Διακόνους ὡσαύτως σεμνούς, μὴ διλόγους, μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας, μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς, (1 Timothy 3:8)
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not attending to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
Overview: Elliptical Syntax in Household Codes
This verse continues Paul’s instructions regarding church leadership, shifting to the qualifications for διάκονοι (deacons). The main verb is implied from previous context—specifically from verse 2’s verb “δεῖ” (it is necessary)—and so this line is structured elliptically (i.e., with missing but understood grammatical elements).
List of Traits: Coordinated Adjectival and Participial Phrases
Each qualification in this verse modifies the implied subject Διακόνους (deacons):
- σεμνούς – respectful, dignified
- μὴ διλόγους – not double-tongued
- μὴ οἴνῳ πολλῷ προσέχοντας – not addicted to much wine
- μὴ αἰσχροκερδεῖς – not greedy for dishonest gain
The first two are adjectival modifiers, while the latter two are negative participial phrases, all agreeing with the accusative plural noun Διακόνους due to the ellipsis of the infinitive verb.
Key Vocabulary and Grammatical Features
– σεμνούς: Accusative masculine plural adjective from σεμνός, meaning dignified or honorable.
– διλόγους: Compound adjective from δι- (two) + λόγος (speech), meaning two-faced, insincere, or hypocritical in speech.
– προσέχοντας: Present active participle, accusative masculine plural, from προσέχω, “to devote oneself to” or “to cling to.”
– αἰσχροκερδεῖς: Accusative masculine plural adjective from αἰσχροκέρδης, literally “shameful gain” – referring to dishonest or greedy profit.
Morphological Table
| Greek Word | Parsing | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Διακόνους | Accusative Masculine Plural, noun | Subject (accusative of implied infinitive) | Deacons |
| σεμνούς | Accusative Masculine Plural, adjective | Describes the deacons | Respectable, dignified |
| διλόγους | Accusative Masculine Plural, adjective | Negative trait (with μή) | Double-tongued, insincere |
| προσέχοντας | Present Active Participle, Accusative Masculine Plural | Describes behavior | Being devoted to, addicted to |
| αἰσχροκερδεῖς | Accusative Masculine Plural, adjective | Character trait (with μή) | Greedy for dishonest gain |
Theological Implications in the Syntax
Paul’s grammar here does not merely list vices and virtues; it builds a rhetorical model of ecclesial accountability. By fronting the noun Διακόνους and loading it with coordinated accusative attributes, Paul implicitly stresses the moral weight placed on the office. The participle προσέχοντας suggests habitual orientation, not just isolated actions—thus leaders must be defined by what they avoid and what they continually pursue. The syntax itself conveys stability, sobriety, and integrity.
A Syntax of Integrity
In this compact, elliptically constructed verse, Paul demonstrates how what is not said (i.e., the implied infinitive) can be just as important as what is. The grammar supports the idea that the life of a deacon must be transparent, moderate, and trustworthy—not only in speech and habits, but in financial dealings. Church leadership, Paul insists, must rest on a syntax of integrity.
