1 Timothy 3:3 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)3 [He must] not be a drunkard or a fighter, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means. See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 17693 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition3 Not given to wine, not combative but gentle and considerate, not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money [insatiable for wealth and ready to obtain it by questionable means]. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)3 no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; See the chapterCommon English Bible3 They shouldn’t be addicted to alcohol or be a bully. Instead, they should be gentle, peaceable, and not greedy. See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version3 not a drunkard, not combative but restrained, not quarrelsome, not covetous; See the chapterDouay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version3 Not given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but See the chapter |
Similarly, deacons should be serious-minded [i.e., dignified], not saying one thing while meaning another, not drinking a lot of wine [Note: The wine of Paul’s day was used as a common drink, and was either non-intoxicating or far less intoxicating than wine today], not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means.
You should serve as shepherds of God’s flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
It is too bad for these people, for they have followed the example of Cain [the murderer]; for the sake of money they have rushed into the [same] error as Balaam committed [See Num. 25:1-5; 31:16]; they [will] perish [spiritually] for having rebelled [against God] like Korah did. [See Num. 16:1-3, 31-35].
I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].