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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 3:15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/54_1Ti_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:15 - The Mystery of Godliness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/3-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/3-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:14">◄</a> 1 Timothy 3:15 <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a> if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God&#8217s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but if I should delay, so that you may know how it behooves one to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a> but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God&#8217s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> so if I am delayed, you will know how everyone who belongs to God's family ought to behave. After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> in case I'm delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God's family must live. God's family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> in case I am delayed, so that you may know how to behave in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a> in case I am delayed, to let you know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, because it is the church of the living God, the support and bulwark of the truth. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but if I wait long, that you may know how people ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, for fear I may be hindered, I now write, so that you may have rules to guide you in dealing with God's household. For this is what the Church of the ever-living God is, and it is the pillar and foundation-stone of the truth. <a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a> but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and if I delay, that you may know how it is required to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God—a pillar and foundation of the truth, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but if I should delay, so that you may know how it behooves one to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if I delay, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God -- a pillar and foundation of the truth, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if I delay, that thou shouldest know how thou must be occupied in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But, if I am delayed, you should know the manner in which it is necessary to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and the foundation of truth. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So that if I am delayed, you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if I delay, that you may know how it is necessary to behave in the household of God, which is the church of THE LIVING GOD, the pillar and foundation of the truth.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but if I delay, that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but if I tarry, in order that you may know how it behooves you to deport yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but should I be delayed, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the pedestal of truth. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, for fear I may be hindered, I now write, so that you may have rules to guide you in dealing with God's household. For this is what the Church of the ever-living God is, and it is the pillar and foundation-stone of the truth. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, if I delay, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in a house of God, which, indeed, is an assembly of the living God, a pillar and basis of the truth, <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But if I should be retarded, that thou mayst know how thou oughtest to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=439" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">The Mystery of Godliness</a> 14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">in case</a> <a href="/greek/1019.htm" title="1019: bradynō (V-PSA-1S) -- To be slow, I delay, tarry. From bradus; to delay.">I am delayed,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidēs (V-RSA-2S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you will know</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">how</a> <a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">each one must</a> <a href="/greek/390.htm" title="390: anastrephesthai (V-PNM/P) -- From ana and strepho; to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. Remain, live.">conduct himself</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikō (N-DMS) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">household,</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hētis (RelPro-NFS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-NFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">the church</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōntos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">of the living</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God,</a> <a href="/greek/4769.htm" title="4769: stylos (N-NMS) -- A pillar, support, column. From stuo; a post, i.e. support.">the pillar</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1477.htm" title="1477: hedraiōma (N-NNS) -- A foundation, stay, support. From a derivative of hedraios; a support, i.e. basis.">foundation</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheias (N-GFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth.</a> 16By 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19-22</a> Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hebrews 3:6</a> But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16-17</a> Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a> What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a> Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. <a href="/colossians/1-24.htm">Colossians 1:24</a> Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church. <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2-3</a> I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">1 Peter 4:17</a> For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? <a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a> For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-40.htm">1 Corinthians 14:40</a> But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner. <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5</a> The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a> or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith. <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a> A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.know.<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a> A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;<a href="/deuteronomy/31-23.htm">Deuteronomy 31:23</a> And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.<a href="/1_kings/2-2.htm">1 Kings 2:2,4</a> I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; … the house.<a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Ephesians 2:21,22</a> In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: … <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20</a> But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.<a href="/hebrews/3-2.htm">Hebrews 3:2-6</a> Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house… the church.<a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">1 Timothy 3:5</a> (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)the living.<a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">1 Timothy 4:10</a> For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.<a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a> Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.<a href="/deuteronomy/5-26.htm">Deuteronomy 5:26</a> For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?the pillar.<a href="/jeremiah/1-18.htm">Jeremiah 1:18</a> For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18,19</a> And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it… <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Matthew 18:18</a> Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.ground.<a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-7.htm">Behave</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Bulwark</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">Dealing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-18.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-12.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/acts/10-6.htm">Oughtest</a> <a href="/hosea/3-4.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-8.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">Write</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-16.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Behave</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-20.htm">Bulwark</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Conduct</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm">Dealing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">Oughtest</a> <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-37.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/titus/2-13.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Write</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a> 14. <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a> 15. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>But if I am delayed The phrase "But if I am delayed" suggests a sense of urgency and contingency in Paul's writing. The Greek word for "delayed" (βραδύνω, bradynō) implies a postponement or slowness. Paul anticipates potential obstacles in his journey, reflecting the unpredictable nature of travel in the ancient world. This highlights the importance of the instructions he is about to give, as they are meant to guide Timothy and the church in his possible absence.I write so that you will know Paul's purpose in writing is instructional. The Greek word for "know" (εἰδῇς, eidēs) conveys a deep, experiential understanding. Paul desires that Timothy not only have knowledge but also the wisdom to apply it. This reflects the broader biblical theme of knowledge leading to righteous action, emphasizing the transformative power of Scripture.how to conduct yourself The phrase "how to conduct yourself" refers to behavior and lifestyle. The Greek word for "conduct" (ἀναστρέφεσθαι, anastrephesthai) means to live or behave in a certain way. Paul is concerned with the practical outworking of faith in daily life, underscoring the importance of integrity and godliness in the Christian community.in the household of God The "household of God" is a metaphor for the church, emphasizing familial relationships among believers. The Greek word for "household" (οἶκος, oikos) can mean both a physical house and a family unit. This imagery reflects the intimate, interconnected nature of the church, where believers are brothers and sisters in Christ, called to love and support one another.which is the church of the living God The "church of the living God" distinguishes the Christian community from pagan temples dedicated to lifeless idols. The Greek word for "church" (ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia) means an assembly or gathering, originally used for civic gatherings. Here, it signifies the called-out community of believers. The phrase "living God" emphasizes God's active presence and power, contrasting with the dead idols of the surrounding culture.the pillar and foundation of the truth The church is described as "the pillar and foundation of the truth," highlighting its role in upholding and proclaiming God's truth. The Greek word for "pillar" (στῦλος, stylos) suggests support and stability, while "foundation" (ἑδραίωμα, hedraiōma) implies a firm base. This architectural imagery underscores the church's responsibility to maintain doctrinal purity and moral integrity, serving as a beacon of truth in a world often characterized by falsehood and moral relativism.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) But if I tarry long.--St. Paul felt that dangers were pressing closer and closer--that the hoped-for visit to his loved church at Ephesus might not, probably never would be, accomplished; so these foregoing solemn directions respecting the choice of colleagues in the ministry had been written to Timothy, that, in the event of St. Paul never coming to him again, men (especially the ministers of God) should know how to conduct themselves in the congregation.That thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself.--The words refer here not to Timothy alone, but rather to Timothy and his colleagues in their church work, concerning whom such particular directions had just been given, and should be rendered, how men ought to behave themselves.In the house of God.--The image is from the Old Testament, where "the house of God" denotes, in the first place, the Temple of Jerusalem, and, in the second, the covenant-people. It is here used for the congregation of believers among whom God dwells--the true and enduring Church of living souls. Of this great spiritual temple, the corner-stone of which is Christ, the Jerusalem house on Mount Zion, with its marvellous work and its gorgeous and elaborate symbolism, was the poor, perishable, hand-wrought model.Which is the church of the living God.--The house of God is here plainly defined to be the "Church" (or, congregation) "of the living God," who was working in its midst actively and personally, in strong contrast to that well-known graven image of the Diana of Ephesus, throned in that fair temple which glittered in its white and lifeless beauty over the roofs of the city where Timothy's charge lay.The pillar and ground of the truth.--The imagery is here changed, and the "house of God" which the Apostle had just defined to be the Church, or congregation, belonging to the living God, and in the midst of which He was pleased to dwell, is now defined to be "the pillar and ground" (or, basis) "of the truth." In the first picture, the Church is painted by St. Paul as a vast congregation, with the living God dwelling in its midst: in the second, the same Church is painted as a massive pillar, holding up and displaying before men and angels the truth--the saving truth of the gospel. In the first picture, the thought of a great company gathered together for God to dwell among is prominent: in the second, the thought of the great redemption-truth alone comes to the front, and the Church of God is no longer viewed as a company of separate individuals, but as one massive foundation-pillar, supporting and displaying the glories of redemption.This peculiar aspect of the Church, "the support and pillar of the truth," was dwelt upon probably by the Apostle as "defining--with indirect allusion to nascent and developing heresies--the true note, office, and vocation of the Church. . . . Were there no Church, there would be no witness, no guardian of archives, no basis, nothing whereon acknowledged truth could rest" (Ellicott).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Men ought to behave themselves for thou oughtest to behave thyself, A.V. To behave thyself (ἀναστρέφεσθαι); variously rendered, both in the A.V. and the R.V., "to have one's conversation," "to live," "to pass (one's time)," "to be used" (<a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Hebrews 10:33</a>). It is literally "to go up and down" a given place, "backwards and forwards," hence "to dwell in it." The substantive ἀναστροφή, in the thirteen places where it occurs in the New Testament, is always rendered "conversation" in the A.V.; in the R.V., "manner of life," "life," "issue of life," "manner of living," "behaviour," "living." It is a favorite word in the two Epistles of St. Peter, where it occurs eight times. The house of God. This phrase here denotes, as it is explained in the following words, the Church on earth. So <a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Hebrews 3:6</a>, "Christ as a Son over his house; whose house are we," where the reference is to <a href="/numbers/12-7.htm">Numbers 12:7</a>, "My servant Moses... is faithful in all mine house." The Church of the living God. Here is again a somewhat remarkable resemblance to the phraseology of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God.... to the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn" (<a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hebrews 12:22, 23</a>). However, the phraseology is not peculiar to the Epistle to the Hebrews. Thus we read in <a href="/2_corinthians/6-16.htm">2 Corinthians 6:16</a>, "Ye are the temple of the living God." The phrase, "the living God," occurs seven times in St. Paul's Epistles, and four times in the Epistle to the Hebrews. It occurs three times in the Gospels, once in the Acts of the Apostles, and once in the Revelation. Here it is used by St. Paul to enhance the obligation to a holy and blameless walk in those who have the oversight of his Church. The pillar and ground of the truth. Some apply these words to Timothy himself (Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzen, Basil, and others cited by Alford), after the analogy of <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Galatians 2:9</a>, where James, Cephas, and John are said to be "pillars" (στύλοι), and <a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a>, where it is said of him that over-cometh, "I will make him a pillar (στύλον) in the house of my God." And so, in Venantius Fortunatus, St. Paul is called "stilus ille." But the metaphors of "a pillar" and "a foundation" do not all suit the verb ἀναστρέφεσθαι; and it is well argued that the absence of the pronoun σε is unfavorable to the application of "the pillar and ground of the truth" to the subject of the first clause. It is therefore better to understand this clause as descriptive of the Church of God. The Church is the pillar of the truth. It supports it; holds it together - binds together its different parts. And it is the ground of the truth. By it the truth is made fast, firm, and fixed. The ground (ἑδραίωμα). This word only occurs here at all; ἑδραῖος, common both in the New Testament, the LXX., and in classical Greek, means "fixed," "firm," or" fast." In the A.V. of <a href="/1_corinthians/7-37.htm">1 Corinthians 7:37</a> and 1 Cor 15:58, "steadfast;" <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a> (where it is coupled with τεθεμελιωμένα), "settled." Thence ἑδραιόω in late Greek, "to make firm or fast," and ἑδραίμα, the "establishment" or "grounding" of the truth; that in and by which the truth is placed on a sure and fixed basis. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>so that, ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. I am delayed, βραδύνω (bradynō) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1019.htm">Strong's 1019: </a> To be slow, I delay, tarry. From bradus; to delay. you will know εἰδῇς (eidēs) Verb - Perfect Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. how πῶς (pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! each one must δεῖ (dei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary. conduct himself ἀναστρέφεσθαι (anastrephesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_390.htm">Strong's 390: </a> From ana and strepho; to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. Remain, live. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. household, οἴκῳ (oikō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. which ἥτις (hētis) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] church ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. of [the] living ζῶντος (zōntos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. God, Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [the] pillar στῦλος (stylos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4769.htm">Strong's 4769: </a> A pillar, support, column. From stuo; a post, i.e. support. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. foundation ἑδραίωμα (hedraiōma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1477.htm">Strong's 1477: </a> A foundation, stay, support. From a derivative of hedraios; a support, i.e. basis. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. truth. ἀληθείας (alētheias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I wait long that you (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>