1 Timothy 3:12 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”

1 Timothy 3:12

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being {found} blameless.

Even so {must their} wives {be} grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

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. {used...: or, ministered}

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

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From This Chapter

1 Timothy 3:1

"This {is} a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."

1 Timothy 3:2

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {of good...: or, modest}"

1 Timothy 3:3

"Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; {given...: or, ready to quarrel, and offer wrong, as one in wine}"

1 Timothy 3:4

"One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;"

1 Timothy 3:5

"(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"

1 Timothy 3:6

"Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. {a novice: or, one newly come to the faith}"

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