Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

1 Timothy 3:7

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony* from outsiders+ so that he does not fall into reproach* and a snare of the Devil.

1 Timothy 3:7

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 7 δεῖ It is binding δὲ but καὶ also μαρτυρίαν witness καλὴν fine ἔχειν to be having ἀπὸ from τῶν the (ones) ἔξωθεν, outside, ἵνα in order that μὴ not εἰς into ὀνειδισμὸν reproach ἐμπέσῃ he might fall in καὶ and παγίδα snare τοῦ of the διαβόλου. Devil.

1 Timothy 3:7

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 7 Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony* from people on the outside,+ in order that he might not fall into reproach and a snare+ of the Devil.

1 Timothy 3:7

The Bible in Living English
- 7 * And he must also have good attestation from the outsiders, so that he may not fall under the gibes of gossip and into its trap.

1 Timothy 3:7

American Standard Version
- 7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:7

The Emphasized Bible
- 7 It is needful moreover to have an honourable testimony also from them who are without, Lest into reproach he fall and the snare of the adversary.

1 Timothy 3:7

King James Version
- 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 3

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 3:7
  
  fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil: A Christian man who is appointed to be an overseer needs to have “a fine testimony” from people outside the congregation. If he were to be appointed despite having a bad reputation, he would bring reproach on himself, on the congregation, and especially on Jehovah. Also, he would be in danger of falling into one of the snares of the Devil, such as pride or ambition, which might lead him to disobey God. (1Ti 3:6; 2Ti 2:26) Paul’s wording also allows for the idea that “reproach” is part of the “snare” set by the Devil. Satan would delight to see the Christian congregation reproached because of the bad reputation of an overseer.