CategoryPeople / Church Office and Service Term
Modern Equivalentservant; church servant-leader.
KJV Word TypeChurch office / service term
DefinitionA servant or minister in the church, especially one recognized for practical service, care, and support of the church’s ministry.
Key Verses"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom." (Acts 6:3); "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre." (1 Timothy 3:8)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to a recognized servant role in the church, associated with practical service, faithful character, and support of ministry.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not merely mean a lower-status church officer; the word is rooted in service and ministry.
EtymologyFrom Greek diakonos ("servant, minister").