1 Timothy 3:4

“He must be one who manages”: This indicates that the elder must presently rule his household well. This is not an optional requirement. Contrary to the claims of some, this verse does demand that the elder have children!

1 Timothy 3:4 “Manages”: “To be over, superintend, preside over” (Thayer p. 539). To stand before, lead, attend to, indicating care and diligence (Vine p. 307). Be at the head of, rule, and direct (Arndt p. 707).

1 Timothy 3:4 “Well”: “Rightly, so that there shall be no room for blame” (Thayer p. 323). “Fitly, appropriately, in the right way” (Arndt p. 401).

1 Timothy 3:4 “Keeping his children under control”: That is keeping them over control, having obedient children.

1 Timothy 3:4 “Children”: Note that the term “children” can apply to children who are little as well as children who are grown adults (1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:18; 1 Timothy 5:4).

1 Timothy 3:4 “With all dignity”: Honor, purity, reverence, seriousness, respectfulness. It would appear that the “dignity” applies not merely to the children, but to how the elder keeps his children under control. He is. dignified father, that is, he does not have to yell at his children or threaten them to keep them in subjection. “Denotes the dignified way in which the father will secure the obedience of his children” (Hiebert p. 67).