1 Timothy 3:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral letter to Timothy, continues his instruction on church leadership by outlining the essential character qualifications for deacons. Following his directives for overseers, Paul emphasizes that deacons, who serve in practical ministry, must embody dignity, integrity in speech, temperance, and financial uprightness. These attributes are crucial not only for their personal testimony but also for maintaining the spiritual health and reputable witness of the church in the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") is an integral part of Paul's detailed instructions regarding church leadership, immediately following his exposition on the qualifications for overseers (or elders) in [1 Timothy 3:1-7](/1_timothy/3-1-7 "1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for Overseers"). This verse marks the beginning of a distinct section (extending through [1 Timothy 3:13](/1_timothy/3-13 "1 Timothy 3:13 - Reward for Good Deacons")) dedicated to the qualifications of deacons. The parallel structure between the two lists underscores Paul's concern for the moral and spiritual integrity of all who hold positions of responsibility within the nascent church, ensuring that both teaching and service roles are filled by individuals of proven character. The flow of thought moves from those who lead and teach to those who serve and administer, highlighting the complementary nature of these offices.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 1 Timothy to Timothy, his protégé, who was serving in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious practices and significant pagan influence. The early Christian church was still developing its organizational structures, and Paul's epistles, particularly the Pastoral Epistles, provided foundational guidance for establishing order, doctrine, and leadership. In a society where public reputation and integrity were highly valued, especially for those in positions of trust, the character qualifications for deacons were paramount. Deacons often handled practical matters such as distributing aid to the poor, caring for widows, and managing church finances. Their conduct directly impacted the church's credibility among both believers and unbelievers, making their moral standing a vital component of the church's mission and witness in a Hellenistic world.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "1 Timothy - Paul's Letter to Timothy") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Church Order and Leadership**, emphasizing that ministry is not merely about skill but profoundly about character. The qualifications listed—gravity, honesty, temperance, and financial integrity—underscore the theme of **Moral and Spiritual Integrity** as non-negotiable for those in service. Paul's directives also highlight the theme of **Christian Witness**, as the conduct of leaders directly reflects on the gospel message itself. Furthermore, the warning against "filthy lucre" ties into the pervasive biblical theme of **Stewardship and the Dangers of Greed**, a concern also powerfully articulated in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil"). The emphasis on consistency in speech ("not doubletongued") reinforces the theme of **Truthfulness and Sincerity** in Christian communication, echoing broader calls for honesty found throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deacons (Greek, _diákonos'_):** This term, from which "deacon" is derived, literally means "an attendant," "a waiter (at table or in other menial duties)," or more broadly, "a minister" or "servant." In a Christian context, it refers to those appointed to specific roles of service within the church, often involving practical administration, care for the needy, and facilitating the ministry of the elders. It highlights that the office is fundamentally one of humble service.
* **grave (Greek, _semnós'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to revere" or "to worship," _semnós_ describes someone who is "venerable," "honorable," or "serious-minded." It denotes a dignified and respectable demeanor, indicating a person whose character commands respect and who takes their responsibilities seriously, avoiding frivolity or flippancy. This quality ensures that deacons are perceived as trustworthy and worthy of their sacred calling.
* **doubletongued (Greek, _dílogos'_):** This compound word literally means "two-worded" or "saying two things." It describes someone who is insincere, inconsistent in their speech, or who says one thing to one person and another to someone else. It implies deceit, gossip, or a lack of straightforwardness, which would undermine trust and sow discord within the church community. The prohibition against being "doubletongued" emphasizes the necessity of absolute integrity and consistency in communication for deacons.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Likewise must the deacons be grave":** Following the pattern set for overseers, deacons are called to exhibit a serious, dignified, and respectable character. This gravity is not somberness but a moral earnestness that reflects the importance of their service to God and the church. It signifies a person who is worthy of honor and who carries out their duties with appropriate solemnity and trustworthiness.
* **"not doubletongued":** This qualification demands integrity and consistency in speech. Deacons must be truthful and straightforward, avoiding duplicity, gossip, or saying different things to different people. Their words should be reliable and consistent, fostering an environment of trust and unity within the congregation. This ensures they do not cause division or undermine the truth.
* **"not given to much wine":** This injunction emphasizes temperance and self-control. It is a warning against excessive consumption of alcohol, which could impair judgment, lead to inappropriate behavior, or bring disrepute to the deacon and the church. The focus is on avoiding intemperance that would hinder their ability to serve effectively or maintain a blameless reputation.
* **"not greedy of filthy lucre":** This final qualification addresses financial integrity and freedom from avarice. "Filthy lucre" refers to dishonest gain or money acquired through shameful, immoral, or exploitative means. Deacons, who often managed church funds or oversaw distributions, must be entirely free from the love of money and the pursuit of illicit profit, ensuring that their motivations are pure and their financial dealings are beyond reproach.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") is **Enumeration** (or **List**). Paul presents a clear, concise list of negative and positive character traits required for deacons. This direct listing provides a readily understandable and memorable set of standards. The use of **Antithesis** is also prominent, particularly in the negative prohibitions ("not doubletongued," "not given to much wine," "not greedy of filthy lucre"). By stating what deacons *must not* be, Paul implicitly highlights the positive virtues they *must* embody (e.g., sincerity, temperance, financial integrity). This contrast serves to sharpen the ethical demands and leaves no ambiguity about the undesirable traits. The structure itself mirrors the earlier list for overseers, creating a **Parallelism** that emphasizes the shared foundational importance of character for all church leaders, regardless of their specific function.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The qualifications for deacons in [1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") are not merely a list of ethical guidelines but deeply theological statements about the nature of Christian service and the character required to represent Christ's body. The emphasis on integrity, self-control, and freedom from greed reflects the holiness of God and the call for His people to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. These qualities are foundational because deacons, in their practical service, embody the church's love, compassion, and justice to the world. Their blameless conduct is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of Christ, ensuring that the church's practical ministry is not undermined by moral failings. This passage underscores that spiritual authority and effective ministry flow from a life submitted to God's standards, echoing the broader biblical principle that God's work must be done by God's people in God's way.

* [Acts 6:3](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3 - Qualifications for the First Deacons")
* [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7-9 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders")
* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherding the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") offers timeless principles for all believers, not just those in formal leadership. The call to be "grave" encourages a thoughtful, serious approach to our faith and responsibilities, reflecting the dignity of our calling as Christians. "Not doubletongued" challenges us to cultivate radical honesty and consistency in our words, building trust and unity in all our relationships, both within and outside the church. "Not given to much wine" reminds us of the importance of self-control in all areas of life, guarding against any excess that could compromise our witness or judgment. Finally, "not greedy of filthy lucre" serves as a powerful reminder to examine our hearts regarding money and possessions, ensuring that our motivations are pure and our lives are marked by generosity and contentment, rather than avarice. These qualities are essential for personal holiness, effective service, and a credible witness to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater "gravity" or seriousness in my walk with God?**
* **How consistent are my words and actions? Am I ever "doubletongued" in my interactions, and what steps can I take to ensure greater integrity in my communication?**
* **Where might I be "given to too much" of something (not just wine, but any indulgence) that hinders my spiritual growth or witness?**
* **What is my attitude towards money and material possessions? Am I truly free from the pursuit of "filthy lucre," and how can I practice greater generosity and contentment?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary role of a deacon, according to this passage?**

Answer: While [1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") focuses on the character of deacons rather than a detailed job description, the broader context of the New Testament (e.g., [Acts 6:1-6](/acts/6-1-6 "Acts 6:1-6 - The Appointment of the First Deacons")) suggests that deacons primarily serve in practical capacities. This includes administering church resources, caring for the physical needs of the congregation (such as distributing aid to widows and the poor), and supporting the spiritual ministry of the elders. Their role is one of humble service, ensuring that the practical needs of the church are met, thereby freeing the elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.

**Does "not given to much wine" mean deacons must be teetotalers?**

Answer: The phrase "not given to much wine" (Greek: _mḗ proséchō polýs oînos_) literally means "not to hold oneself to much wine" or "not to be addicted to much wine." It emphasizes temperance and self-control, rather than an absolute prohibition. The concern is against excess that leads to drunkenness, impairs judgment, or brings disrepute. While some Christian traditions interpret this as a call for total abstinence, the primary biblical emphasis here, and in similar passages like [Titus 2:3](/titus/2-3 "Titus 2:3 - Qualifications for Older Women"), is on avoiding intemperance and maintaining a clear mind and blameless reputation. The focus is on the *abuse* of wine, not necessarily its use.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 3:8](/1_timothy/3-8 "1 Timothy 3:8 - Qualifications for Deacons") directly addresses the qualifications for deacons in the early church, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how these very qualities find their ultimate and perfect expression in Jesus Christ himself. Jesus is the quintessential Servant (_diákonos_), who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He was supremely "grave" or dignified in His mission, always serious about His Father's will and the salvation of humanity, yet full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He was never "doubletongued," but spoke with absolute integrity and truth, His "yes" always meaning "yes" ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes")). Jesus perfectly embodied temperance and self-control, never indulging in excess but always living in perfect obedience to the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). Most significantly, He was utterly free from any "greedy of filthy lucre," possessing nothing of this world's wealth, and even rebuking those who sought earthly gain ([Luke 9:58](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")). Thus, the qualifications for deacons are not arbitrary rules but reflections of the very character of Christ, whom they are called to serve and emulate, serving as living examples of His humble, truthful, and selfless love to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 1:1

¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Acts 6:3

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.

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

1 Timothy 3:3

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Leviticus 10:9

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: