1 Timothy 3:12

12 A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.

1 Timothy 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:12

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
&c.] (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:2)

ruling their children and their own houses well.
These qualifications are the same with those of the bishop or elder; (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:4).

1 Timothy 3:12 In-Context

10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve.

11 Their wives also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything.

12 A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.

13 Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

14 As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon.

Footnotes

• [a]. have only one wife; [or] be married only once.