1 Timothy 3:13
What does 1 Timothy 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:13 means
Those who serve well as deacons “gain to themselves a good standing,” earning respect and trust within the church. Faithful service also produces “great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” As integrity is proven, confidence grows—not in self, but in Christ—freeing them to speak, act, and serve with courage. The verse dignifies diaconal ministry: hidden labors are seen by God and valued by the church. The path to influence in Christ’s kingdom runs through humble, consistent service that strengthens both one’s witness and one’s assurance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For those who have done good work as Deacons get for themselves a good position and become free from fear in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for those who did minister well a good step to themselves do acquire, and much boldness in faith that <FI>is<Fi> in Christ Jesus.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For they that have ministered well shall purchase to themselves a good degree and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for those who shall have ministered well obtain for themselves a good degree, and much boldness in faith which [is] in Christ Jesus.
Context
After listing qualifications, Paul concludes the deacon section with a promise. Verse 13 shows the fruit of faithful service: reputation and holy confidence. This encouragement balances the weight of the preceding standards. With both offices addressed (verses 1–13), Paul will now explain why he writes these instructions (verses 14–15), culminating in a doxological confession that grounds all church life in Christ (verse 16).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 21:35
And when he came upon the stairs, so it was that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the crowd;
- 2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Acts 6:15
And all that sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
- Romans 12:7
or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching;
- Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
- Acts 6:5
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaüs a proselyte of Antioch;
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