Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Parallel Translations
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Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
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Let the deacons be the husbandes of one wyfe and suche as rule their chyldren well and their awne housholdes.
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Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and such as can rule their children well, and their owne housholdes.
Cross-references (4)
Passages linked to 1 Timothy 3:12 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
- 1 Timothy 3:4-5 one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule one’s own house take care of God’s assembly?)
- Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
- 1 Timothy 3:8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money,
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (16 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain Let the deacons be Since he mentioned wives, he…
Let the deacons be Since he mentioned wives, he lays down the same injunction about deacons as he had formerly down about bishops; namely, that each of them — satisfied within having but one wife — shall set an example of a chaste and honorable father of a family, and shall keep his children and his whole house under holy discipline. And this refutes the error of those who understand this passage as referring to domestic servants.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain They that have more wives than one at one…
They that have more wives than one at one time, must neither be called to be ministers, nor to be Deacons.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one…
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Ver. 12. Husbands of one wife, &c.] {See Trapp on "1Ti 3:2"} {See Trapp on "1Ti 3:4"}
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain See the sense of these words, 1Ti 3:2,4, being…
See the sense of these words, 1Ti 3:2,4, being the qualifications also of a bishop.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain That is, "Let not any such be admitted deacon…
That is, "Let not any such be admitted deacon who has more wives than one, or that hath injuriously put away one, and married to another; and let them show by the good government of their own children and household, that they are fit to govern the church of God."
Note here, That the higher officers of the church were usually chosen out of the inferior; and accordingly, the qualifications for both offices, namely, that of bishops and deacons, are for the greatest part the same, both in this epistle and in that to Titus.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,....…
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,.... See Gill on Ti1 3:2.
ruling their children and their own houses well. These qualifications are the same with those of the bishop or elder; See Gill on Ti1 3:4.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 12. Let the deacons be the husbands of…
Verse 12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife] This is the same that is required of the bishops. See notes on 1Ti 3:2; "1Ti 3:4"; and "1Ti 3:5".
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain 1Ti 3:12-13. Let the deacons — As well as…
1Ti 3:12-13. Let the deacons — As well as the bishops; be husbands of one wife — That is, such as have shown their temperance by avoiding polygamy and causeless divorce; (see on 1Ti 3:2;) ruling their children, &c. — This qualification, which was required in bishops likewise, shows how anxious the apostle was that all who bore sacred offices should be unblameable in every respect; knowing that the disorderly behaviour of the members of their family might give occasion to suspect that they had been careless of their morals. For they that have used — Have discharged; the office of a deacon well, (see Rom 12:7-8,) purchase to themselves a good degree — Greek, βαθμον, step, namely, toward some higher office; and great boldness — From the testimony of a good conscience; in the faith which is in Christ Jesus — Namely, in professing and teaching it, for even the wicked must respect persons who show so much benevolence and activity in relieving the poor, the afflicted, and the persecuted.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife…
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife - notes, 1Ti 3:2.
Ruling their children and their own houses well - notes, 1Ti 3:4-5.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain husbands of one wife--(See on Ti1 3:2).
husbands of one wife--(See on Ti1 3:2).
ruling their children--There is no article in the Greek, "ruling children"; implying that he regarded the having children to rule as a qualification (Ti1 3:4; Tit 1:6).
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their own houses--as distinguished from "the Church of God" (see on Ti1 3:5). In the case of the deacons, as in that of the bishops, he mentions the first condition of receiving office, rather than the special qualifications for its discharge. The practical side of Christianity is the one most dwelt on in the Pastoral Epistles, in opposition to the heretical teachers; moreover, as the miraculous gifts began to be withdrawn, the safest criterion of efficiency would be the previous moral character of the candidate, the disposition and talent for the office being presupposed. So in Act 6:3, a similar criterion was applied, "Look ye out among you seven men of honest report." Less stress is laid on personal dignity in the case of the deacon than in that of the bishop (compare Notes, see on Ti1 3:2-3).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 12. Briefly reiterating for the deacons some of the…
12. Briefly reiterating for the deacons some of the qualifications required above for the elders.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 12. ruling their children] The sentence gives compendiously the…
12. ruling their children] The sentence gives compendiously the same requirements as to domestic relationships for deacons as for presbyters; the briefer form of the latter clause favours the interpreting ‘all gravity’ above of the children rather than the father.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one…
(12) Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife.—Here the exact same qualification is to be sought for as in the higher grade of presbyter. The same orderly and decorous household is required now in the case of the deacon, as was to be looked for as qualification for the presiding elder. St. Paul knew well that in the wise yet tender father, Timothy would find the firm yet generous distributor of the Church’s alms, the loving and devoted friend of the poor sick.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain Deacons for the deacons, A.V; husbands for the husbands,…
Deacons for the deacons, A.V; husbands for the husbands, A.V Husbands of one wife (see above, ver. 2, note). Ruling, etc. (proidtamenoi); literally, being at the head of, presiding over (see ver. 4, note). In Rom_12:8 and skopov 1Th_5:12 it is applied to the spiritual ruler, the ejpi or presbuterov of the Church. Elsewhere only in the pastoral Epistles. (above, vers. 4 and 5; 1Ti_5:17; Tit_3:8, Tit_3:14) Their own houses (above, ver. 5). "Their own" is in contrast to" Gods house.
Vers. 12, 13.
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The domestic duty of deacons.
The apostle here returns to add some further injunctions about deacons, as well as to suggest a reason for exacting the qualifications already described.
I THE DEACONS" DOMESTIC RELATIONS.
1. "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife." The same qualification is needed for deacons as for bishops, for their houses were to be examples of purity, peace, and orderliness.
2. "Ruling their children and their own houses well." The father of a loving household would be best fitted for the sympathetic administration of funds allocated to the poor, while the pious order of his family would enhance the public confidence in the reality of his religious character.
II REASON FOR THE VARIOUS QUALIFICATIONS DESCRIBED. "For those who have done the work of a deacon well obtain for themselves a good degree, and much boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1. The good degree does not refer to promotion to higher ecclesiastical office. The idea, indeed, would be quite an anachronism.
2. It refers to the place of honor and distinction that will be given to the faithful deacon in the day of final recompense. The doctrine of rewards is that of Scripture, and especially of our Lord"s parables. (Luk_19:11-27)
3. There is the further idea of the joyful confidence toward God which would characterize him in view of a faithful discharge of his duties a confidence springing out of faith resting in Jesus Christ. T.C.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Husband of one wife.
1Ti_3:12
Husband of one wife.
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A negligent father
I was once the guest, says Mr. Moody, of a Christian man, whose children were turning out badly. One night a conversation took place about them; and with tears trickling down his cheek he said, My four eldest sons turned out badly, and I am afraid that the others are following their example. I said: Let us look into this thing. Tell me about your family. How many nights do you go to church? On Sunday night. I am an officer in the church, and I am there on Sunday night. What about Monday? Oh, I am a deacon, and I am at the church on Monday night. What about Tuesday night? I am connected with the city government, and I have to attend committee-meetings of the council. Wednesday night is prayer-meeting, and you go to church? Yes. That is how you are occupied four nights. What do you do the other three? I belong to the Masons. I hold a high office in the lodge, and have to be there. That accounts for five nights. Of course, as you hold a high social position, you are often out at dinner-parties and committees. You go out perhaps one night each week to dinners and committees. It will average all that. Then, I said, there is one more night, that is, Saturday night; what do you do then? Oh, I am superintendent of the Sabbath school, and I lock myself in my room and prepare the lesson for my Bible-class on the following day. You dont let your children into your room then, do you? No; certainly not. Then your children have to get off early in the morning, and they are away from family prayer? Yes; some get off early, and others rise late, and they are not present at morning worship. And you have to get away as early, as possible to your business as soon as I get through worship I am off. What time do you take dinner. At six oclock. You see your children at six. But you are not always prompt. I suppose half-past six, is it not? Yes, that is about the average. And your meetings begin about half past seven; so that you have but little time with your children. What have you done for them? And at that very time he was trying to be made mayor of the city. He dropped his head, and said that he had never thought of it in that light before. There are many just like that. They are giving their time to public affairs, to the utter neglect of their children and their homes.
Evils of polygamy
Titus, brother of Africaner, was the only individual on the station who had two wives, and fearing the influence of example, I have occasionally made a delicate reference to the subject and by degrees could make more direct remarks on the point which was one of the barriers to his happiness; but he remained firm, admitting, at the same time, that a man with two wives was not to be envied, and added, He is often in an uproar, and when they quarrel he does not know whose part to take. He said, he often resolved when there was a great disturbance, he would pay one off. One morning I thought the anticipated day had come. He approached my door leading an ex upon which one of his wives was seated. What is the matter? I inquired. Giving me a shake of his hand, and laughing, he replied, Just the old thing over again. Mynheer must not laugh too much at me, for I am now in for it. The two wives had quarrelled at the outpost, and the one in a rage had thrown a dry rotten stick at the other, which had entered the palm of her hand, and had left a piece about an inch long, and the thickness of a finger. The hand had swollen to nearly four times its usual size. Why I asked, did you not bring her sooner? She was afraid to see you, and would not come till I assured her that you were a maak mensche(a tame man). Having made an incision and extracted the piece of wood, she was melted into tears with gratitude, while I earnestly exhorted her to a better way of life. (Dr. Moffatt.)
Purchase to themselves a good degree.--
The good degree
The words refer, in the first place, to a faithful discharge of the duties attached to the office of the deacon. They that have used the office of a deacon well are they who have laboured in the diaconate with honour to themselves and glory to their Master; for well is the same word used in the latter part of the verse, and translated good--a good degree. It is the specific term for the beautiful in human action, in contrast to the grudging discharge of mere obligation. It implies in the labourer not only diligence and zeal, but also carefulness and purity of motive; and the best use of every power and opportunity that God has entrusted to us--the frank, loving, self-abandoning, self-forgetting discharge of a holy obligation. Such an idea cannot be confined to any special office, and it is not, therefore, the particular work done which is thrown into the front, but the grace shown in the mode of doing it--the beautiful discharge of duty for God, in whatever sphere of the Church it may be, and whatever the exact nature of the duty Which is done. But, further, the words furnish a stimulating motive to this earnest discharge of duty, by setting before the souls desire a certain advantage that is to be secured by it. Here we must carefully put away the idea of buying--that is, of meriting in any way, as if we bargained with God. It has been thought that the word degree refers to ecclesiastical position and church office; but such a meaning would be an appeal to professional selfishness, and would be utterly out of harmony both with the spirit of St. Paul, and with the meaning of his language. We must look much deeper to find the mind of God. A good degree is a degree full of honour, praise, and joy, and such as the soul may covet with all the force of a renewed and sanctified affection. In what consists the good degree, which results from the honourable discharge of duty?
I. It consists in a higher state of spiritual life, a stronger faith, a brighter hope, a more entrancing and captivating love; in short, a larger possession of god, as if the Deity within flung His own grace and glory over the soul in which He dwells. Grace is but the souls health, the restoration of a sin-stricken creature into the full enjoyment for which it was intended. A large measure of grace is, therefore, a high measure of health--and is not health delightful? Is there pleasure in the aching head, in the weary limb, in the scorching fever, or the racking pain, or the feebleness and languor and strange incapacities of sickness and disease? But must not the same thing be true of the soul? Doubts, fears, alarms, conflicts, strange searchings of heart, dim gropings of spirit, and occasional agonies of conscience, and the gnawing aching pain of a self-upbraiding memory, are all the symptoms of spiritual sickness. That the honourable discharge of every duty promotes the health of the soul is clear enough. The more constantly duty is done, the more constantly faith and hope and love are present; and then they grow by exercise till they become the souls habit, its very life, the breath of its being, a part of the living self in the all-pervading presence and power of God. That this high measure of spiritual life is the good degree of the text, is shown by the last words, great boldness in the faith. The literal meaning of the word translated boldness is freedom, frankness, and confidence of speech. It has two relations. One looks toward man when the soul, rich in its own love for Christ, and actually overflowing with icy in the Holy Ghost, pours out to others the fulness of its own affection--not with an effort, but freshly, naturally, spontaneously, as the living spring within the soul itself, the power of the Holy Spirit of God flows forth into utterance. Such a boldness of speech to others about their souls implies a glow and warmth of emotion, a strength of experience, and a power of love such as might fill the soul of an angel. Then there is another meaning of the word. It is used elsewhere for boldness of access to God.
II. But a good degree includes a further idea, and that is a higher state in glory, a place nearer God in the world to come, a more perfect knowledge of Him, and a more entrancing enjoyment of Him for ever and ever. This, we must bear in mind, springs from the other, and is but its completion. God is infinite. His gifts will be boundless as Himself; His gifts of knowledge, of holiness, of strength, of joy and rapture, will be infinite. There is in God no limit whatever. If for all eternity we shall enjoy more and more of God, it will be because the power to enjoy grows by enjoyment as the soul becomes larger and larger with the God who fills it. Grace here increases the capacity for glory hereafter. The more grace, the more glory. (E. Garbett, M. A.)
Faithfulness in an inferior position leads to a higher
Dr. Morrison wrote to his friends in England and asked them to send him out another missionary. A young man from the country came and offered himself. He came to the office of the Missionary Society and was introduced to the gentlemen of the board and had a long talk with them. They then asked him to call again in an hour or two, and they would give him an answer. In talking the matter over after he was gone, they came to the conclusion that this young man would not do to go as the colleague of Dr. Morrison. Finally, they said to Dr. Phillips, one of their members: Doctor, you see the young man and tell him that we do not think him fit to be a missionary; but that if he would like to go out as servant to the missionary we will send him. The doctor did not like much to do this; but he did it. He told the young man just what the board said. Now, many a young man would have been angry on hearing this, and would have said: No, I shall do no such thing. If I cant go out as a missionary, I wont go at all. But this young man did not feel or act so. After hearing what the doctor said, his answer was: Well, sir, if the gentlemen dont think me fit to be a missionary I will go as a servant. I am willing to be a hewer of wood, or a drawer of water, or do anything to help on the cause of my heavenly Master. He was sent out as a servant, but he soon got to be a missionary, and turned out to be the Rev. Dr. Milne, one of the best and greatest missionaries that ever went to any country. (R. Newton, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 12, 13. Let the deacons be the husbands of…
12, 13. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife. The same word is used in the Greek here for wife that is used in verse 11. See notes on “one wife” under verse 2. Ruling their children. See notes on verses 4 and 5.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.