Biblical work of a deacon vs religious office of deacon

King James gave his translators explicit instructions designed to guarantee the new version would conform to the ecclesiology of the Church of England [King_James_Version]. Also read Story behind King James Bible. Therefore, it’s necessary to consider that the King James Version puts too much emphasis on the offices of the clergy, such as bishop and deacon.

There are 3 Greek words transliterated into “deacon” by some translators

These Greek words: διακονέω, διακονία, and διάκονος were transliterated into “deacon” by some translators for some verses. The definition of these words is…

G1247 διακονέω verb (dee-ak-on-eh’-o) — to serve

I wait at table (particularly of a slave who waits on guests); I serve (generally) — means caring for the needs of others as the Lord guides in an active, practical way

G1248 διακονία noun (dee-ak-on-ee’-ah) — service

waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration — specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith

G1249 διάκονος noun (dee-ak’-on-os) — a servant

a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator — in the NT usually refers to the Lord inspiring His servants to carry out His plan for His people

I know dozens and hundreds of faithful Christians who are doing these things. They are servants who are serving the Lord with this kind of service. They are deacons. If you are a faithful Christian, who is serving the Lord with this kind of service, you are a deacon.

Since these words are easily translated into English, why were they transliterated as “deacon” in the following 8 verses and not in the other 92 verses?

Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it (Romans 12:7)

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. (Romans 16:1)

I’m sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother and a faithful deacon in the Lord’s work. He will tell you everything that is (Ephesians 6:21)

He is taking your place here as a trustworthy deacon for Christ (Colossians 1:7)

I’m sending Tychicus to you. He is our dear brother, trustworthy deacon, and partner in the Lord’s work. He will tell you everything that is happening to me. (Colossians 4:7)

And let these also first be tested; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. (1 Timothy 3:10)

A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well (1 Timothy 3:12)

For they that have used the office of a deacon well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:13)

Do these Greek words mean “office of deacon”?

If these Greek words mean “office of deacon” as commonly translated in Romans 12:7, 1 Timothy 3:10 and 1 Timothy 3:13, then let’s use it that way in some of these other verses and see if it makes sense.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your [office of deacon]; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your [office of deacon]: Even as the Son of man came not to be [office of deacon] unto, but to [office of deacon], and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:25-28)

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much [office of deacon], and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to [office of deacon] alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38-42)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man [office of deacon] me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my [office of deacon] be: if any man [office of deacon] me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:24-26)

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily [office of deacon]. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and [office of deacon]. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:2-3)

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine [office of deacon]: (Romans 11:13)

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the [office of deacon] of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the [office of deacon] of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Romans 13:3-4))

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of [office of deacon], but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:4-5)

But if the [office of deacon] of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the [office of deacon] of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the [office of deacon] of condemnation be glory, much more doth the [office of deacon] of righteousness exceed in glory. (2 Corinthians 3:7-9)

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the [office of deacon] of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his [office of deacon] also be transformed as the [office of deacon] of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

These are all nonsense when the real words are substituted with “office of deacon” because it is not a good translation of the concept.

If the Greek word [G1249 διάκονος] means “office of deacon” why didn’t the translators call these people deacons?

Why didn’t the King James Version translators be consistent and translate these Greek words as “office of deacon”?

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister^{[G1249 διάκονος]} of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: (Romans 15:8 KJV)

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant^{[G1249 διάκονος]} of the church which is at Cenchrea: (Romans 16:1 KJV]

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers^{[G1249 διάκονος]} by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (1 Corinthians 3:5 KJV)

But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister^{[G1249 διάκονος]} in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: (Ephesians 6:21 KJV)

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister^{[G1249 διάκονος]} of Christ; (Colossians 1:7 KJV)

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister^{[G1249 διάκονος]} and fellowservant in the Lord: (Colossians 4:7 KJV)

Is “office of deacon” used in the Bible?

There is no Greek word for “office” in Romans 12:7, 1 Timothy 3:10 and 1 Timothy 3:13, so why did the King James translators (and some others) see fit to add it there and nowhere else in the New Testament?