SEV Biblia, Chapter 3:11
Las mujeres asimismo honestas, no detractoras; templadas, fieles en todo.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 3:11
Verse 11. Even so must their wives be grave] I believe the apostle does not mean here the wives either of the bishops or deacons in particular, but the Christian women in general. The original is simply: gunaikav wsautwv semnav? Let the women likewise be grave. Whatever is spoken here becomes women in general; but if the apostle had those termed deaconesses in his eye, which is quite possible, the words are peculiarly suitable to them. That there was such an order in the apostolic and primitive Church, and that they were appointed to their office by the imposition of hands, has already been noticed on Rom. xvi. 1. Possibly, therefore, the apostle may have had this order of deaconesses in view, to whom it was as necessary to give counsels and cautions as to the deacons themselves; and to prescribe their qualifications, lest improper persons should insinuate themselves into that office. Not slanderers] mh diabolouv? Literally, not devils. See on verse 7. This may be properly enough translated slanderers, backbiters, tale-bearers, &c., for all these are of their father, the devil, and his lusts they will do.
Let all such, with the vast tribe of calumniators and dealers in scandal, remember that the apostle ranks them all with malicious, fallen spirits; a consideration which one would suppose might be sufficient to deter them from their injurious and abominable conduct.
Sober] See on verse 2.
Faithful in all things.] The deaconesses had much to do among the poor, and especially among poor women, in dispensing the bounty of the Church. They were not only faithfully to expend all they had got, and for the purpose for which they got it; but they must do this with impartiality, showing no respect of persons, the degree of distress being the only rule by which the distribution was to be regulated.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 11. Even so must their wives be grave , etc.] Some instead of “wives” read “women”, and understand them of deaconesses, such as were in the primitive churches; whose business it was to visit the poor and sick sisters of the church, and take care of things belonging to them; but it is better to interpret the words of the wives of the deacons, who must be as their husbands, “grave” in speech, gesture, and dress, of an honest report, a good behaviour, and chaste conversation; which will reflect honour and credit to their husbands: not slanderers ; or accusers, and so act like devils, as the word is sometimes rendered; for should they act such a part, and accuse either the poor, or any of the members of the church wrongfully, or on any trifling occasion, as persons addicted to this vice are wont to do, it would be of bad consequence: and they also should be sober , temperate, not given to wine; excessive drinking is very scandalous in the female sex; and is the rather mentioned here, because women in the eastern countries were too frequently addicted to it: faithful in all things ; as in the marriage bed, so with whatsoever else they are intrusted with in the family, and civil concerns of their husbands; and this is the rather observed, because the wives of deacons may be sometimes intrusted with the church's stock in their husband's absence, to impart to the poor.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 8-13 - The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists wer among them. The deacons had a great trust reposed in them. They must be grave, serious, prudent men. It is not fit that public trusts should be lodged in the hands of any, till they are found fit for the busines with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers must take great care to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.
Greek Textus Receptus
γυναικας 1135 ωσαυτως 5615 σεμνας 4586 μη 3361 διαβολους 1228 {1: νηφαλεους 3524 } {2: νηφαλιους 3524 } πιστας 4103 εν 1722 πασιν 3956
Vincent's NT Word Studies
11. Their wives (gunaikav). Probably correct, although some find a reference to an official class of women - deaconesses (so Ellicott, Holtzmann, Alford). But the injunction is thrown incidentally into the admonition concerning Deacons, which is resumed at ver. 12; and if an official class were intended we should expect something more specific than gunaikav women or wives without the article. A Deacon whose wife is wanting in the qualities required in him, is not to be chosen. She would sustain an active relation to his office, and by her ministries would increase his efficiency, and by frivolity, slander, or intemperance, would bring him and his office into disrepute.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:11 {Women} (gunaikas). Accusative with dei einai understood (hosautws, likewise) as in verse #8. Apparently "women as deacons" (#Ro 16:1 about Phoebe) and not women in general or just "wives of deacons." See Pliny (_Ep_. X. 97) _ministrae_. {Not slanderers} (me diabolous). Original meaning of diabolos (from diaballw, #Lu 16:1), the devil being the chief slanderer (#Eph 6:11). "She-devils" in reality (#Tit 2:3). "While men are more prone to be dilogous, double-tongued, women are more prone than men to be slanderers" (White). {Faithful in all things} (pistas en pasin). Perhaps as almoners (Ellicott) the deaconesses had special temptations.
