1 Timothy 3:9

9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

1 Timothy 3:9 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
English Standard Version (ESV)
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
The Message Bible (MSG)
9 They must be reverent before the mystery of the faith, not using their position to try to run things.
American Standard Version (ASV)
9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
9 They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
9 They must hold on to the deep truths of the faith. Even their own minds tell them to do that.

1 Timothy 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:9

Holding the mystery of the faith
The doctrine of the Gospel, called the "faith", because it contains things to be believed; proposes Christ the object of faith; is the means by which faith comes, and is unprofitable without it: it is called "the mystery", because it is of divine revelation, and could have never been discovered by human reason; and now it is revealed, the modus of many things contained in it remains a mystery; several of the doctrines of it are mysterious ones, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity; and which the ancient Jews call by this very name, F1 (atwnmyhmd azr) , "the mystery of faith"; the incarnation of the Son of God, the union of the saints to Christ, and their communion with him, and the resurrection of the dead, with others. Now this mysterious doctrine of faith is to be held by deacons; they are to profess it, and to hold fast the profession of it and that

in a pure conscience;
with a conscience sprinkled by the blood of Christ; with a conscience void of offence both towards God and man; with a suitable life and conversation; a conversation becoming the Gospel of Christ, and by which it is adorned: and this part of their character is necessary, that such may be able to instruct and establish those who are weak in the faith, and oppose and refute the erroneous, and also recommend the Gospel by their own example; otherwise should their principles or practices be bad, their influence on others might be very pernicious and fatal.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 Zohar in Gen. fol. 12. 4. & 13. 1, 2. & in Exod. fol. 66. 3.

1 Timothy 3:9 In-Context

7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Acts 23:1; 1 Timothy 1:19
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