1 Timothy 3:8

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Complete Jewish Bible:

Likewise, the shammashim must be of good character, people whose word can be trusted. They must not give themselves to excessive drinking or be greedy for dishonest gain.

Berean Standard Bible:

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.

American Standard Version:

Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Likewise^{G5615} must the deacons^{G1249} be grave^{G4586}, not^{G3361} doubletongued^{G1351}, not^{G3361} given^{G4337} to much^{G4183} wine^{G3631}, not^{G3361} greedy of filthy lucre^{G146};

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:8

1 Timothy 3:8 is a verse that outlines the qualifications for deacons in the early Christian church. The verse is part of a larger passage (1 Timothy 3:1-13) that addresses the character and conduct expected of church leaders, specifically overseers (or bishops) and deacons. In the historical context, the early Christian communities were growing and needed structured leadership to maintain order and teach sound doctrine.

The text specifically addresses deacons, who were servant-leaders in the church, assisting the overseers and managing practical aspects of community life. The verse emphasizes that deacons must be "grave," suggesting they should possess a serious and respectable demeanor. They are also instructed to be truthful and consistent in their speech, hence "not doubletongued." The prohibition against being "given to much wine" reflects the importance of self-control and moderation, ensuring that deacons are not hindered by substance use in their service. Lastly, the command to not be "greedy of filthy lucre" underscores the necessity for deacons to be free from the love of money, particularly from dishonest gain, so that their motivations and actions are pure and focused on serving the church rather than personal enrichment.

In summary, 1 Timothy 3:8 encapsulates the ethical and moral standards required of deacons in the early church, emphasizing personal integrity, self-control, and a commitment to serving others without being motivated by financial gain. These qualifications were designed to ensure that church leaders would be exemplary in their conduct and capable of guiding the fledgling Christian communities with wisdom and uprightness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G5615
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡσαύτως
   Transliteration: hōsaútōs
   Pronunciation: ho-sow'-toce
   Description: from ὡς and an adverb from αὐτός; as thus, i.e. in the same way:--even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1249
   There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διάκονος
   Transliteration: diákonos
   Pronunciation: dee-ak'-on-os
   Description: probably from an obsolete (to run on errands; compare διώκω); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):--deacon, minister, servant.
   
3. Strong's Number: G4586
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σεμνός
   Transliteration: semnós
   Pronunciation: sem-nos'
   Description: from σέβομαι; venerable, i.e. honorable:--grave, honest.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3361
   There are 602 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μή
   Transliteration: mḗ
   Pronunciation: may
   Description: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas οὐ expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas οὐ expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also ἐὰν μή, ἵνα μή, οὐ μή, μῆκος, μηκύνω, μήν, μὴ οὐκ.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1351
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δίλογος
   Transliteration: dílogos
   Pronunciation: dil'-og-os
   Description: from δίς and λόγος; equivocal, i.e. telling a different story:--double-tongued.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4337
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: προσέχω
   Transliteration: proséchō
   Pronunciation: pros-ekh'-o
   Description: from πρός and ἔχω; (figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:--(give) attend(-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to unto); have regard.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4183
   There are 331 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πολύς
   Transliteration: polýs
   Pronunciation: pol-oos'
   Description: including the forms from the alternate ; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare πλεῖστος, πλείων.
   
8. Strong's Number: G3631
   There are 25 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οἶνος
   Transliteration: oînos
   Pronunciation: oy'-nos
   Description: a primary word (or perhaps of Hebrew origin (יַיִן)); "wine" (literally or figuratively):--wine.
   
9. Strong's Number: G146
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αἰσχροκερδής
   Transliteration: aischrokerdḗs
   Pronunciation: ahee-skhrok-er-dace'
   Description: from αἰσχρός and (gain); sordid:--given to (greedy of) filthy lucre.