3:11a

In the same way: This verse begins with a Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way. Paul also used this word in 3:8a where he began to list the requirements for deacons. In that verse the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “likewise.”

the women: There is a major interpretation question in this verse. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the women means “women” in some contexts and “wives” in other contexts. There is no special word that only means “wife.” Therefore, there are two possible ways to interpret this word and therefore this verse:

(1) It means wives and therefore refers to the wives of the deacons.

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, King James Version, NET Bible, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(2) It means “women” and therefore refers to female deacons (deaconesses).

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised English Bible)

Many English versions are ambiguous but most of those that do choose an interpretation follow interpretation (1). Therefore it is recommended that you also translate this word as wives. Here are some reasons why Paul was probably referring to wives of deacons:

(a) Paul talked about male deacons in 3:8–10, then he continued talking about male deacons in 3:12–13. Paul probably did not interrupt himself here to talk about female deacons. It is more likely that he was talking about the wives of the deacons.

(b) Paul followed 3:11 by saying that a deacon (like an overseer) needed to be a “husband of one wife” (3:12a). If he had been referring to female deacons in 3:11a, he would probably have said that female deacons should be faithful to their husbands.

However, it is impossible to be absolutely certain which interpretation is correct. (Fee, page 88, says, “This sentence is one of the genuine puzzles in 1 Timothy.”) If possible, you should explain both possibilities in a footnote.

dignified: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as dignified is a general word. It means that these women must behave in a way that deserves respect from other people. That is, other people will esteem and honor them because they had earned that respect by the way they behave.

This is the same word that Paul used in 3:8a. You should use the same term here.

3:11b

slanderers: When Paul said that deacons’ wives must not be slanderers, he meant that they must not gossip or say hurtful things about other people. It does not matter whether or not the things are true. If they are meant to be hurtful, the women should not say them. Paul used the same word in Titus 2:3. You should try to use the same term in both verses.

3:11c

temperate: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as temperate means “behaving in a sober, restrained manner.” It often refers to not drinking too much alcohol. But most commentators agree that the meaning is more general here. It includes not getting drunk, but also includes not losing control of themselves in any other way. The same word is used in 3:2c and Titus 2:2.

faithful: If a person is faithful, people can trust him to fulfill his responsibilities and to do what he promises. He is trustworthy, dependable, and reliable. Two ways to translate this are:

a person whom others trust
-or-
a person who always does what he says he will do

in all things: Most scholars and English versions agree that in all things is grammatically attached to the word faithful. So the Berean Standard Bible expression faithful in all things could be translated “completely faithful.”

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.