1 Timothy 3 · Verse 10

1 Timothy 3:10

And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1 Timothy 3:10, King James Version

1 Timothy 3:10 in other translations

BSBAdditionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.
WEBLet them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.
ASVAnd let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.
YLTand let these also first be proved, then let them minister, being unblameable.
DARBYAnd let these be first proved, then let them minister, being without charge against them.
BBEAnd let these first be put to the test; then let them become Deacons if there is nothing against them.
WebsterAnd let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

What does 1 Timothy 3:10 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. "And moreover," &c. [Alford]. be proved--not by a period of probation, but by a searching inquiry, conducted by Timothy, the ordaining president (1Ti 5:22), whether they be "blameless"; then when found so, "let them act as deacons." blameless--Greek, "unexceptionable"; as the result of public investigation unaccused [Tittmann].

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 10. And let these also be first proved. That is, tried or tested in regard to the things which were the proper qualifications for the office. This does not mean that they were to be employed as preachers, but that they were to undergo a proper trial in regard to their fitness for the office which they were to fill. They were not to be put into it without any opportunity of knowing what they were. It should be ascertained that they were grave, serious, temperate, trustworthy men; men who were sound in the faith, and who would not dishonour the office. It is not said here, that there should be a formal trial, as if they were candidates for this office; but the meaning is, that they should have had an opportunity of making their character known, and should have gained such respect for their piety, and their other qualifications, that there would be reason to believe that they would perform the functions of the office well. Thus, in Acts 6:3, when deacons were first appointed, the church was directed to "look out seven men of honest report," who might be appointed to the office.

Then let them use the office of a deacon. Let them be appointed to this office, and fulfil its duties.

Being found blameless. If nothing can be alleged against their character. 1Timm 3:2.

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 10 Let these - be proved - Let them not be young converts, or persons lately brought to the knowledge of the truth. This is the same in spirit with what is required of the bishops, 1Tim 3:6. Let no man be put into an office in the Church till he has given full proof of his sincerity and steadiness, by having been for a considerable time a consistent private member of the Church. Being found blameless - Ανεγκλητοι οντες· Being irreproachable; persons against whom no evil can be proved. The same as in 1Tim 3:2, though a different word is used. See the note on 1Tim 3:2.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:8-13

The deacons were at first appointed to distribute the charity of the church, and to manage its concerns, yet pastors and evangelists were 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 business with which they are to be trusted. All who are related to ministers…

Read the full comment on 1 Timothy 3:8-13 →

1 Timothy 3:10 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

καὶkaiAlsoG2532
οὗτοιhoutoitheseG3778
δὲdenowG1161
δοκιμαζέσθωσανdokimazesthōsanthey should be testedG1381
πρῶτον,prōtonfirst,G4413
εἶταeitathenG1534
διακονείτωσανdiakoneitōsanthey should serveG1247
ἀνέγκλητοιanegklētoiblamelessG410
ὄντες.¶ontesbeing.G1510

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 1 Timothy 3:10

  • 1 Timothy 5:22

    Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

  • 1 Timothy 3:13

    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.

  • Titus 1:6-7

    If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

  • 1 Timothy 3:6

    Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

  • 1 Timothy 3:2

    A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:8

    Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Acts 6:1-2

    And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

  • 1 John 4:1

    Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

  • Colossians 1:22

    In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
let these.
6; 5:22; 1Jo 4:1
use.
13; Ac 6:1,2
being.
2; 1Co 1:8; Col 1:22; Tit 1:6,7

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 1 Timothy 3:9

    Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

  • 1 Timothy 3:10

    And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

  • 1 Timothy 3:11

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

Read all of 1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:10 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Y éstos también sean antes probados; y así ministren, si fueren sin crimen.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		et que ceux-ci aussi soient premièrement mis à l’épreuve; ensuite, qu’ils servent, étant trouvés irréprochables.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Laß diese aber zuerst erprobt werden, dann laß sie dienen, wenn sie untadelig sind.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Et hi autem probentur primum: et sic ministrent, nullum crimen habentes.