Deacon

Original Word: διάκονος, οῦ, ὁ, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: diakonos
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ak’-on-os)
Definition: a servant, minister
Usage: a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.

1249 diákonos (from 1223 /diá, “thoroughly” and konis, “dust”) – properly, “thoroughly raise up dust by moving in a hurry, and so to minister” (WP, 1, 162); ministry (sacred service).

1249 /diákonos (“ministry”) in the NT usually refers to the Lord inspiring His servants to carry out His plan for His people – i.e. as His “minister” (like a deacon serving Him in a local church).

[A. T. Robertson, “1249 (diákonos) properly means ‘to kick up dust,’ as one running an errand.” 1249 (diákonos) is the root of the English terms, “diaconate, deacon.”

This root (diakon-) is “probably connected with the verb diōkō, ‘to hasten after, pursue‘ (perhaps originally said of a runner)” (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 147).]

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a servant, minister
NASB Translation
deacons (3), minister (7), servant (10), servants (9).

STRONGS NT 1249: διάκονος

διάκονος, διακονου, ὁ, ἡ (of uncertain origin, but by no means, as was formerly thought, compounded of διά and κόνις, so as to mean, properly, ‘raising dust by hastening’; cf. ἐγκόνειν; for the alpha in the preposition διά is short, in διάκονος, long. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Lexil. i., p. 218ff (English translation, p. 231f) thinks it is derived from the obsolete διάκω equivalent to διήκω (allied with διώκω; cf. Vanicek, p. 363)); one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master; a sergeant, attendant, minister;1. universally: of the servant of a king, Matthew 22:13; with the genitive of the person served, Matthew 20:26; Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:35; Mark 10:43 (in which passage it is used figuratively of those who advance others’ interests even at the sacrifice of their own); τῆς ἐκκλησίας, of one who does what promotes the welfare and prosperity of the church, Colossians 1:25; διάκονοι τοῦ Θεοῦ, those through whom God carries on his administration on earth, as magistrates, Romans 13:4; teachers of the Christian religion, 1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 6:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 R T Tr WH text L marginal reading; the same are called διάκονοι (τοῦ) Χριστοῦ, 2 Corinthians 11:23; Colossians 1:7; 1 Timothy 4:6; ἐν κυρίῳ, in the cause of the Lord, Colossians 4:7; (Ephesians 6:21); ὁ διάκονος μου, my follower, John 12:26; τοῦ Σατανᾶ, whom Satan uses as a servant, 2 Corinthians 11:15; (ἁμαρτίας, Galatians 2:17); διάκονος περιτομῆς (abstract for concrete), of Christ, who labored for the salvation of the circumcised, i. e. the Jews, Romans 15:8; with the genitive of the thing to which service is rendered, i. e. to which one is devoted: καινῆς διαθήκης, 2 Corinthians 3:6; τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, Ephesians 3:7; Colossians 1:23; δικαιοσύνης, 2 Corinthians 11:15.

2. a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use (cf. BB. DD., Dict. of Christ. Antiq., Schaff-Herzog under the word ; Lightfoot‘s Commentary on Philippians, dissert. i. § i.; Julius Muller, Dogmatische Abhandlungen, p. 560ff): Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 12, cf. Acts 6:3ff; ἡ διάκονος, a deaconess (ministra, Pliny, epistles 10, 97), a woman to whom the care of either poor or sick women was entrusted, Romans 16:1 (cf. Dictionaries as above, under the word ; Lightfoot as above, p. 191; B. D. under the word <reference_work:smith’s bible=”” dictionary=””>). </reference_work:smith’s>

3. a waiter, one who serves food and drink: John 2:5, 9, as in Xenophon, mem. 1, 5, 2; Hier. 3, 11 (4, 2); Polybius 31, 4, 5; Lucian, de merced. cond. § 26; Athen. 7, p. 291 a.; 10, 420 e.; see διακονέω, 2 and διακονία, 5; (also Wetstein (1752) on Matthew 4:11). [SYNONYMS: διάκονος, δοῦλος, θεράπων, ὑπηρέτης: “διάκονος represents the servant in his activity for the work; not in his relation, either servile, as that of the δοῦλος, or more voluntary, as in the case of the θεράπων, to a person” Trench; yet cf. e. g. Romans 13:4; 2 Corinthians 6:4 etc.). δοῦλος opposed to ἐλεύθερος, and correlate to δεσπότης or κύριος, denotes a bondman, one who sustains a permanent servile relation to another. θεράπων is the voluntary performer of services, whether as a freeman or a slave; it is a nobler, tenderer word than δοῦλος. ὑπηρέτης according to its etymol. suggests subordination. Cf. Trench, § ix.; B. D. under the word <reference_work:smith’s bible=”” dictionary=””>; Meyer on Ephesians 3:7; Schmidt, chapter 164.]

</reference_work:smith’s>

deacon, minister, servant.Probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare dioko); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess) — deacon, minister, servant.

New International Version
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

New Living Translation
This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.

English Standard Version
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Berean Study Bible
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

New American Standard Bible
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

NASB 1995
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

NASB 1977
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Amplified Bible
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), To all the saints (God’s people) in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

Christian Standard Bible
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.

Contemporary English Version
From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. To all God’s people who belong to Christ Jesus at Philippi and to all your bishops and deacons.

Good News Translation
From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus–To all God’s people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers:

GOD’S WORD® Translation
From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. To God’s people in the city of Philippi and their bishops and deacons-to everyone who is united with Christ Jesus.

International Standard Version
From: Paul and Timothy, servants of the Messiah Jesus. To: All the holy ones in Philippi, along with their overseers and ministers, who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.

NET Bible
From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.

New International Version
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.

New Living Translation
In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.

English Standard Version
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

Berean Study Bible
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.

New American Standard Bible
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money,

NASB 1995
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

NASB 1977
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

Amplified Bible
Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain,

Christian Standard Bible
Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money,

Contemporary English Version
Church officers should be serious. They must not be liars, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money.

Good News Translation
Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money;

GOD’S WORD® Translation
Deacons must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money.

International Standard Version
Ministers, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, addicted to wine, or greedy for money.

NET Bible
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not two-faced, not given to excessive drinking, not greedy for gain,

New International Version
They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

New Living Translation
They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

English Standard Version
They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Berean Study Bible
They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

New American Standard Bible
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

NASB 1995
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

NASB 1977
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Amplified Bible
but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].

Christian Standard Bible
holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Contemporary English Version
And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith.

Good News Translation
they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience.

GOD’S WORD® Translation
They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith.

International Standard Version
They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences.

NET Bible
holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

New International Version
They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

New Living Translation
Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.

English Standard Version
And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

Berean Study Bible
Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

New American Standard Bible
These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

NASB 1995
These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

NASB 1977
And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

Amplified Bible
These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.

Christian Standard Bible
They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons.

Contemporary English Version
They must first prove themselves. Then if no one has anything against them, they can serve as officers.

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

GOD’S WORD® Translation
First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.

International Standard Version
But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers.

NET Bible
And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

New International Version
In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

New Living Translation
In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

English Standard Version
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Berean Study Bible
In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

New American Standard Bible
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

NASB 1995
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

NASB 1977
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

Amplified Bible
Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.

Christian Standard Bible
Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything.

Contemporary English Version
Women must also be serious. They must not gossip or be heavy drinkers, and they must be faithful in everything they do.

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

GOD’S WORD® Translation
Their wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way.

International Standard Version
Their wives must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything.

NET Bible
Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect.

New International Version
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.

New Living Translation
A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.

English Standard Version
Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

Berean Study Bible
A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

New American Standard Bible
Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

NASB 1995
Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

NASB 1977
Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

Amplified Bible
Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

Christian Standard Bible
Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently.

Contemporary English Version
Church officers must be faithful in marriage. They must be in full control of their children and everyone else in their home.

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

GOD’S WORD® Translation
A deacon must have only one wife. Deacons must manage their children and their families well.

International Standard Version
Ministers must be husbands of one wife and must manage their children and their families well.

NET Bible
Deacons must be husbands of one wife and good managers of their children and their own households.

New International Version
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

New Living Translation
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

English Standard Version
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Berean Study Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1995
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

NASB 1977
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Amplified Bible
For those who have served well as deacons gain a high standing [having a good reputation among the congregation], and great confidence in the faith which is [founded on and centered] in Christ Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Contemporary English Version
Those who serve well as officers will earn a good reputation and will be highly respected for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Good News Translation
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.

GOD’S WORD® Translation
Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.

International Standard Version
Those ministers who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah Jesus.

NET Bible
For those who have served well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.