Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

1 Timothy 3:8

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 8 Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued,* not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain,+

1 Timothy 3:8

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 8 Διακόνους Servants ὡσαύτως as-thus σεμνούς, serious, μὴ not διλόγους, double-talking, μὴ not οἴνῳ to wine πολλῷ much προσέχοντας, having [mind] toward, μὴ not αἰσχροκερδεῖς, [greedy] of disgraceful gain,

1 Timothy 3:8

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 8 Ministerial servants*+ should likewise be serious, not double-tongued,* not giving themselves to a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain,+

1 Timothy 3:8

The Bible in Living English
- 8 Deacons, in the same way, dignified, not double-tongued, not interested in much wine, not mercenary,

1 Timothy 3:8

American Standard Version
- 8 Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

1 Timothy 3:8

The Emphasized Bible
- 8 Ministers in the same way—Dignified, not double-tongued, not to much wine given, not greedy of base gain,

1 Timothy 3:8

King James Version
- 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 3

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 3:8
  
  Ministerial servants: Or “Assistants.” A rendering of the Greek word di·aʹko·nos, which is often translated “minister” or “servant.” In this context, it refers to those who were appointed to be servants in the congregation and assistants to the body of elders. It appears that they helped with many practical matters related to the smooth functioning of the congregation. Such assistance freed the elders to focus on teaching and shepherding.—See Glossary, “Ministerial servant”; study note on Php 1:1; see also study note on Mt 20:26.
  
  serious: The Greek word rendered “serious” at 1Ti 3:8, 11, and Tit 2:2 could also be rendered “worthy of respect,” “dignified,” or “honorable.” In order to qualify as a ministerial servant, a man should conduct himself in a dignified manner that would win respect. He should be reliable and dependable, taking his duties seriously.
  
  double-tongued: Or “deceitful in speech.” Lit., “double-talking.” The expression Paul here uses conveys the idea of being insincere. A man appointed to be a ministerial servant or an overseer must not be hypocritical, perhaps flattering others or misleading them for his own benefit. Also, he must not be deceptive, saying one thing to one person and the opposite to another. (Pr 3:32; Jas 3:17) Rather, he must be truthful and straightforward, a man whose word can be trusted.
  
  greedy of dishonest gain: This expression (also found at Tit 1:7) basically refers to someone who, according to one lexicon, is “shamefully greedy for material gain or profit.” (Compare 1Ti 3:3; 1Pe 5:2.) Lovers of money put their relationship with Jehovah at risk, and greedy people will not inherit God’s Kingdom. (1Co 6:9, 10; 1Ti 6:9, 10) For good reason, such men do not qualify to be overseers or ministerial servants. They would likely take advantage of fellow Christians. For instance, appointed men might be entrusted with handling congregation funds and distributing them to the needy. Any who were “greedy of dishonest gain” would be tempted to steal some of the money, not only harming the congregation but also offending Jehovah.—Joh 12:4-6.