King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 3:13 Mean?

1 Timothy 3:13 in the King James Version says “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the fait... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 3:13 · KJV


Context

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. ground: or, stay


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree (οἱ γὰρ καλῶς διακονήσαντες βαθμὸν ἑαυτοῖς καλὸν περιποιοῦνται, hoi gar kalōs diakonēsantes bathmon heautois kalon peripoiountai)—'those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing.' Diakoneō means to serve, minister. Bathmos means step, standing, rank—good reputation or position. Peripoieō means to gain, acquire, obtain for oneself.

And great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus (καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, kai pollēn parrēsian en pistei tē en Christō Iēsou)—'and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.' Parrēsia means boldness, confidence, freedom of speech—especially before God and others. Faithful service produces spiritual confidence.

Those who serve faithfully as deacons gain two rewards: (1) good standing/reputation in the church, and (2) increased spiritual confidence in their faith. Humble, faithful service over time builds both credibility with people and boldness with God. This isn't worldly ambition but spiritual maturity—proven character produces assured faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the Greco-Roman world, advancement came through wealth, patronage, or political maneuvering. The church operates differently—advancement comes through faithful service. The deacon who serves humbly gains something better than worldly status: spiritual confidence and church-wide respect. This encourages faithful servants—your labor isn't in vain but produces genuine spiritual rewards.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'good standing' do faithful deacons gain—how is this different from worldly status?
  2. How does faithful service produce 'boldness in the faith'—what's the connection?
  3. What encouragement does this verse offer to those serving in practical, unglamorous roles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τῇ1 of 17

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καλῶς3 of 17

well

G2573

well (usually morally)

διακονήσαντες4 of 17

they that have used the office of a deacon

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

βαθμὸν5 of 17

degree

G898

a step, i.e., (figuratively) grade (of dignity)

ἑαυτοῖς6 of 17

to themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καλὸν7 of 17

a good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

περιποιοῦνται8 of 17

purchase

G4046

to make around oneself, i.e., acquire (buy)

καὶ9 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πολλὴν10 of 17

great

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

παῤῥησίαν11 of 17

boldness

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

ἐν12 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πίστει13 of 17

the faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τῇ14 of 17

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν15 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ16 of 17

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ17 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study