Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Parallel translations
- WEB Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
- BSB A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.
- NKJV Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
- NASB Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.
- NLT A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Deacons must be faithful in marriage and manage their children and households well. It applies the same domestic faithfulness required of overseers.
Overview
Paul requires deacons to be 'husbands of one wife' and to lead their families well. As with overseers, the home reveals fitness for service. Faithfulness in marriage and household management marks those entrusted with serving the church.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- 1 Tim 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
- 1 Tim 3:4–5One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
- Phil 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
- 1 Tim 3:8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
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Original language
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