1 Timothy 3:10
What does 1 Timothy 3:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:10 means
Before serving, deacons must first be examined. Time and testing reveal patterns—whether a person is stable, honest, and consistent. Only then, if found “blameless” (free from substantiated charge), should they be installed. This protects the church from impulsive appointments and protects candidates from burdens they are not ready to bear. Quiet faithfulness over time is the best commendation. The verse teaches patience: let character ripen, let gifts be observed, and let the congregation see the fruit before entrusting official responsibilities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And let these first be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing against them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And let these be first proved, then let them minister, being without charge [against them].
Context
Verse 10 applies a proving process to the deaconate, mirroring the caution shown toward overseers. It serves as a bridge between personal qualifications (verses 8–9) and relational dynamics that follow. Next, verse 11 will address women “likewise,” acknowledging the vital participation of women in service and the need for their character to match the gospel they support.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 3:2
The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
- 1 Timothy 3:13
For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 1:8
who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreproveable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- Titus 1:6
if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
- 1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
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