27 6:11, 1Ti.3:6, 7 (but see supr.), 2Ti.2:26, Heb.2:14, Jas.4:7, 1Pe.5:8, Ju 9, Rev.2:10 12:9, 12 20:2, 10; εἶναι ἐκ τοῦ δ., Jhn.8:44, 1Jn.3:8; τέκνα τοῦ δ., 1Jn.3:10; υἱὸς, Act.13:10; metaphorically, of Judas, Jhn.6:70 (Cremer, 121; DCG, ii, 605).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: false accuser, devil, slanderer See also: 1 John 3:8; Luke 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8.

Study Notes — 1 Timothy 3:6

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
2 Hebrews 5:12–13 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.
3 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
4 1 Peter 5:5 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.”
5 2 Corinthians 12:7 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.
6 1 Corinthians 4:6–8 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!
7 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
8 Isaiah 14:12–14 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.”
9 1 Corinthians 3:1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
10 Isaiah 2:12 For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled—

1 Timothy 3:6 Summary

[This verse is saying that someone who has only recently become a Christian should not be put into a leadership position in the church, because they may become too full of themselves and forget to stay humble, as warned in Proverbs 16:18. This is important because church leaders need to be examples of humility and servant-heartedness, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28. By waiting for someone to demonstrate spiritual maturity, we can help protect them and the church from the dangers of pride and arrogance. This is in line with the teaching in 1 Peter 5:2-3, which emphasizes the importance of humble leadership in the church.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for someone to be a 'recent convert' in 1 Timothy 3:6?

A recent convert refers to someone who has recently come to faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 2:41, and may not have had time to mature in their faith and develop the necessary character to lead in the church.

Why is it important for a church leader not to be a recent convert?

As 1 Timothy 3:6 warns, a recent convert may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil, highlighting the importance of humility and spiritual maturity in church leadership, as also emphasized in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

How does the condemnation of the devil in 1 Timothy 3:6 relate to church leaders?

The devil's condemnation, as seen in Isaiah 14:12-15, was due to his pride and arrogance, and similarly, a church leader who becomes conceited may fall into the same trap, emphasizing the need for humility and a servant-hearted attitude, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28.

Can a recent convert never become a church leader?

While 1 Timothy 3:6 advises against it, it does not rule out the possibility entirely, but rather cautions against the dangers of pride and immaturity, emphasizing the importance of waiting for a person to demonstrate spiritual maturity and a servant-hearted attitude, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some signs of conceit and pride in a person's life, and how can we guard against them in our own lives?
  2. How can we balance the need for spiritual maturity in church leaders with the importance of giving new believers opportunities to serve and grow?
  3. What are some ways that church leaders can cultivate humility and a servant-hearted attitude, and how can we as a church body support and encourage them in this?
  4. How does the example of the devil's condemnation in 1 Timothy 3:6 serve as a warning to us today, and what are some practical steps we can take to avoid falling into the same trap?
  5. In what ways can we prioritize spiritual maturity and character development in our own lives, and how can we encourage others to do the same?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice,.... Or one newly planted, the Arabic version adds, "in the faith"; meaning not a young man, for so was Timothy himself; but a young professor and church member; one that is lately come

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Not a novice - one just converted. This proves the church of Ephesus was established for some time.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice; not a young plant, that is, one that is newly made a member of the church of Christ; such persons are apt to swell in the opinion of their newly acquired knowledge, state, or dignity; and being so lifted up, they will be in danger of such a punishment as the devil for his pride met with, or to be guilty of some ill or indecent behaviour, which may give the devil occasion to accuse them. Others here interpret diabolou more appellatively, and understand by it a man that is an accuser, making the sense this, — and fall into the judgment, censure, or condemnation of men, accusing them for such behaviour.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Ver. 6. Not a novice] νεοφυτος. Rude and proud, a young scholar or newly converted, but well experimented, and sufficiently commended by men of worth. He that offered to run a race was led about by the crier, to see what any one present could object against him, ere he was suffered to run, as Chrysostom reporteth. So it should be here. Was he not a fit man to be a doctor of divinity, and a teacher in Israel, who being asked something touching the Decalogue, denied that he had ever any such book as that in his study Another (and he a bishop) taking up a Bible, and reading in it awhile, when one asked him what book he had there, he answered, What book it is I know not; but this I know, that it speaketh altogether against our religion. An ass might not be coupled with an ox in ploughing. No ignorant doltish ass may plough in God’ s field the Church. Asinos elegit Christus et idiotas, saith Dr Beddingfield, sed oculavit in prudentes; simulque dona dedit et ministeria. Christ chose illiterate men, but made them learned and teachers of others. He fall into the condemnation of the devil] διαβολος. That is, be condemned as the devil is, for his pride. Or, lest he come under the censure of calumniating persons, who have one common name (in Greek) with the devil. See 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3. Chrysost. Hom. xxii. ad Pop. Antioch. Amama, Antibarb. praefat. Luther. Chytraeus.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6

(6) Not a novice.—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. Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.—The Greek word rendered here “being lifted up,” would be more happily Englished by being clouded or deluded. 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6

Verse 6. Fifteenth. - It is required that he be not a novice] νεοφυτον. Not a young plant, not recently ingrafted, that is, one not newly converted to the faith; (old MS. Bible;) one who has been of considerable standing in the Christian Church, if he have the preceding qualifications, may be safely trusted with the government of that Church. It is impossible that one who is not long and deeply experienced in the ways of God can guide others in the way of life. Hence presbyters or elders were generally appointed to have the oversight of the rest, and hence presbyter and bishop seem to have been two names for the same office; yet all presbyters or elders certainly were not bishops, because all presbyters had not the qualifications marked above. But the apostle gives another reason: Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. It is natural for man to think himself of more importance than his fellows when they are intrusted to his government. The apostle's term τυφωθεις, puffed up, inflated, is a metaphor taken from a bladder when filled with air or wind. It is a substance, has a certain size, is light, can be the sport of the wind, but has nothing in it but air. Such is the classical coxcomb; a mere puffball, a disgrace to his function, and despised by every intelligent man. Should we not say to those whom it may concern, "From such apostles, O ye mitred heads, Preserve the Church; and lay not careless hands On skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn." From these words of the apostle we are led to infer that pride or self-conceit was the cause of the devil's downfall. In Ecclus. x. there are some excellent sayings concerning pride: "Pride is hurtful before God and man." "Why is earth and ashes proud?" "The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God." "For pride is the beginning of sin; and he that hath it shall pour out abomination." "PRIDE was not made for MEN." See verses 7, 9, 12, 13, and 18, of the above chapter.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 3:6

6. “Do not set a new convert to rule in high place lest ‘pride come’ again ‘before a fall’ as in Satan’s case: and again, let your ruler be one at whom the world can throw no stone; or its reproaches will do harm and may drive him back into his old sins.”Not a novice] Lit. ‘a neophyte,’ a new convert. The objection raised against the authenticity of the Epistle from this verse cannot be sustained when the later date is granted, since we get a period of twelve years from a.d. 54, the commencement of St Paul’s three years’ work at Ephesus, to a.d. 66, the most probable date for this Epistle. See Introduction, ch. 6 fin.lifted up with pride] Rather, puffed up. See note on 1 Timothy 6:4.the condemnation of the devil] The same condemnation as that under which the devil came for pride; objective genitive. Compare ‘… what time his pride Had cast him out of heaven, with all his host Of rebel angels.’ Milton, Par. Lost, I. 36.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice - Margin, “one newly come to the faith.” The Greek word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means, properly, that which is “newly planted.” Thus it would mean a plant that

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6

6. Novice—Literal, new-plant; green young convert. Lifted up with pride—At his sudden elevation. Condemnation for pride of the devil, who was cast down to hell for rebellion.

Sermons on 1 Timothy 3:6

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen One Thing I Desire by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect
Bob Jennings Self-Exaltation and Humility by Bob Jennings In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others. He encourages the congregation to have a humble attitude and to be willing to serve, rather t
Sadhu Sundar Singh Heaven and Hell by Sadhu Sundar Singh Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the concepts of heaven and hell, emphasizing that they are states in the spiritual realm originating in the heart of man. He explains that true pe
J.C. Philpot The Call and Qualifications for the Ministry by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot delves into the importance of a divine call and necessary qualifications for the Gospel ministry. He emphasizes that a true call to the ministry involves a deep inward
Watchman Nee I. the Origin of the Tempter by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee explores the origin of the tempter, revealing that he was once a beautiful and wise creature who fell from grace by aspiring to be equal with God. This pride led to hi
Robert S. Rayburn Pastor's Perspective by Robert S. Rayburn Robert S. Rayburn preaches on the destructive nature of pride, highlighting how it leads to self-worship, dishonesty, and a lack of appreciation for God's grace. He emphasizes that
Keith Malcomson Qualification's for Leadership by Keith Malcomson Keith Malcomson preaches on the qualifications of being 'Blameless' according to 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6-7, emphasizing the importance of being un-rebukeable, un-accused, and a

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