1 Timothy 3:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; The fourteenth qualification of a Christian bishop is, that he ruleth well his own house; του ιδιου οικου καλως προΐσταμενον, one who properly presides over and governs his own family. One who has the command, of his own house, not by sternness, severity, and tyranny, but with all gravity; governing his household by rule, every one knowing his own place, and each doing his own work, and each work having the proper time assigned for its beginning and end. This is a maxim of common sense; no family can be prosperous that is not under subjection, and no person can govern a family but the head of it, the husband, who is, both by nature and the appointment of God, the head or governor of his own house. See the note on Ephesians 5:22.

1 Timothy 3:4

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;