# For if a man does not know how to manage

"For when a man cannot manage"

# how will he care for a church of God?

Paul uses a question to teach Timothy. Alternate translation: "he cannot take care of a church of God." or "he will not be able to lead a church of God." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# a church of God

Here "church" refers to a local group of God's people. Alternate translation: "a group of God's people" or "the believers over whom he is in charge" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

