1 Timothy 3:9 kjv
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 nkjv
holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 niv
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 esv
They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:9 nlt
They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 3:11 | Women likewise must be reverent, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. | Qualification for women in church leadership |
| 2 Tim 1:5 | remembering the sincere faith that first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you also. | Familial faith |
| Titus 2:3-5 | Older women likewise are to be of sound conduct, not calumniators or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, so that they may train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. | Instruction for older women serving the church |
| Acts 1:14 | These with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. | Women devoted to prayer with early believers |
| Acts 17:4 | And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great many of the devout Greeks and a number of the leading women. | Women who believed and joined the church |
| Rom 16:1-2 | I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. | Phoebe, a deaconess/servant of the church |
| Phil 4:3 | Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have worked beside me in the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. | Women working in the gospel |
| Gal 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. | Unity in Christ transcending earthly distinctions |
| Col 1:26-27 | the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. | Christ as the mystery of God |
| John 1:14 | And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. | Incarnation of Christ |
| 1 Cor 2:7 | but we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. | God's hidden wisdom |
| Eph 3:9-10 | and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. | God's wisdom revealed through the church |
| 1 Tim 1:19 | by holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, | Holding faith and a good conscience |
| Heb 10:22 | let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. | Clean conscience |
| Acts 23:1 | And Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, "Brothers, I have lived my life before God with all good conscience up to this day." | Paul's testimony of a good conscience |
| 1 Pet 3:16 | and keep a good conscience, so that, when they speak evil of you, those who revile your practice of Christ may be put to shame. | Maintaining a good conscience |
| 1 John 3:20-21 | by this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. | Reassurance from a clear conscience |
| Matt 13:11 | He answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. | Understanding the mysteries of the kingdom |
| Luke 11:33 | "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. | Light shining |
1 Timothy 3 verses
1 Timothy 3 9 Meaning
This verse identifies one of the requirements for women who serve in the church. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. This means they should believe and deeply understand the core truths of Christianity, such as the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and live consistently with that belief, maintaining a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3 9 Context
First Timothy chapter 3 addresses the qualifications for overseers (bishops) and deacons in the church. This specific verse, verse 9, continues this discussion by outlining specific qualifications for women serving in some capacity within the church, likely those who were candidates for the office of deaconess (though the exact nature of their service is debated among scholars). The immediate context is about leadership and faithful conduct within the household of God. Historically, women played vital roles in the early church's ministry, and Paul here provides specific guidelines for their character and doctrinal soundness. The verse comes after the qualifications for deacons are laid out, suggesting a parallel or related ministry role for women.
1 Timothy 3 9 Word Analysis
- "likewise" (houtōs de kai): This adverbial phrase links these qualifications to those mentioned for deacons, indicating a similar seriousness or parallel requirement for women in their designated service. It means "in the same way" or "also."
- "women" ( gunaikas): This plural feminine noun refers to women, specifically in the context of those in consideration for ministry or leadership roles in the church, as opposed to just any woman in the congregation.
- "must be" (opheilō): This verb conveys a sense of obligation or what is proper and necessary. It is not merely a suggestion but a requirement.
- "holding" (krateo): This verb means "to grasp firmly," "to hold onto," or "to keep possession of." It implies a determined adherence to something.
- "the mystery" (mustērion): This noun refers to a divinely revealed truth, previously hidden, now made known. In this context, it specifically points to the core doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly the truth about Jesus Christ and his redemptive work.
- "of the faith" (tēs pisteōs): This genitive phrase specifies what the mystery is concerning—the Christian faith itself, its truths and doctrines.
- "with" (en): This preposition can mean "in," "on," or "with." Here, it signifies the sphere or condition in which they must hold the mystery.
- "a" (mias): A feminine indefinite article used substantively, often translating to "one" or "a single." It emphasizes purity and singularity.
- "pure" (katharas): This adjective means "clean," "pure," "guiltless," or "innocent." It describes the state of the conscience.
- "conscience" (suneidēseōs): This noun, literally meaning "knowing with" or "co-knowing," refers to the inner faculty that bears witness to or against one's actions and thoughts. It is the moral consciousness.
Phrase/Group Analysis:
- "holding the mystery of the faith": This signifies a deep, personal grasp and firm commitment to the fundamental truths of Christianity, especially the gospel of salvation through Christ. It implies understanding and embracing these truths, not just intellectually, but experientially.
- "with a pure conscience": This means living in such a way that one's inner moral compass is clear before God and humanity. It requires living obediently to God's revealed will, so that conscience does not accuse or condemn. This is intrinsically linked to the faith itself, as a true faith will produce a desire for a clean life.
1 Timothy 3 9 Bonus Section
The "mystery of the faith" spoken of here is understood in a Trinitarian and Christological sense within theological tradition, primarily referring to the Incarnation – God becoming man in Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and ascension. Scholars note that the qualifications for women deacons parallel those for male deacons, indicating a similar level of responsibility and trustworthiness expected in their service. While the precise function of these women is debated (deaconesses, perhaps overseers of other women, or patrons of church activities), their role was clearly significant enough to warrant such explicit requirements for spiritual maturity and doctrinal soundness. The emphasis on a "pure conscience" underscores that true ministry is always characterized by moral integrity, flowing from a genuine relationship with God.
1 Timothy 3 9 Commentary
This verse mandates that women chosen for specific service within the church must possess a firm and unwavering grasp of essential Christian doctrines. This isn't just about knowing facts but about internalizing and believing these truths with conviction. The crucial element here is the requirement for a "pure conscience." This links doctrinal integrity with ethical conduct. A woman serving in the church, according to Paul, must not only understand and believe the gospel but also live a life consistent with that belief, free from damning sin or persistent unconfessed sin, allowing her conscience to be clear before God and the community. This speaks to the need for trustworthy, morally upright women in the ministry, whose lives are a testament to the faith they profess.