Bible Strands
1 Timothy 3:9
They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy to establish operational standards for deacons within the local church.
The words — ἔχοντας (echontas) means holding, and καθαρᾷ συνειδὴσει (katharā suneidēsei) translates to clear conscience.
The thread — This pairing of faith and conscience appears in 1 Timothy 1:19 and 1 Timothy 1:5, while 2 John 1:9 warns against abandoning Christ's teaching.
Why it lands — The text commands deacons to maintain doctrinal fidelity alongside moral integrity, requiring that belief and conduct remain uncorrupted.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 1:19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.
- 2 John 1:9 Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
- 1 Timothy 3:16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.