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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 3:3 - 3:3
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Given to wine (πάροινον)
Only here and Tit 1:7. The verb παροινεῖν to behave ill at wine, to treat with drunken violence, is found in Xenophon, Aeschines, Aristophanes, and Aristotle. Once in lxx, Isa 41:12. Rev. renders brawler, which is not definite enough. Better, quarrelsome over wine. See Aristoph. Acharn. 981: παροίνιος ἀνὴρ ἔφυ which Frere renders “behaved in such a beastly way.” Cicero, ad Att. x. 10, uses παροινικῶς = insolently.
Striker (πλήκτην)
Only here and Tit 1:7. Some soften down the meaning into a pugnacious or combative person. In any case, it is a peculiar state of things which calls out such admonitions to Bishops.
Not greedy of filthy lucre
Omit.
Patient (ἐπιεικῆ)
Better, forbearing. The word occurs Phi 4:5, and ἐπιεικία forbearance in 2Co 10:1, where it is associated with πραΰ̀της meekness. From εἰκός reasonable. Hence, not unduly rigorous; not making a determined stand for one's just due. In 1Pe 2:18; Jam 3:17, it is associated with ἀγαθὸς kindly, and εὐπειθής easy to be entreated. It occurs in lxx.
Not a brawler (ἄμαχον)
Better, not contentious.
Not covetous (ἀφιλάργυρον)
Only here and Heb 13:5. olxx, oClass. Φιλάργυρος money-loving, Luk 16:14; 2Ti 3:2. Rend. not a money-lover. The word for covetous is πλεονέκτης. For the distinction see on Rom 1:29.
This admonition is cited by some writers in support of the view that the original ἐπίσκοπος was simply a financial officer. It is assumed that it was prompted by the special temptations which attached to the financial function. Admitting that the episcopal function may have included the financial interests of the church, it could not have been confined to these. It can hardly be supposed that, in associations distinctively moral and religious, one who bore the title of overseer should have been concerned only with the material side of church life.