1:7a
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach: The Greek is more literally “For an overseer/bishop must be blameless as a steward of God.” God has given overseers the responsible position of steward, and so it is important that they be blameless.
Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:
For since a church leader is in charge of God’s work, he should be without fault. (Good News Bible)
-or-
An overseer is God’s servant who takes care of his work/people. So he must be without fault.
-or-
Because a bishop is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. (God’s Word)
In some languages, it may be more natural to follow the Greek order. For example:
For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work. (NET Bible)
Since Paul was writing about overseers in general and not one particular overseer, in some languages it may be natural to use a plural form. For example:
God has given overseers the task of watching over his people. So they must be without blame.
overseer: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as overseer is often translated as “bishop.” Many scholars think that “elder” (1:5) and overseer are two words for the same church leaders. According to this interpretation, Paul was still talking about the kind of people whom Titus should choose to be elders.
God’s steward: This phrase indicates that the overseer had the position of steward working for God. In New Testament times, a steward was an important servant who was responsible to manage his master’s business, possessions, or household. A master often gave his steward authority over other servants. And in the church, the work of the church leader is to look after the work and ministry of the church and to take care of God’s people.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
a supervisor appointed by God (God’s Word)
-or-
responsible for the welfare/wellbeing of God’s people
must be above reproach: Paul was saying that it is necessary for church leaders to be above reproach. The phrase above reproach translates the same word that Paul used in 1:6a that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “blameless.” You should translate it in the same way in both places.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
a church leader must be blameless
-or-
You should choose those who are blameless.
-or-
Choose blameless men.
1:7b–8
Here Paul began to describe in more detail how a church leader should behave. In 1:7b–d Paul listed five ways in which a church leader should not behave. Then in 1:8 Paul listed six ways in which a church leader should behave.
1:7b
not self-absorbed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as self-absorbed means “arrogant, bossy.” Paul said that a church overseer is not to be like this. He must not insist on his own way as though he were a king or dictator or boss.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
not arrogant (NET Bible)
-or-
He must not be one who demands his own way.
-or-
They must not be bossy (Contemporary English Version)
not quick-tempered: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as quick-tempered means “quick to get angry.” The church leader must not be someone who becomes angry quickly or easily. He must keep his anger under control.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
not become angry quickly
-or-
not hot tempered
-or-
He must not get angry easily. (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
They must not be prone/inclined to anger.
1:7c
not given to drunkenness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as given to drunkenness refers to someone who makes a habit of drinking a lot of alcohol so that he becomes drunk.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
not a drunkard
-or-
not a heavy drinker (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
He must not be someone who often gets drunk.
The same word is used in 1 Timothy 3:3a where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “dependent on wine.” Try to translate it the same way in both places.
not violent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as violent means “striker, brawler.” This refers to a person who often fights with other people or who is rough with others in language or actions. It refers mainly to fighting physically, but it can include yelling and arguing, too. Paul wrote that church leaders must not be men who behaved like this.
Here are some other ways to translate this word:
not fight a lot
-or-
He must not like to fight with others.
The same word is used in 1 Timothy 3:3b. Try to translate it the same way here.
1:7d
not greedy for money: There is an interpretation issue with the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as greedy for money. Scholars have interpreted it in two ways:
(1) It refers to doing wrong things in order to become wealthy. For example:
use shameful ways to make money (God’s Word)
(New International Version (2011 Revision), Contemporary English Version, New Century Version, God’s Word, New American Bible, Revised Edition)
(2) It refers to strongly desiring to become wealthy. For example:
greedy for money (New American Standard Bible)
(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Good News Bible, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, New Jerusalem Bible)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), as do a majority of the commentaries.
The Greek word probably refers to someone who wants money so much that he would lie, cheat, or take bribes in order to get more money. This kind of person might use his position of authority in the church as a way to get money from other people.
Here are some other ways to translate this is phrase:
He must not be a person who will do anything to get money.
-or-
He must not try to get money by cheating people (New International Reader’s Version)
The same term is used in 1 Timothy 3:8.
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