1 Timothy 3:9

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They must possess the formerly hidden truth of the faith with a clean conscience.

Berean Standard Bible:

They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

American Standard Version:

holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Holding^{G2192} the mystery^{G3466} of the faith^{G4102} in^{G1722} a pure^{G2513} conscience^{G4893}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:9

1 Timothy 3:9 is part of a larger passage in the New Testament that outlines the qualifications for church leaders, specifically deacons. The verse reads, "They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." In the historical context of the early Christian church, the "mystery of the faith" refers to the core tenets of Christian doctrine, which at the time were being codified and defended against various heresies and misunderstandings.

The theme of this verse emphasizes the importance of church leaders maintaining personal integrity and a deep commitment to the teachings of Christianity. A "clear conscience" implies that a deacon's life should be free from hypocrisy and moral blemish, reflecting the beliefs they profess. This integrity is crucial for the leader to be effective in their role, as they are responsible for guarding and transmitting the faith to others.

In the broader context of 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy, a young church leader, on how to oversee the churches in Ephesus. The qualifications for deacons, including the directive in 1 Timothy 3:9, are meant to ensure that those in leadership positions are above reproach and capable of guiding the community in a manner consistent with the gospel. This verse underscores the significance of personal character and doctrinal fidelity in Christian leadership.

*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: G2192
   There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔχω
   Transliteration: échō
   Pronunciation: skheh'-o
   Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3466
   There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μυστήριον
   Transliteration: mystḗrion
   Pronunciation: moos-tay'-ree-on
   Description: from a derivative of (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites):--mystery.
   
3. Strong's Number: G4102
   There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πίστις
   Transliteration: pístis
   Pronunciation: pis'-tis
   Description: from πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2513
   There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καθαρός
   Transliteration: katharós
   Pronunciation: kath-ar-os'
   Description: of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively):--clean, clear, pure.
   
6. Strong's Number: G4893
   There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: συνείδησις
   Transliteration: syneídēsis
   Pronunciation: soon-i'-day-sis
   Description: from a prolonged form of συνείδω; co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness:--conscience.