1 Timothy 3:3

KJV

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3361} given to wine {G3943}, no {G3361} striker {G4131}, not {G3361} greedy of filthy lucre {G146}; but {G235} patient {G1933}, not a brawler {G269}, not covetous {G866};

Complete Jewish Bible

He must not drink excessively or get into fights; rather, he must be kind and gentle. He must not be a lover of money.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 3:3 serves as a vital component of Paul's comprehensive instructions regarding the character and conduct required of church overseers, or bishops. This verse articulates a series of negative prohibitions and contrasting positive virtues, emphasizing that spiritual leadership demands not only doctrinal soundness but also exemplary personal integrity, self-control, peacefulness, and freedom from the corrupting influence of greed. It underscores the profound importance of a leader's moral and ethical standing as a reflection of Christ and a model for the congregation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's detailed qualifications for church leadership, specifically for overseers, found in [1 Timothy 3:1-7](/1_timothy/3-1-7 "1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for Overseers"). Following the aspirational statement in [1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Desire for Overseer's Office") and the initial list of positive attributes in [1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Positive Qualifications for Overseers"), [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers") shifts focus to behaviors and attitudes that are strictly incompatible with the office. The passage as a whole provides a holistic picture of the ideal spiritual leader, emphasizing that internal character and external conduct are equally crucial for effective and credible ministry within the nascent Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to Timothy was written to guide his protégé in establishing and maintaining order within the Ephesian church, a vibrant yet challenging urban center. In the Greco-Roman world, various philosophical schools and religious cults competed for adherents, often with leaders whose moral standards were lax or driven by personal gain. Against this backdrop, Paul's insistence on unimpeachable character for Christian leaders was revolutionary and essential for the church's reputation and growth. The early church faced internal struggles with false teachers and external pressures from a hostile society, making the integrity of its leadership paramount. The qualifications in [1 Timothy 3](/1_timothy/3 "1 Timothy 3 - Qualifications for Church Leaders") were therefore not merely ideals but practical necessities for the survival and spiritual health of the community in a complex cultural landscape.
* **Key Themes:** The qualifications in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers") contribute significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. **Temperance and Self-Control** are highlighted by the prohibitions against being "given to wine" and "a brawler," underscoring the necessity for leaders to exhibit mastery over their appetites and emotions, setting a standard of sobriety and stability. This aligns with the broader call for believers to be filled with the Spirit, not wine, as seen in [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit"). **Peacefulness and Gentleness** are emphasized by the directives "no striker" and "not a brawler," contrasted with the positive command to be "patient." This theme stresses the leader's role as a peacemaker and a calm presence, capable of handling conflict with grace and wisdom, reflecting the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") which includes gentleness and self-control. Finally, **Financial Integrity and Contentment** are central, with the warnings "not greedy of filthy lucre" and "not covetous." These prohibitions address the pervasive danger of materialism, ensuring that leaders are motivated by genuine pastoral care rather than personal enrichment, a principle powerfully articulated in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given to wine (Greek, _pároinos'_):** From G3943, this term literally means "staying near wine" or "a tippler." It describes someone prone to excessive drinking or intoxication, which would impair judgment, diminish self-control, and bring disrepute to the leader and the church. The prohibition emphasizes the need for sobriety and moderation.
* **patient (Greek, _epieikḗs'_):** From G1933, this rich word signifies "appropriate," "mild," "gentle," "reasonable," or "forbearing." It describes a disposition that is gracious, considerate, and fair-minded, able to handle situations with calmness and understanding rather than harshness or rigidity. This positive virtue stands in stark contrast to the preceding negative traits.
* **not covetous (Greek, _aphilárgyros'_):** From G866, this compound word means "unavaricious" or "not a lover of money." It directly addresses the internal disposition towards wealth, condemning a preoccupation with material gain or an insatiable desire for more. This quality ensures that a leader's motivations are pure and focused on spiritual service rather than personal financial advantage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not given to wine":** This clause prohibits an overseer from being addicted to alcohol or prone to drunkenness. Such a habit would compromise their judgment, undermine their moral authority, and bring scandal to the church, as a leader must exemplify self-control and clear-headedness.
* **"no striker":** This forbids a leader from being physically violent or quarrelsome. An overseer must be peaceable, avoiding aggressive behavior, whether physical or verbally abusive, and instead demonstrating a spirit of calm and reconciliation.
* **"not greedy of filthy lucre":** This phrase condemns the pursuit of dishonest gain or an excessive love for money. It warns against leaders who would exploit their position for personal financial benefit, emphasizing that their service must be driven by genuine care for the flock, not by sordid profit.
* **"but patient":** This introduces a positive contrasting virtue. Instead of the negative traits, an overseer must be gentle, reasonable, and forbearing. This quality speaks to a leader's disposition, showing grace and understanding in their interactions, especially when dealing with difficult people or situations.
* **"not a brawler":** This reiterates the theme of peacefulness, prohibiting an overseer from being contentious or quarrelsome. It reinforces the idea that a leader should avoid disputes and arguments, fostering harmony rather than division within the community.
* **"not covetous":** This final prohibition reinforces the earlier warning against greed, specifically targeting an internal desire for money. It means a leader should not be driven by materialism or an insatiable longing for wealth, but rather be content with what they have, serving out of pure motives.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Antithesis** as a primary literary device in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers"), sharply contrasting undesirable behaviors ("not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre") with a single positive virtue ("but patient") and then returning to further negative prohibitions ("not a brawler, not covetous"). This structure effectively highlights the qualities to be avoided while simultaneously underscoring the essential positive disposition required for leadership. The repeated use of the negative particle "not" (Greek: _mḗ_) creates a strong sense of **Exhortation** and clear boundaries, leaving no ambiguity about the behaviors deemed unacceptable. Furthermore, the pairing of "not greedy of filthy lucre" and "not covetous" demonstrates a form of **Repetition** or **Synonymy**, emphasizing the critical importance of financial integrity and freedom from materialism for those in spiritual authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The qualifications in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers") are deeply rooted in a theology of character, asserting that a leader's internal disposition and external conduct are inseparable from their spiritual authority and effectiveness. These virtues reflect the very nature of God, who is patient and just, and are essential for modeling Christ-like living within the community. The emphasis on self-control, peacefulness, and financial integrity speaks to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, demonstrating that true spiritual leadership flows from a heart renewed and submitted to God's will. These qualities are not merely human attributes but divine graces cultivated through discipleship, ensuring that leaders are trustworthy stewards of God's people and resources, reflecting the kingdom's values to a watching world.

* [Titus 1:7-8](/titus/1-7-8 "Titus 1:7-8 - Qualifications for Elders")
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherd the Flock of God")
* [2 Timothy 2:24-25](/2_timothy/2-24-25 "2 Timothy 2:24-25 - The Lord's Servant Must Not Be Quarrelsome")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While specifically addressed to overseers, the virtues and vices outlined in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers") serve as a profound challenge and guide for all believers. Our character is the most potent witness to the transforming power of the Gospel, and cultivating self-control, patience, peacefulness, and contentment is foundational to a life that honors God. This verse prompts us to honestly examine our own lives: Do we exhibit mastery over our appetites? Are we quick to anger or prone to contention? Is our pursuit of material possessions hindering our spiritual growth or compromising our integrity? Embracing these qualities allows us to be effective ambassadors for Christ in our homes, workplaces, and communities, demonstrating the maturity and stability that reflects His nature. It reminds us that true spiritual influence stems not from position, but from a heart consistently aligned with God's will and a life lived in humble obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with self-control, particularly regarding appetites or anger, and how can I invite the Holy Spirit to bring greater discipline?**
* **Am I known for being patient and peaceable, or do I tend to be quarrelsome or easily provoked in my interactions with others?**
* **How does my attitude towards money and material possessions align with the principle of being "not greedy of filthy lucre" and "not covetous"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate one of the positive virtues mentioned in this verse (e.g., patience, gentleness) in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Are these qualifications only for church leaders, or do they apply to all Christians?**

Answer: While [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Qualifications for Overseers") is explicitly given as a standard for church overseers, the virtues it promotes are foundational to Christian character and are applicable to all believers. The qualities of self-control, patience, peacefulness, and freedom from greed are universal marks of spiritual maturity and are part of the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") that all followers of Christ are called to cultivate. Leaders are simply held to a higher standard because their lives serve as a public example to the flock and the world, but the underlying principles are for everyone seeking to live a godly life.

**What does "not given to wine" mean for Christians today? Does it prohibit all alcohol consumption?**

Answer: The phrase "not given to wine" (Greek: _pároinos_) specifically refers to someone who is not habitually drunk or prone to excessive drinking. It implies a lack of self-control and a tendency to linger beside wine, leading to intoxication. The primary concern is the impairment of judgment, loss of self-control, and the disrepute it brings to the individual and the church. While interpretations vary on whether this prohibits all alcohol consumption, the clear emphasis is on sobriety, moderation, and avoiding any behavior that leads to drunkenness or addiction. The principle is about demonstrating self-mastery and maintaining a clear mind for spiritual discernment and leadership.

**Why is financial integrity so heavily emphasized for church leaders in this verse?**

Answer: Financial integrity is crucial for church leaders because greed and covetousness are powerful temptations that can corrupt ministry, undermine trust, and bring scandal to the Gospel. When leaders are "greedy of filthy lucre" or "covetous," their motivations become suspect, and their service can be perceived as self-serving rather than Spirit-led. The church's resources are God's, and leaders are stewards, not owners. This emphasis ensures that leaders are motivated by a genuine love for God and His people, rather than by personal gain, thus protecting the integrity of the church's mission and witness in the world. As [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness") warns, life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, and [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - Be Content with What You Have") encourages contentment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The virtues outlined in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Prohibited Behaviors for Overseers") find their perfect embodiment and ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He was the quintessential leader, never "given to wine" but always clear-headed and fully submitted to the Father's will. He was "no striker" and "not a brawler," but rather the Prince of Peace, who taught His disciples to turn the other cheek and respond to evil with love. His life was utterly devoid of "filthy lucre" or covetousness; indeed, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich, as described in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"). Jesus perfectly modeled patience and gentleness, even in the face of immense provocation and suffering, never retaliating but entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly, as [1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ Our Example") illustrates. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ, to put on His character, and to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into His likeness. The qualifications for leadership, therefore, are not merely a checklist of human abilities, but a divine invitation to reflect the very nature of our Lord, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many, as He taught in [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26-28 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Servant Leadership"). Our ability to live out these virtues flows from our union with Him, enabling us to serve with the same humility and integrity that He displayed, ultimately bringing glory to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 1:7

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Titus 3:2

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

1 Timothy 3:8

¶ Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Isaiah 28:7

But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble [in] judgment.

James 4:1

¶ From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.