1 Timothy 3:8-13

Other Translations of 1 Timothy 3:8-13

New International Version

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ In the same way, deaconsThe word "deacons" refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1. are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ In the same way, the womenPossibly deacons' wives or women who are deacons are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. ¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

English Standard Version

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,Or devious in speech not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. ¹¹ Their wives likewise mustOr Wives, likewise, must, or Women, likewise, must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Message

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. ⁹ They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things. ¹⁰ Let them prove themselves first. If they show they can do it, take them on. ¹¹ No exceptions are to be made for women - same qualifications: serious, dependable, not sharp-tongued, not overfond of wine. ¹² Servants in the church are to be committed to their spouses, attentive to their own children, and diligent in looking after their own affairs. ¹³ Those who do this servant work will come to be highly respected, a real credit to this Jesus-faith.

New King James Version

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, ⁹ holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. ¹⁰ But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. ¹¹ Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. ¹² Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³ For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation

Qualifications of Deacons

⁸ In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. ⁹ They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons. ¹¹ In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. ¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. ¹³ Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.