1 Timothy 3:11

Translations

Modern

In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

Traditional

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Literal

Women likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Latin

Mulieres similiter pudicas, non detrahentes, sobrias, fideles in omnibus.

Original

Greek

English

In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:11

the women (or the women deacons, or their wives): The Greek word can mean women or wives. Supporting the interpretation of their wives, 3:8–13 discusses male deacons. Switching to "women deacons" here would change the context. However, there might have been women deacons in the early church (see Romans 16:1). If so, this verse might parallel 1 Timothy 3:8.

1 Timothy 3:8–13

The Greek word for deacon means "servant, assistant, messenger, or agent." Its related words mean "service" or "to serve" and often refer to any kind of service (for example, 4:6; Matthew 22:13; John 2:5; 12:26; Romans 13:4; 1 Corinthians 3:5). When plainly referring to a church office, it appears only in 1 Timothy 3:8–13; Philippians 1:1; and possibly Romans 16:1. Here the passage focuses on character rather than activities. See also study note on Acts 6:2–6.

1 Timothy 3:1–13

The topic shifts to church leadership by overseers and deacons (3:1–7; 8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less plain than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5). This may be because the church in Ephesus was more mature and better able to manage the process (see Acts 6:2–6).

The criteria listed here focus on character rather than function. It partly responds to the local false teachers and their followers. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and show that the false teachers were not qualified for leadership.

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

Titus 2:3
Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.
Titus 3:2
…to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
1 Timothy 3:2
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
2 Timothy 3:3
…unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,
Proverbs 10:18
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Revelation 12:9–10
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Psalm 15:3
…who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,
1 Timothy 6:2
Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.
Proverbs 25:13
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
1 Thessalonians 5:6–8
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Timothy 3:11

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics