1 Timothy 3:8-13
English Standard Version
Qualifications for Deacons
8 (A)Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,[a] (B)not addicted to much wine, (C)not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must (D)hold the mystery of the faith with (E)a clear conscience. 10 And (F)let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 (G)Their wives likewise[b] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, (H)faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be (I)the husband of one wife, (J)managing their children and their own households well. 13 For (K)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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- 1 Timothy 3:8 Or devious in speech
- 1 Timothy 3:11 Or Wives likewise, or Women likewise
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Common English Bible
Servants in God’s household
8 In the same way, servants[a] in the church should be dignified, not two-faced, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money. 9 They should hold on to the faith that has been revealed with a clear conscience. 10 They should also be tested and then serve if they are without fault. 11 In the same way, women who are servants[b] in the church should be dignified and not gossip. They should be sober and faithful in everything they do. 12 Servants[c] must be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and their own households well. 13 Those who have served well gain a good standing and considerable confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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- 1 Timothy 3:8 Or deacons
- 1 Timothy 3:11 Or wives, omit who are servants
- 1 Timothy 3:12 Or deacons
1 Timothy 3:8-13
New International Version
8 In the same way, deacons[a](A) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,(B) and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.(C) 10 They must first be tested;(D) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women[b] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers(E) but temperate(F) and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife(G) and must manage his children and his household well.(H) 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
- 1 Timothy 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
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