1 Timothy 3:11
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Titus 2:3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;Titus 3:2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;2 Timothy 3:3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,Proverbs 10:18He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.Jeremiah 9:4Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Historical Context
Women served prominently in the early church—Phoebe was a deacon (Romans 16:1), Priscilla taught Apollos (Acts 18:26), Philip had four prophesying daughters (Acts 21:9). Whether as deacons' wives supporting their husbands' ministry or as female deacons serving officially, these women needed character matching their male counterparts. The standards are identical—godliness transcends gender.
Questions for Reflection
- Does this verse describe deacons' wives or female deacons—what's the evidence for each view?
- Why are the character qualifications for women in ministry similar to those for male deacons?
- How does the church today honor and utilize women's gifts while maintaining biblical order?
Analysis & Commentary
Even so must their wives be grave (Γυναῖκας ὡσαύτως σεμνάς, Gynaikas hōsautōs semnas)—'wives likewise must be dignified.' The Greek gynaikas can mean either 'wives' (of deacons) or 'women' (female deacons/deaconesses). Context could support either: qualifications for deacons' wives, or qualifications for female deacons (like Phoebe in Romans 16:1). Semnos means dignified, respectable, serious.
Not slanderers (μὴ διαβόλους, mē diabolous)—'not slanderers,' from diabolos meaning accuser, slanderer (same word used for 'devil'). Sober, faithful in all things (νηφαλίους, πιστὰς ἐν πᾶσιν, nēphalious, pistas en pasin)—'sober-minded, faithful in all things.' Nēphalios means clear-headed, temperate. Pistos means faithful, trustworthy, reliable.
Whether deacons' wives or female deacons, these women must demonstrate the same character qualities required of male deacons—dignity, truthfulness, temperance, reliability. Women in ministry (formal or informal) need proven character, not gossiping or slandering but speaking truth, faithful in responsibilities entrusted to them.