1 Timothy 3:8

1 Timothy 3:8 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
• New International Version (NIV)In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,

Context of 1 Timothy 3:8

6A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

1 Timothy 3:8 word by word

Διακόνους ὡσαύτως σεμνούς, μὴ διλόγους, μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας, μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς,Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Likewiseὡσαύτωςhōsautōs · likewiseG5615
• the deaconsδιάκονοςdiakonos · servantG1249
• graveσεμνόςsemnos · nobleG4586
• notμήmē · notG3361
• doubletonguedδίλογοςdilogos · insincereG1351
• given toπροσέχωprosechō · to watch outG4337
• muchπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
• wineοἶνοςoinos · wineG3631
• greedy of filthy lucreαἰσχροκερδήςaischrokerdēs · greedyG146

Cross-references for 1 Timothy 3:8

• Acts 6:3And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.
• Philippians 1:1This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.
• 1 Timothy 3:4He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
• Psalms 5:9My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.
• Psalms 12:2Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.
• Psalms 50:19Your mouth is filled with wickedness, and your tongue is full of lies.
• Psalms 52:2All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies.
• Romans 3:13“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.”
• James 3:10And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
• 1 Timothy 3:3He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
• Leviticus 10:9“You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation.
• Ezekiel 44:21The priests must not drink wine before entering the inner courtyard.

Commentaries on 1 Timothy 3:8

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8Likewise must the deacons - The term deacon, , simply signifies a regular or stated servant: from , through or emphatic, and , to minister or serve. See it explained in the note on Matthew 20:26. As nearly the same qualifications were required in the deacons as in the bishops, the reader may consult what is said on the preceding verses. Grave - Of a sedate and dignified carriage and conduct. Not double-tongued - Speaking one thing to one person, and…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8Likewise must the deacons - On the meaning of the word “deacons,” see the notes on Philemon 1:1. On their appointment, see the notes, Acts 6:1. The word here evidently denotes those who had charge of the temporal affairs of the church, the poor, etc. No qualifications are mentioned, implying that they were to be preachers of the gospel. In most respects, except in regard to preaching, their qualifications were to be the same as those of the “bishops.” Be…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8-13Verses 8-13 The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the business with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers, must take great care to…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 8not … greedy for money (3:3): Self-centered desire shows poor character (6:6–10, 17–19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5). This is especially true for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:9; see Titus 1:7).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. The deacons were chosen by the voice of the people. Cyprian [Epistle, 2.5] says that good bishops never departed from the old custom of consulting the people. The deacons answer to the chazzan of the synagogue: the attendant ministers, or subordinate coadjutors of the presbyter (as Timothy himself was to Paul, 1Ti 4:6; Phm 13; and John Mark, Ac 13:5). Their duty was to read the Scriptures in the Church, to instruct the catechumens in Christian truths…Read the comment

Topics related to 1 Timothy 3:8

• Church
• Commandments
• Deacon
• Minister, Christian
• Temperance

In the dictionaries

• Bishop
• Blameless
• Controversy
• Covetous
• Deacon
• Degree
• Hospitality
• Mystery
• Novice
• Rule

Commentaries on 1 Timothy 3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings