1Ti 3:11 | RWP | e4.org | Women ( γυναικας ). Accusative with δε εινα understood ( οσαυτως , likewise) as in verse . Apparently "women as deacons" ( 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 , ), the devil being the chief slanderer ( ). "She-devils" in reality ( ). "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.

‏ 1 Timothy 3:11

Women ( γυναικας ). Accusative with δε εινα understood ( οσαυτως, likewise) as in verse 8. Apparently "women as deacons" (Ro 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, Lu 16:1), the devil being the chief slanderer (Eph 6:11). "She-devils" in reality (Tit 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.