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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/54_1Ti_03_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/3-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/3-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:7">◄</a> 1 Timothy 3:8 <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a> In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not being given to much wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, <a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, <a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, <a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; <a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Church officers should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Deacons in like manner must be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Deacons must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; <a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ministers, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, addicted to wine, or greedy for money. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. <a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain, <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Deacons, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not devoted to a lot of wine, not greedy for money; <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, <a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Servants, in like manner, dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to shameful gain, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not being given to much wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Ministrants -- in like manner grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy lucre, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Deacons likewise grave, not speaking equivocally, not holding to much wine, not occupied in sordid gain;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Deacons in like manner chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre: <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Similarly, deacons must be chaste, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not pursuing tainted profit, <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Likewise the deacons must be pure, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In this way also, Ministers should be pure and should not double-speak, neither be inclined to much wine, neither love defiled riches,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The deacons, likewise, must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not makers of money by base means, <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Likewise let the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not fond of filthy lucre; <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The deacons also in like manner must be grave, not doubletongued, not addicting themselves to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; <a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> The deacons too must be grave, not double tongued, not addicted to drinking, or sordid gain, <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Deacons, in the same way, must be men of serious demeanour, not double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor greedy of base gain, <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> It is needful that deacons, in like manner, be grave, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy of base gain; <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> The deacons should likewise be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of base gain, <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=384" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Deacons</a> 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. 8<a href="/greek/1249.htm" title="1249: Diakonous (N-AMP) -- Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.">Deacons</a> <a href="/greek/5615.htm" title="5615: hōsautōs (Adv) -- In like manner, likewise, just so. From hos and an adverb from autos; as thus, i.e. In the same way.">likewise</a> <a href="/greek/4586.htm" title="4586: semnous (Adj-AMP) -- Venerable, honorable, grave, serious, dignified. From sebomai; venerable, i.e. Honorable.">must be dignified,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1351.htm" title="1351: dilogous (Adj-AMP) -- Double-tongued, deceitful. From dis and logos; equivocal, i.e. Telling a different story.">double-tongued</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4337.htm" title="4337: prosechontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.">given</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollō (Adj-DMS) -- Much, many; often. ">to much</a> <a href="/greek/3631.htm" title="3631: oinō (N-DMS) -- Wine. A primary word (yayin); wine.">wine</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">or</a> <a href="/greek/146.htm" title="146: aischrokerdeis (Adj-AMP) -- Greedy, fond of base gain. From aischros and kerdos; sordid.">greedy for money.</a> 9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3</a> Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7-9</a> As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. / Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. / He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a> Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">1 Corinthians 4:2</a> Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">1 Corinthians 6:10</a> nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-27.htm">1 Corinthians 9:27</a> No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4</a> Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; <a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20-21</a> We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. / For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men. <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a> Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. <a href="/colossians/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5</a> Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6-8</a> So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation. <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">1 Timothy 5:22</a> Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">2 Timothy 2:24-25</a> And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;the deacons.<a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Acts 6:3-6</a> Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business… <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:be.<a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4</a> One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;double-tongued.<a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a> For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.<a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a> They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.<a href="/psalms/50-19.htm">Psalm 50:19</a> Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.not given.<a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">1 Timothy 3:3</a> Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;<a href="/leviticus/10-9.htm">Leviticus 10:9</a> Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:<a href="/ezekiel/44-21.htm">Ezekiel 44:21</a> Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Addicted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Deacons</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Demeanour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">False.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Filthy</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Fond</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-14.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-55.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-19.htm">Indulging</a> <a href="/colossians/4-16.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Money</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">Reverent</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Serious</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Sincere</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Sordid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Addicted</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-10.htm">Deacons</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Demeanour</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">False.</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Filthy</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Fond</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Grave</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Indulging</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">Money</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Reverent</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-14.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Serious</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">Sincere</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Sordid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">Wine</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-5.htm">Word</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">World</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a> 14. <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a> 15. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Deacons likewise must be dignified The role of deacons in the early church was one of service and support, assisting the elders and apostles in practical matters. The term "deacon" comes from the Greek word "diakonos," meaning servant or minister. The requirement for deacons to be "dignified" emphasizes the importance of their character and reputation. This mirrors the qualifications for overseers earlier in the chapter, highlighting the need for integrity and respectability. In the cultural context of the early church, dignity was crucial for maintaining the church's witness in a society that often viewed Christians with suspicion.Not double-tongued Being "double-tongued" refers to saying one thing to one person and something different to another, essentially being deceitful or insincere. This requirement underscores the importance of honesty and consistency in speech, reflecting the biblical principle found in <a href="/james/3-10.htm">James 3:10</a>, where believers are cautioned about the power of the tongue. In a historical context, where oral communication was primary, the integrity of one's word was vital for community trust and cohesion.Or given to much wine The caution against being "given to much wine" addresses the potential for addiction and the loss of self-control, which could impair judgment and behavior. In the Greco-Roman world, wine was a common part of daily life, but excessive consumption was associated with moral laxity. This echoes the broader biblical teaching on sobriety and self-control, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>, where believers are instructed not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit.Or greedy for money The warning against being "greedy for money" highlights the potential for financial temptation to corrupt one's service to the church. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (<a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>). In the early church, deacons often handled financial matters, such as distributing aid to the needy, making it essential that they be trustworthy and not motivated by personal gain. This requirement reflects the teaching of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a>, where He states that one cannot serve both God and money.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and appointing leaders. 3. <a href="/topical/d/deacons.htm">Deacons</a> Church leaders responsible for serving the congregation, distinct from elders but holding significant roles in church operations. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was leading the church, known for its diverse population and challenges in maintaining Christian doctrine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/character_matters.htm">Character Matters</a> Deacons must be dignified, reflecting a life of respect and honor. This calls for a consistent Christian witness both inside and outside the church. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech.htm">Integrity in Speech</a> Being "not double-tongued" means speaking truthfully and consistently. Leaders should avoid gossip and deceit, fostering trust within the community. <a href="/topical/s/sobriety_and_self-control.htm">Sobriety and Self-Control</a> "Not given to much wine" underscores the importance of moderation and self-discipline. Leaders should model a lifestyle free from addiction or excess. <a href="/topical/f/financial_integrity.htm">Financial Integrity</a> "Not greedy for money" highlights the need for leaders to prioritize spiritual wealth over material gain, ensuring their motives are pure and service-oriented.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'double-tongued'_mean.htm">What does "double-tongued" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_jesus_being_immanuel_signify.htm">What does 'double-tongued' mean?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_women_deacons.htm">What does the Bible say about women as deacons?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_philippians_4_8_mean_by_'noble'.htm">What does Philippians 4:8 mean by "whatever is noble"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Likewise must the deacons.--We possess scattered and at the same time casual notices of this lower order of deacons dating from the very first days of the faith. The order clearly sprang out of the needs of the rapidly increasing church. Some two years after the Ascension (A.D. 34-35) the seven deacons were appointed to assist the Apostles as almoners of the brethren; as the Church's life developed, the functions of these primitive subordinate ecclesiastical officers were enlarged. The history of the career of Stephen and Philip supply ample evidence of this. Out of his first apostolic appointment in the year 34-35, no doubt, was developed that great inferior order in the Church, respecting which these definite rules and authoritative regulations were laid down by the Apostle Paul in his instructions to Timothy in the matter of church government and order. These primitive deacons were evidently assistants to and probably in many cases supplied the place of the presbyters. The great similarity of the directions of St. Paul respecting the qualifications to be looked for in both, implies this; still their original employment as administrators of the Church's funds and distribution of her alms remained to them. We can trace the existence of the order through and beyond the Apostle's time:--Jerusalem. . .A.D.34-35.Original foundation of order by the Apostles at Jerusalem. <a href="/context/acts/4-1.htm" title="And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them,">Acts 4:1-6</a>.Corinth. . .A.D.55 . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Deacons in like manner must for likewise must the deacons, A.V. Grave (σεμνούς); in <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a> rendered "honest" in the A.V., and "honourable" in the R.V., and "venerable" in the margin. None of the words are satisfactory, but "honest" in the sense of honnete, i.e. "respectable," "becoming the dignity of a man," comes nearest to the meaning of σεμνός. Ἄνηρ σεμνός is a man who inspires respect by his conduct and deportment. It occurs again in ver. 11 and in <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Titus 2:2</a>. Double-tongued (διλόγους); only here in the New Testament, or indeed anywhere. The verb διλογεῖν and the noun διλογία are found in Xenophon and Diodorus Siculus, but in a different sense - "to repeat," "repetition." Here δίλογος is used in the sense of δίγλωσσος (<a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13</a>; Ecclus. 28:13), "a slanderer," "a false-tongued man," who, as Theophylact (ap. Schleusner) well explains it, thinks one thing and says another, and says different things to different people. The caution here given is of incalculable importance to young curates. They must not allow themselves to be either receptacles or vehicles of scandal and detraction. Their speech to rich and poor alike must be perfectly sincere and ingenuous. Not given to much wine. The effect of the best sermon may be undone, and more than undone, if the preacher sinks into the pot-companion of his hearers. He at once ceases to be σεμνός, to inspire respect (comp. <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Titus 2:3</a> where the additional idea, most true, of the slavery of drunkards, is introduced). Greedy of filthy lucre (αἰσχροκερδεῖς); only here and in ver. 3 (T.R.) and <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a>. The adverb αἰσχροκερδῶς occurs in <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a>, and is one of many points of resemblance between the pastoral Epistles and 1 Peter. Balsam, Gehazi, and Judas Iscariot are the three prominent examples of professed servants of God being lovers of filthy lucre. Achan (<a href="/joshua/7-21.htm">Joshua 7:21</a>) is another (see <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>). When lucre is the price for doing wrong, it is "filthy." When lucre is sought on occasions where none is due, it is "filthy;" and when the desire of even just gains is excessive, it ceases to be clean. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Deacons Διακόνους (Diakonous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor. likewise ὡσαύτως (hōsautōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5615.htm">Strong's 5615: </a> In like manner, likewise, just so. From hos and an adverb from autos; as thus, i.e. In the same way. [must be] dignified, σεμνούς (semnous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4586.htm">Strong's 4586: </a> Venerable, honorable, grave, serious, dignified. From sebomai; venerable, i.e. Honorable. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. double-tongued διλόγους (dilogous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1351.htm">Strong's 1351: </a> Double-tongued, deceitful. From dis and logos; equivocal, i.e. Telling a different story. [or] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. given προσέχοντας (prosechontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4337.htm">Strong's 4337: </a> From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to. to much πολλῷ (pollō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. wine οἴνῳ (oinō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3631.htm">Strong's 3631: </a> Wine. A primary word (yayin); 'wine'. [or] μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. greedy for money. αἰσχροκερδεῖς (aischrokerdeis) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_146.htm">Strong's 146: </a> Greedy, fond of base gain. From aischros and kerdos; sordid. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-8.htm">1 Timothy 3:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants in the same way must be (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>