1 Timothy 3:4

2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.

5 For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?

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

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.
KJV
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
WEB
one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;
ASV
one that ruleth well his own house, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity;
DARBY
conducting his own house well, having [his] children in subjection with all gravity;
BLB
presiding over [his] own house well, having children in submission, with all dignity—
ÅB
en som styrer sitt eget hus vel og har lydige barn med all sømmelighet
OTB
Han må lede sitt eget hus godt og ha lydige barn med all verdighet
B1930
en som styrer sitt eget hus vel og har lydige barn med all sømmelighet

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Titus 1:6

    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.

    Read in context
  • Genesis 18:19

    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.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Timothy 3:12

    A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

    Read in context
  • Titus 2:2

    Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

    Read in context
  • Joshua 24:15

    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!”

    Read in context
  • Acts 10:2

    He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.

    Read in context
  • Titus 2:7

    In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

    Read in context
  • Psalms 101:2–8

    I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.

    Read in context