1 Timothy 3:8
What does 1 Timothy 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:8 means
Deacons likewise must be “grave”—serious in a way that befits holy service. They must not be double‑tongued, saying one thing to one person and another elsewhere; integrity of speech is essential. They cannot be given to much wine; self‑control must mark their habits. Nor may they be greedy for “filthy lucre,” since practical service often intersects with resources and vulnerable people. The portrait is of trustworthy servants whose words are reliable, whose appetites are restrained, and whose hands are clean. Their character safeguards the church’s practical ministries, preventing harm and advancing mercy in Christ’s name.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Deacons, in the same way, are to be serious in their behaviour, not false in word, not given to taking much wine or greatly desiring the wealth of this world;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Ministrants--in like manner grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not given to filthy lucre,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Deacons in like manner: chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ministers, in like manner, grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not seeking gain by base means,
Context
Paul now parallels the overseer list with requirements for deacons. While the office differs in function, the moral bar remains high because deacons carry out visible, tangible ministries that affect the church’s reputation. Verse 8 focuses on dignity, truthful speech, sobriety, and financial integrity. Next, verse 9 will add a doctrinal depth—deacons must hold the faith sincerely—showing that service is never detached from belief.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 3:12
Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
- Ezekiel 44:21
Neither shall any of the priests drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
- James 3:10
out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
- 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:
- Romans 3:13
Their throat is an open sepulchre; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips:
- Titus 1:7
For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
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