οἰκοδεσποτέω (oikodespoteō)

oikodespoteō

to manage a house

G3616 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb oikodespoteō means to act as the master or head of a household, managing its daily affairs and authority. Derived from the words for "house" and "master," it describes the active role of ruling over domestic life rather than merely owning property.

This term appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 5:14. There, Paul encourages younger widows to marry so they can fulfill this specific responsibility. The context highlights that managing a home is a legitimate and important duty for believers, framing household leadership as a positive vocation within the early church community.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word oikodespoteō describes the active management of a home. It goes beyond simple ownership to include the daily care and order of family life. In 1 Timothy 5:14, Paul encourages younger widows to marry and take on this role. He sees household leadership as a positive duty that protects against criticism.

This view affirms domestic life as a meaningful part of Christian service. Managing a home requires wisdom and patience. It is not a lesser calling but a vital one for the community. When families are well-ordered, they reflect stability and care to those around them.

God bless you as you seek to lead with grace in your own home.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

to manage their households,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

οἰκοδεσποτεῖν,1×

Key Verses

I Timothy 5:14
I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.

Paul uses this term to affirm that managing a household is a legitimate and protective duty for younger widows who remarry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does oikodespoteō mean?

It means to manage a house or act as the head of a household. The word combines terms for 'house' and 'master,' emphasizing active leadership rather than passive ownership.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:14. Paul uses it when advising younger widows to marry and focus on their domestic responsibilities.

Is managing a home considered important in the New Testament?

Yes. In 1 Timothy 5:14, Paul presents household management as a positive duty that helps believers avoid criticism and serve their communities well.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Timothy 1 verse

I Timothy 5:14

I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the…