1 Timothy 3:13 kjv
For 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.
1 Timothy 3:13 nkjv
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13 niv
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13 esv
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13 nlt
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 3:13 | For those who serve well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith. | Primary verse |
| Matthew 25:21 | "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'" | Reward for faithfulness |
| Hebrews 4:16 | Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. | Confidence in approaching God |
| 1 John 4:17 | In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we too are like him. | Boldness and assurance through God's likeness |
| Romans 5:2 | Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. | Standing in grace with access |
| Acts 4:31 | After they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. | Boldness from the Holy Spirit |
| Proverbs 3:16 | Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. | Rewards associated with wisdom and righteousness |
| Philippians 2:15 | ...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe | Shining and standing blamelessly |
| 1 Corinthians 3:14 | If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. | Builder's reward |
| 2 Timothy 2:15 | Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. | Approval and lack of shame |
| Revelation 22:12 | "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me to repay everyone according to what they have done." | Reward for deeds |
| John 14:21 | Whoever has my commands and keeps them, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. | Manifestation of God's love for obedience |
| Colossians 3:23 | Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, | Diligent work for the Lord |
| Proverbs 27:18 | Whoever guards a fig tree will eat its fruit, and whoever protects their master will be honored. | Honor for protection and service |
| Galatians 6:6 | Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all of his good things with the one who instructs. | Sharing good things with teachers |
| 1 Peter 5:4 | And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade. | Crown of glory for shepherd |
| James 1:25 | But the one who looks into the faithful law and continues in it, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this person will be blessed in his doing. | Blessed in doing |
| Acts 6:3 | So, brothers and sisters, select seven men who are well respected and full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this duty. | Selection based on good reputation and wisdom |
| Romans 12:1 | Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. | Living sacrifice of oneself |
| 2 Timothy 4:8 | Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. | Crown of righteousness for longing for His return |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 13 Meaning
This verse outlines the blessings or rewards that result from faithful service and commitment in leadership roles within the church. Those who serve well, particularly those appointed as deacons, gain for themselves a good standing and a high degree of confidence, or boldness, in their faith. This also implies a positive reputation and an increased assurance of their own spiritual condition and relationship with God.
1 Timothy 3 13 Context
1 Timothy 3 addresses the qualifications and conduct expected of leaders in the early church, specifically overseers (bishops) and deacons. Verse 13 concludes the section detailing the qualifications for deacons, which began in verse 8. The preceding verses (3:8-12) outline the character traits and moral standing required of deacons, such as seriousness, sincerity, trustworthiness, and self-control. Verse 13 serves as a motivational statement, explaining the positive outcomes of fulfilling these requirements and responsibilities. This passage is part of a broader exhortation by Paul to Timothy on how to organize and lead the church in Ephesus, addressing issues of sound doctrine and godly living within the community. The historical context involves the need for well-ordered and respected leadership to ensure the healthy growth and witness of the nascent Christian movement in a Greco-Roman world.
1 Timothy 3 13 Word Analysis
- οὗτοι (houtoi): This is the plural masculine nominative form of the demonstrative pronoun "these." It refers back to the men who have successfully served as deacons, fulfilling the requirements outlined in the preceding verses.
- γὰρ (gar): This is a coordinating conjunction, often translated as "for" or "because." It introduces a reason or explanation for a preceding statement, though in this case, it functions more to elaborate on the positive outcome of their service.
- καλὴν (kalēn): This is the accusative feminine singular form of the adjective "kalos," meaning "good," "beautiful," "noble," or "fine." Here, it describes the "degree" or "standing." It signifies a positive and commendable position or reputation.
- ὑποθήκην (hypothēkēn): This is the accusative feminine singular of the noun "hypothēkē." In classical Greek, it could mean "a deposit," "a pledge," or "a security." In this context, it likely carries the meaning of a "good standing," "strong foundation," or "firm basis" for their faith and service. It implies establishing a sound and reputable basis for their position.
- ἑαυτοῖς (heautois): This is the dative plural of the reflexive pronoun "heautou," meaning "to themselves." It emphasizes that the benefit and reward of their good service accrue to them personally.
- βαθμὸν (bathmon): This is the accusative masculine singular of the noun "bathmos," meaning "a step," "a degree," or "a grade." It signifies a level or rank, particularly in a metaphorical sense. It points to a higher level of assurance or boldness.
- ὑπεροχὴν (hyperochēn): This is the accusative feminine singular of the noun "hyperochē." It means "superiority," "eminence," "excellence," or "pre-eminence." It highlights a distinguished or outstanding quality. In conjunction with "boldness," it suggests a significant or heightened degree of confidence.
- ἐν (en): A preposition, meaning "in."
- πίστει (pistei): This is the dative feminine singular of the noun "pistis," meaning "faith," "trust," or "belief." It refers to the sphere or foundation upon which this boldness and standing are exercised or found. It's confidence "in faith" itself, or "within the realm of faith."
Words Group Analysis:
- καλὴν ὑποθήκην ἑαυτοῖς (kalēn hypothēkēn heautois): This phrase suggests that through their good service, deacons gain for themselves a strong foundation or a good standing. This could refer to a solid reputation among the congregation and an assurance in their spiritual life and ministry.
- βαθμὸν ὑπεροχὴν ἐν πίστει (bathmon hyperochēn en pistei): This phrase speaks of acquiring a high degree or superior standing within the sphere of faith. It implies increased boldness and confidence in their Christian walk and witness, stemming from their proven faithfulness and character.
1 Timothy 3 13 Bonus Section
The "good standing" (καλὴν ὑποθήκην) refers to the commendation and respect earned by diligent service, both from God and the community. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on reward in Matthew 10:42: "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is a disciple, truly I tell you, that person will not lose their reward." The "great boldness" (βαθμὸν ὑπεροχὴν) in faith points to an increased spiritual assurance and confidence, which is a hallmark of those who are mature in their walk and have proven their commitment, enabling them to speak and act boldly in matters of faith without shame or doubt. This is further supported by 1 John 3:21: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God."
1 Timothy 3 13 Commentary
Serving faithfully as a deacon yields tangible spiritual benefits. It establishes a firm footing and a respectable position within the Christian community. Moreover, this good service cultivates a deep and assured confidence in one's faith. This is not mere worldly success, but a godly boldness that comes from acting according to God's will and being recognized for it, leading to greater assurance and effectiveness in spiritual matters. It signifies a spiritual maturity and credibility gained through tried and tested service.