A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 3:11

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Timothy 3:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Timothy 3:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"Women in like manner [must be] grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things." — 1 Timothy 3:11 (ASV)

Women (γυναικας). Accusative with δε εινα understood (οσαυτως, likewise) as in verse 8. Apparently "women as deacons" (Romans 16:1 about Phoebe) and not women in general or just "wives of deacons." See Pliny (Ep. X. 97) ministrae.

Not slanderers (μη διαβολους). Original meaning of διαβολος (from διαβαλλω, Luke 16:1), the devil being the chief slanderer (Ephesians 6:11). "She-devils" in reality (Titus 2:3). "While men are more prone to be διλογους, double-tongued, women are more prone than men to be slanderers" (White).

Faithful in all things (πιστας εν πασιν). Perhaps as almoners (Ellicott) the deaconesses had special temptations.