3:4a

manage his own household well: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as manage means to influence the way people behave. (Louw and Nida (36.1) say that the word in the Greek (proistēmi) means “to so influence others as to cause them to follow a recommended course of action,” and it implies “a minimum of control on the part of the one guiding or leading.”) An overseer should train his family to behave in ways that please God. In some languages, it is possible to use a word meaning “guide” or “lead.” In other languages it may be possible to say “be in control of his family.”

3:4b

keep his children under control, with complete dignity: This is part of managing a family well. An overseer was to train his children and make sure they obeyed him respectfully.

with complete dignity: The Greek word semnotēs that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dignity means “esteem,” “reverence,” “honor.”

In this context, Paul was saying that the children were to obey their father to show that they respected him. That is, they were to esteem him and honor him by the way they behaved. See the New International Version (2011 Revision), Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Contemporary English Version, and New Century Version.

complete: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as complete is literally “all.” Paul used this word to say that an overseer’s children should respectfully obey him in every way.

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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.