1 Timothy 3:12
What does 1 Timothy 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:12 means
Male deacons, like overseers, must be “husbands of one wife,” displaying marital faithfulness and moral purity. They must manage their children and households well, showing steady, caring leadership that produces respectful order. The home remains the proving ground for public service. A deacon whose family life is marked by integrity, wisdom, and consistency brings credibility to his ministry. He embodies the message he supports: the gospel makes people dependable at home, not merely competent in church tasks. Leadership is demonstrated where one is best known and least able to pretend.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let Deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their houses well.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Ministrants--let them be of one wife husbands; the children leading well, and their own houses,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let deacons be the husbands of one wife: who rule well their children and their own houses.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let [the] ministers be husbands of one wife, conducting [their] children and their own houses well:
Context
Verse 12 resumes the household focus for deacons, paralleling the earlier standard for overseers. This continuity underscores that character does not change with job description. With qualifications complete, verse 13 will offer encouragement: faithful deacons gain a good standing and great boldness in the faith, motivating perseverance in humble service.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- 1 Timothy 3:4
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
- 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;
- Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
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