1 Timothy 3:11
What does 1 Timothy 3:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:11 means
“Women in like manner” must display the same seriousness: dignified, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Whether Paul refers to women who serve as deacons or to deacons’ wives, his concern is clear—women closely engaged in diaconal work must be marked by trustworthy speech, self‑control, and reliability. Because service often entails sensitive information and vulnerable people, a disciplined tongue and steady character are essential. Faithfulness “in all things” widens the lens to a consistent life, where private and public conduct agree and the name of Christ is honored through dependable service.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Women are to be serious in behaviour, saying no evil of others, controlling themselves, true in all things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Women--in like manner grave, not false accusers, vigilant, faithful in all things.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The women in like manner: chaste, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[The] women in like manner grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Context
Placed within the deacon qualifications, verse 11 ensures that women involved in service (or deacons’ households) uphold the same gospel‑shaped character. Its position between verses 10 and 12 ties female conduct to the credibility of diaconal ministry overall. Next, verse 12 returns to male deacons’ marital and household responsibilities, maintaining the theme that integrity at home is integral to integrity in ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober.
- Psalms 50:20
Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; Thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.
- Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
- Titus 2:3
that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
- 2 Timothy 3:3
without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,
- Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So isa faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
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