8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [3:9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [3:10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove blameless. [3:11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded, faithful in all things. [3:12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [3:13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1TI 3:8-13
Qualifications for Deacons
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, the role of a (deacon) was deeply embedded in the social and religious fabric of early Christian communities. Deacons were not merely functionaries but servants entrusted with practical and spiritual responsibilities, often mediating between the congregation and leadership. The emphasis on being (dignified) reflects the honor-shame culture, where public reputation and moral integrity were paramount. Avoiding (double-tongued speech) and not being greedy for dishonest gain were critical in a society where trustworthiness and honesty were essential for communal cohesion. The call for deacons to manage their households well aligns with Greco-Roman household codes, where domestic order was seen as a microcosm of societal stability. The mention of women (likely female deacons or deacons’ wives) being dignified and not slanderers underscores the importance of women’s roles in maintaining the community’s harmony. The promise of (boldness) in faith highlights the courage needed to navigate a hostile Roman environment.
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How other translations render this
1TI 3:8
- KJV
- Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- BSB
- Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
- Koinōnos
- Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1TI 3:9
- KJV
- Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
- BSB
- They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
- Koinōnos
- They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1TI 3:10
- KJV
- And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
- BSB
- Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
- Koinōnos
- And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove blameless.
1TI 3:11
- KJV
- Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
- BSB
- In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.
- Koinōnos
- Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded, faithful in all things.
1TI 3:12
- KJV
- Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
- BSB
- A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
- Koinōnos
- Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
1TI 3:13
- KJV
- For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- BSB
- For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
- Koinōnos
- For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TI 3:8
- Deacons:The word translated 'Deacons' literally means 'servants' or 'ministers.' It describes someone who actively serves others, often in a practical or administrative capacity, rather than holding a position of authority.
- [must be] dignified,:The term translated 'dignified' carried a sense of being revered or august, often used for gods or sacred things. It implies a seriousness and moral weight that commands respect.
1TI 3:11
- slanderers,:The word translated 'slanderers' is the same term used elsewhere for 'the Devil.' It describes someone who maliciously slanders or falsely accuses, acting as an adversary.
1TI 3:13
- confidence:The word translated 'confidence' implies a bold and unreserved freedom of speech, often in public. It suggests an openness and lack of fear in expressing oneself.