Deacon (servant) — Meaning in the Bible
A servant or helper. The Greek word is used for serving in general, and for a recognised role of service in the early church.
What it means
In Acts seven men were chosen to serve the daily distribution of food so that the apostles could pray and preach. Paul greets the overseers and "servants" (deacons) at Philippi and lists their qualities. Acts 6:1–6Philippians 1:11 Timothy 3:8–13
Phoebe is called a servant (deacon) of the church at Cenchreae. Jesus said that whoever wants to be great must be a servant. Romans 16:1Mark 10:43–45
Key passages
- Acts 6:1–6 — Seven chosen to serve.
- Romans 16:1–2 — Phoebe.
- Philippians 1:1 — Overseers and servants.
- 1 Timothy 3:8–13 — Qualities.
- Mark 10:42–45 — Greatness as service.
Original language
διάκονος diakonos
Greek · Strong’s G1249 · gloss: “servant”
The Greek word diakonos, servant or minister. Mark 10:43Romans 16:1
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- The WEB usually translates this word "servant(s)" (for example 1 Timothy 3:8); many versions write "deacon(s)". 1 Timothy 3:8Romans 16:1
Study further
- Acts 6:1–7 The first servants chosen.
- 1 Timothy 3:8–13 What they should be like.