3:7 3:7

1 Timothy 3:8

3:9 3:9

Bible Versions

¶ Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
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};
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.
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.
Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, provides essential guidelines for the organization and leadership within the early Christian church. Having just outlined the qualifications for bishops (or elders), Paul now turns his attention to the role of deacons, emphasizing that their character is equally vital for the health and integrity of the congregation.

Context of 1 Timothy 3:8

This verse is part of a crucial passage (1 Timothy 3:1-13) where Paul details the spiritual and moral qualifications for two distinct offices within the church: bishops/elders and deacons. These instructions were given to Timothy, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus, to ensure proper order, sound doctrine, and effective ministry. Just as with the elders, the qualifications for deacons are not primarily about skill sets, but about observable character and spiritual maturity, demonstrating fitness for service.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Dignity and Seriousness: Deacons must be "grave," which speaks to a demeanor of seriousness, dignity, and respectability. This quality ensures they are taken seriously in their service and reflect the gravity of their spiritual responsibilities.
  • Integrity in Speech: The command "not doubletongued" highlights the necessity of honesty and consistency in communication. Deacons are to be trustworthy, saying the same thing to all people, avoiding deceit or insincerity. This builds trust within the church community and reflects a commitment to truth, as also encouraged in Ephesians 4:25.
  • Temperance and Self-Control: "Not given to much wine" emphasizes the importance of sobriety and self-control. This is not necessarily a prohibition against all alcohol, but a warning against excess that could impair judgment, lead to inappropriate behavior, or bring disrepute to their office.
  • Financial Integrity: "Not greedy of filthy lucre" directly addresses the issue of avarice. Deacons, who often handled the church's finances and distributed aid, needed to be above reproach in their financial dealings, free from the love of money and the pursuit of dishonest gain. This echoes broader biblical warnings against greed, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10.

Linguistic Insights

  • Grave (Greek: semnos): This word implies dignity, honor, and reverence. It suggests a person who is respectable, serious-minded, and worthy of honor, not frivolous or trivial.
  • Doubletongued (Greek: dilogos): Literally meaning "two-worded," this term describes someone who says one thing to one person and another to someone else, indicating insincerity, deceit, or gossip. It speaks to a lack of integrity in speech.
  • Filthy lucre (Greek: aischrokerdes): This compound word means "fond of shameful gain" or "greedy for dishonest profit." It refers to money or possessions acquired through immoral, unfair, or inappropriate means.

Practical Application

While these qualifications are specifically for deacons, they represent foundational Christian virtues applicable to all believers, especially those in any form of leadership or service within the church. For individuals aspiring to serve, or for churches seeking to appoint leaders, this verse provides a timeless standard for evaluating character. It reminds us that integrity in speech, self-control, and freedom from greed are vital for building trust, maintaining a good testimony, and effectively ministering to others. These qualities enable deacons to serve well, earning them a good standing and great boldness in the faith (1 Timothy 3:13).

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.

  • 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:
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