1 Timothy 3:9
What does 1 Timothy 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:9 means
Deacons must hold “the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” The gospel—once hidden, now revealed in Christ—is to be gripped with conviction and lived with integrity. A pure conscience means their inner life agrees with their confession; they serve not as performers but as believers whose hearts are clean and whose motives are transparent. Practical ministry flows from doctrinal loyalty. They may not teach publicly like overseers, but they must understand and cherish the faith they adorn through service, so that their deeds and their beliefs harmonize before God and the church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keeping the secret of the faith in a heart free from sin.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Context
After emphasizing conduct in verse 8, Paul adds the inner anchor in verse 9: sincere, informed faith. This prepares for verse 10, where testing precedes appointment. The logic is clear: those who handle the church’s needs must be both orthodox and upright. Their credibility depends on what they believe and whether their conscience is aligned with their profession.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
- 1 Timothy 1:5
But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:
- 2 John 1:9
Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
- 1 Timothy 1:19
holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:
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