“Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.”
My Notes
What Does 1 Timothy 3:11 Mean?
Paul is describing qualifications for deacons, and in the middle of that discussion, he mentions "their wives" — though the Greek word (gynaikas) can also mean "women" or "deaconesses." Many scholars believe Paul is describing a female office or role parallel to the male deacons, not simply the wives of deacons.
The four qualities are: grave (dignified, worthy of respect), not slanderers (the word is diabolos — literally, not devils in speech), sober (clear-headed, self-controlled), and faithful in all things. Each quality relates to trustworthiness — in character, in speech, in judgment, and in consistency.
"Not slanderers" is particularly pointed. The word used is the same word for the devil — the accuser, the slanderer. Paul is saying: the opposite of this calling is satanic. Using words to destroy rather than build is antithetical to ministry. A woman in this role guards her speech as fiercely as she guards her faith.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Which of the four qualities — dignified, not slanderous, sober, faithful in all things — feels most challenging for you right now?
- 2.How does knowing that the word for 'slanderer' is the same as the word for 'devil' change how you think about gossip?
- 3.What does 'faithful in all things' look like in the hidden parts of your life that no one else sees?
- 4.Do you think this verse describes wives of deacons or women in ministry — and does it change the application either way?
Devotional
Four qualities. Four words that describe what it looks like for a woman to carry spiritual responsibility: dignified, not a gossip, clear-headed, trustworthy in everything.
The "not slanderers" one deserves special attention. Paul doesn't use a mild word here. He uses diabolos — devil. The same word used for Satan. That's how seriously Scripture takes destructive speech. Gossip, slander, and careless words aren't small sins. They're satanic in nature — they accuse, divide, and destroy.
If you're in any position of influence — and every woman is, whether or not she holds a formal title — your words carry weight. The question isn't whether you'll say something that matters today. It's whether what you say will build or tear down.
"Faithful in all things" is the capstone. Not faithful in the visible things while neglecting the hidden ones. Not faithful on Sundays while compromising during the week. In all things. It's a standard that assumes every part of your life is ministry — not just the parts that happen in church.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Even so must their wives be grave,.... Some instead of "wives" read "women", and understand them of deaconesses, such as…
Even so must their wives be grave - Chrysostom, Theophylact, Grotius, Bloomfield, and many others, suppose that by the…
Even so must their wives be grave - I believe the apostle does not mean here the wives either of the bishops or deacons…
We have here the character of deacons: these had the care of the temporal concerns of the church, that is, the…
Even somust their wivesbe grave The R.V. translates literally Women in like manner must be grave, i.e. women deacons,…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture