3:2a

An overseer: Even though Paul used the singular form overseer here, he was not saying that there was always only one overseer per church. He was describing the qualities that each overseer needed to have. In some languages it may be better to use plural forms here and in the rest of the list. For example, it may be better to say “overseers must be above reproach” rather than to say “the overseer must be above reproach.”

then: The Greek word oun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as then normally means “therefore.” It is not a time word. Paul used this word to begin the list of the character qualities a person should have if he wanted to become an overseer. Since it was noble to want to be an overseer, such people needed to fulfill certain qualifications. Another way to translate this connection could be “because of that,”

must be above reproach: Paul said that overseers should behave well so that no one would be able to accuse them of doing something wrong. They should be people whom other people respected as men who behaved in a godly way. This word is also used in 5:7b and 6:14b.

3:2b

the husband of but one wife: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the husband of but one wife literally says “a one-wife husband” or “a one-woman man.” Scholars interpret this in two main ways: (There is a third interpretation followed by the New Revised Standard Version, that is, an overseer must only be married once.)

(1) An overseer must not be married to more than one woman at the same time; that is, he must not be polygamous. For example, the Good News Translation says:

he must have only one wife

(Berean Standard Bible, Good News Translation, New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, New Century Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible)

(2) An overseer must not have sex with anyone other than his wife; that is, he must not commit adultery. Many commentaries follow this interpretation. For example, the New Living Translation (2004 Revision) says:

faithful to his wife

(New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version)

Either of these interpretations is possible. If an elder was not faithful to his wife, people would criticize him or criticize the church. So Paul wanted each church leader to be faithful to his wife. However, interpretation (2) is followed by several English versions. You may wish to follow the same interpretation as the version most in use in your area. It is recommended that whichever interpretation you choose, you mention the other in a footnote.

It is also important to notice that the same Greek expression is used in Titus 1:6. Make sure that you translate both passages the same way.

3:2c

temperate: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temperate means “behaving in a sober, restrained manner.” (Louw and Nida (88.87) on nēphalios) It often refers to not drinking too much alcohol. But most commentators agree that the meaning is more general here. It includes not getting drunk, but it also refers to not losing control of oneself in any other way. The same word is used in 3:11c and Titus 2:2.

self-controlled: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as self-controlled means “being sensible and moderate in one’s behavior.” (Louw and Nida (88.94) on sōphrōn) It describes a person who thinks and acts wisely. Because the overseer is in control of himself, he is able to act calmly and appropriately in every situation. This word is also used to describe an overseer in Titus 1:8. It also occurs in Titus 2:2, 2:5–6, 2:12.

These two words translated temperate and self-controlled mean almost the same thing. They both refer to a person who can control the way in which he reacts to things or situations. Both words also occur together in Titus 2:2. Paul probably used both words together to emphasize that an overseer should be in control of himself in every area of his life. So, if you do not have two words to use in your translation, you could combine them and say:

he should be self-controlled in everything he does

3:2d

respectable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as respectable means “orderly,” “well-behaved,” or “virtuous.” It means that other people value and admire a person who is respectable.

hospitable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hospitable literally means “loving strangers.” An overseer must be a person who welcomes guests into his home. He may also give guests food or a place to stay for the night. This word is also used in Titus 1:8.

able to teach: An overseer must be a person who is able to teach believers what Scripture means. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as able to teach is also used in 2 Timothy 2:24.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.