1 Timothy 3:11 kjv
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:11 nkjv
Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:11 niv
In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
1 Timothy 3:11 esv
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:11 nlt
In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
1 Timothy 3 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 3:8 | Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; | Qualifications for Deacons (Strong Connection) |
| Titus 2:2 | That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. | Describing older men's character (Echoes) |
| Titus 2:6 | Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. | Describing young men's character (Echoes) |
| 1 Peter 4:11 | If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. | Ministering with God's ability (Significance) |
| Philippians 4:8 | Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. | Focus on virtuous thoughts (Echoes) |
| Colossians 3:12 | Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; | Christian virtues (Echoes) |
| Ephesians 4:2 | With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; | Encouragement to forbearing (Echoes) |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from all appearance of evil. | Avoiding evil (Echoes) |
| Galatians 5:23 | Against such there is no law. | Fruits of the Spirit (Echoes) |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. | Entrusting to faithful men (Parallel concept) |
| Hebrews 13:5 | Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. | Contentment and faithfulness (Echoes) |
| Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. | Warning against wine (Parallel) |
| Psalm 101:7 | He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. | Rejection of liars (Echoes) |
| Luke 12:48 | But that servant which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. | Accountability of knowledge (Parallel) |
| Matthew 25:23 | His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. | Reward of faithfulness (Fulfillment) |
| Acts 16:15 | And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide still. | Lydia's faithfulness recognized (Example) |
| 1 Corinthians 4:2 | Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. | Requirement of faithful stewards (Strong Connection) |
| Romans 12:7 | Or ministry, let us use it: or he that teacheth, on teaching; | Importance of ministry (Echoes) |
| Proverbs 31:30 | Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. | Praising fearful women (Fulfillment) |
| Jeremiah 17:10 | I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. | God searches the heart (Significance) |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 11 Meaning
This verse provides qualifications for women in church leadership, specifically those who are deacons or their wives. It states that they must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, and faithful in all things. These qualities are essential for a respectable and effective ministry within the church.
1 Timothy 3 11 Context
First Timothy chapter 3 provides instructions on the qualifications for church leaders, specifically overseers (bishops) and deacons. Verse 11 comes immediately after outlining the qualifications for deacons. It focuses on the women associated with deacons, likely referring to the wives of deacons or perhaps female deacons themselves, depending on scholarly interpretation. The immediate context is about the character and conduct required for those serving in recognized leadership roles within the early church. Historically, these qualifications aimed to ensure that church leaders were blameless and set a positive example, both inside and outside the church community, in a society that closely scrutinized religious leaders.
1 Timothy 3 11 Word Analysis
- Ομοίως (Homoios): Likewise, in the same way, similarly.
- Significance: This adverb connects the qualifications for these women directly to the preceding requirements for deacons, indicating a parallel standard of conduct and character.
- γυναῖκας (Gunaikas): Women.
- Meaning: This is the accusative plural of "gyne," meaning woman or wife. The interpretation of who "the women" refers to is debated: wives of deacons, deaconesses, or possibly both.
- αὐτὰς (Autas): Them.
- Meaning: Direct object pronoun, referring back to "γυναῖκας" (women).
- σεμνάς (Semnas): Grave, serious, dignified, respectable.
- Meaning: Refers to a demeanor of solemnity and high moral character that commands respect.
- Significance: This quality is crucial for a woman involved in church service, reflecting a serious commitment to her role and the community.
- μὴ διαβόλους (Mē diabolous): Not slanderous, not false accusers.
- Origin: "Diabolos" (διάβολος) is the word for "devil," meaning slanderer or accuser.
- Significance: This prohibits gossip, backbiting, and malicious speaking, which can disrupt church unity and damage reputations.
- νηφαλίους (Nēphalious): Temperate, sober, vigilant, abstaining from wine.
- Meaning: Implies self-control, moderation, and clear-headedness, particularly in relation to intoxicants but extending to emotional and mental control.
- Significance: Essential for sound judgment and a steady influence within the church.
- πιστὰς ἐν πᾶσι (Pistas en pasi): Faithful in all things.
- Meaning: "Pistos" means faithful, trustworthy, reliable. "Pasi" means all.
- Significance: This highlights a comprehensive and unwavering commitment and trustworthiness in every aspect of life and ministry, demonstrating integrity.
Word-group Analysis:
- "grave, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things": This series of adjectives collectively describes a woman of excellent moral and spiritual character, emphasizing sobriety, trustworthiness, and a reputation that enhances, rather than detracts from, the church's ministry. These are not mere personality traits but virtues vital for ministerial roles or influence within the church.
1 Timothy 3 11 Bonus Section
The interpretation of "women" (γυναῖκας) in verse 11 is a significant point of discussion among scholars.
- Wives of Deacons: This is a widely held view, suggesting that the character and conduct of a deacon's wife were seen as directly reflecting on the deacon and the church. A wife's reputation could bolster or undermine her husband's ministry.
- Female Deacons (Deaconesses): Some scholars argue that Paul is referring to women specifically serving as deacons. This aligns with other Pauline references to women in ministry (e.g., Phoebe in Romans 16:1). The qualifications listed are fitting for any recognized minister or servant of the church.
- Both: It is also possible that the text encompasses both groups, given the importance of women in the life and support of the church community. The qualifications would apply broadly to women holding recognized positions or having significant influence within the church's public life.
Regardless of the precise referent, the verse highlights the vital role of women's character in the healthy functioning and witness of the church. The virtues described are timeless requirements for anyone involved in ministry or aspiring to serve the Body of Christ.
1 Timothy 3 11 Commentary
This verse continues the qualifications for ministry by detailing expectations for women associated with deacons. The Greek term "gunaikas" can refer to the wives of deacons or female deacons themselves, indicating that women in close proximity to or in service roles related to deacons were also to exhibit a high standard of character. Key qualities include dignity (σεμνάς), meaning they should carry themselves with a seriousness and respectability befitting their position. They are to avoid slander (μὴ διαβόλους), a crucial point given the potential for gossip and disunity in community settings. Temperance or sober-mindedness (νηφαλίους) signifies self-control and sound judgment, free from excess. Finally, faithfulness (πιστὰς ἐν πᾶσι) demands integrity and reliability in all their dealings. These virtues ensure that their lives and conduct uphold the dignity and mission of the church, reflecting the spiritual maturity required for service. The instruction emphasizes that proximity to leadership roles necessitates exemplary behavior.