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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 3:16 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/54_1Ti_03_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:16 - The Mystery of Godliness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</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/3-16.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/3-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/3-15.htm" title="1 Timothy 3:15">◄</a> 1 Timothy 3:16 <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm" title="1 Timothy 4:1">►</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="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </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> Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: Who was revealed in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</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. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And great, we confess, is the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness: He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh, Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Here is the great mystery of our religion: Christ came as a human. The Spirit proved that he pleased God, and he was seen by angels. Christ was preached to the nations. People in this world put their faith in him, and he was taken up to glory. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, received up in glory. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The mystery that gives us our reverence for God is acknowledged to be great: He appeared in his human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to heaven in glory. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion: He appeared in human form, was shown to be right by the Spirit, and was seen by angels. He was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, and was taken up to heaven. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: In flesh was he revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit's might, adored by angels singing. To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, our Lord in heaven reigning! <a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: God 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. <a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a> And we all agree, our religion contains amazing revelation: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: He was revealed in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And, beyond controversy, great is the mystery of our religion-- that Christ appeared in human form, and His claims justified by the Spirit, was seen by angels and proclaimed among Gentile nations, was believed on in the world, and received up again into glory. <a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and confessedly, great is the secret of piety: who was revealed in flesh, declared righteous in [the] Spirit, seen by messengers, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory! <a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: Who was revealed in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and, confessedly, great is the secret of piety -- God was manifested in flesh, declared righteous in spirit, seen by messengers, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory! <a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And manifestly great is the mystery of devotion: God was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed in the nations, was believed on in the world, was received up in glory.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And it is clearly great, this mystery of piety, which was manifested in the flesh, which was justified in the Spirit, which has appeared to Angels, which has been preached to the Gentiles, which is believed in the world, which has been taken up in glory. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Truly great is this divine mystery of righteousness: it is revealed in the flesh, justi- fied in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And this Mystery of Righteousness is truly great, which was revealed in the flesh and was justified in The Spirit; He appeared to Angels and was preached among the Gentiles; He was trusted in the world and he ascended into glory. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in flesh, justified in spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And assuredly great is the mystery of godliness; Who is manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen of angels, was preached among the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And confessedly great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And, beyond controversy, great is the mystery of our religion-- that Christ appeared in human form, and His claims justified by the Spirit, was seen by angels and proclaimed among Gentile nations, was believed on in the world, and received up again into glory. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, preached among the gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=452" 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> …15in 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. 16<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3672.htm" title="3672: homologoumenōs (Adv) -- Admittedly, without controversy. Adverb of present passive participle of homologeo; confessedly.">By common confession,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystērion (N-NNS) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">mystery</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."></a> <a href="/greek/2150.htm" title="2150: eusebeias (N-GFS) -- Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme.">of godliness</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/3173.htm" title="3173: mega (Adj-NNS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">great:</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">He</a> <a href="/greek/5319.htm" title="5319: ephanerōthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.">appeared</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/4561.htm" title="4561: sarki (N-DFS) -- Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. ">the flesh,</a> <a href="/greek/1344.htm" title="1344: edikaiōthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From dikaios; to render just or innocent.">was vindicated</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.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneumati (N-DNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">the Spirit,</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: ōphthē (V-AIP-3S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">was seen</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelois (N-DMP) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">by angels,</a> <a href="/greek/2784.htm" title="2784: ekērychthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.">was proclaimed</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.">among</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnesin (N-DNP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">the nations,</a> <a href="/greek/4100.htm" title="4100: episteuthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.">was believed in</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.">throughout</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmō (N-DMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">the world,</a> <a href="/greek/353.htm" title="353: anelēmphthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To take up, raise; I pick up, take on board; I carry off, lead away. From ana and lambano; to take up.">was taken up</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/1391.htm" title="1391: doxē (N-DFS) -- From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.">glory.</a> <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="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-11</a> Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. ... <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-20</a> The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ... <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. <a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3-4</a> regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh, / and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. <a href="/1_john/1-1.htm">1 John 1:1-2</a> That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. / And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. <a href="/acts/2-32.htm">Acts 2:32-33</a> God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. / Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Ephesians 3:9-10</a> and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. / His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">2 Corinthians 5:19</a> that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. <a href="/isaiah/53-11.htm">Isaiah 53:11</a> After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. <a href="/daniel/7-13.htm">Daniel 7:13-14</a> In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. <a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a> And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.without.<a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Hebrews 7:7</a> And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.the mystery.<a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9</a> Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a> He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.<a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25</a> Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,God.<a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a> Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.<a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5,6</a> Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth… manifest.<a href="/1_john/3-5.htm">1 John 3:5</a> And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.justified.<a href="/isaiah/50-5.htm">Isaiah 50:5-7</a> The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back… <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16</a> And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:<a href="/john/1-32.htm">John 1:32,33</a> And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him… seen.<a href="/psalms/68-17.htm">Psalm 68:17,18</a> The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place… <a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Matthew 4:11</a> Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.<a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2</a> And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-7.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/philippians/2-11.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">Form</a> <a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Godliness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">Human</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/luke/7-35.htm">Vindicated</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">World</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/titus/2-11.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-12.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Body</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Claims</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-13.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Gentile</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Godliness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-9.htm">Human</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/titus/3-7.htm">Justified</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-8.htm">Preached</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Religion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/genesis/20-16.htm">Vindicated</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">World</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: This phrase introduces a universally acknowledged truth within the early Christian community. The "mystery of godliness" refers to the profound and previously hidden truth of God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. In biblical terms, a "mystery" is something that was once concealed but is now revealed by God. The greatness of this mystery underscores its significance in the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel. This aligns with other New Testament passages that speak of the mystery of Christ (<a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-6</a>, <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a>).He appeared in the flesh, This phrase affirms the incarnation of Jesus Christ, a foundational doctrine of Christianity. It emphasizes that Jesus, who is divine, took on human nature and lived among humanity. This is supported by <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>, which states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The incarnation is central to understanding Jesus' role as the mediator between God and man (<a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>) and fulfills Old Testament prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, which speaks of a virgin bearing a son called Immanuel, meaning "God with us."was vindicated by the Spirit, This refers to the Holy Spirit's role in affirming Jesus' divine nature and mission. The Spirit's vindication is most clearly seen in the resurrection of Jesus, as <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Romans 1:4</a> states that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead." The Spirit's work in Jesus' life, from His baptism (<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16</a>) to His resurrection, confirms His identity and mission.was seen by angels, Angels played a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus. They announced His birth (<a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Luke 2:9-14</a>), ministered to Him after His temptation (<a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Matthew 4:11</a>), and were present at His resurrection (<a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2-7</a>). The presence of angels highlights the heavenly affirmation of Jesus' work and the cosmic significance of His mission. This phrase also suggests the spiritual realm's acknowledgment of Jesus' authority and victory.was proclaimed among the nations, This highlights the spread of the gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>). The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, took the message of Jesus to various parts of the Roman Empire and beyond, as seen in the missionary journeys of Paul and others in the Book of Acts. This proclamation among the nations signifies the universal scope of salvation through Christ.was believed in throughout the world, The early church experienced rapid growth as people from diverse backgrounds came to faith in Jesus Christ. This global belief is a testament to the power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to Christ. The phrase reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>, which speaks of God's salvation reaching the ends of the earth. It also underscores the transformative impact of the gospel message across different cultures and societies.was taken up in glory. This refers to the ascension of Jesus into heaven, as recorded in <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9-11</a>. The ascension marks the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and His exaltation at the right hand of the Father (<a href="/ephesians/1-20.htm">Ephesians 1:20-21</a>). It signifies His authority and ongoing intercessory work for believers (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>). The ascension also anticipates His return, as the angels told the disciples that Jesus would come back in the same way they saw Him go into heaven.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Central to this verse, Jesus is the one who "appeared in the flesh" and was "taken up in glory." His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the Christian faith. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_spirit.htm">The Spirit</a> The Holy Spirit is involved in the vindication of Jesus, affirming His divine nature and mission. 3. <a href="/topical/a/angels.htm">Angels</a> Spiritual beings who witnessed Jesus' life and ministry, emphasizing the heavenly acknowledgment of His work. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a> Refers to the global proclamation of the Gospel, highlighting the universal scope of Jesus' mission. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Represents humanity's response to Jesus, as He was "believed on in the world," indicating the spread and acceptance of the Gospel message.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_godliness.htm">The Mystery of Godliness</a> The term "mystery" in the Greek refers to a divine truth revealed by God. The mystery of godliness centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is foundational to Christian faith and practice. <a href="/topical/t/the_incarnation.htm">The Incarnation</a> Jesus' appearance in the flesh underscores the importance of the incarnation. It is a reminder of God's willingness to enter human history and experience life as we do, providing a model for humility and service. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The Spirit's vindication of Jesus highlights the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in affirming truth and empowering believers. We are called to rely on the Spirit for guidance and strength in our daily walk. <a href="/topical/t/the_global_mission.htm">The Global Mission</a> The proclamation among the nations challenges believers to participate in the Great Commission. We are called to share the Gospel with others, both locally and globally, as part of our commitment to Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_response_of_faith.htm">The Response of Faith</a> Belief in Jesus is not just intellectual assent but involves a transformative relationship. Our faith should be evident in our actions, reflecting the reality of Christ's lordship in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_mystery_of_godliness.htm">What constitutes the mystery of godliness?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_theological_paradoxes_make_sense.htm">How do paradoxes in theology (e.g., omnipotence vs. free will) make logical sense?</a> <a href="/q/timothy's_key_bible_contributions.htm">What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_sparkle_creed_express.htm">What beliefs does The Sparkle Creed express?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.--"And is not simply copulative, but heightens the force of the predication, Yes, confessedly great is the mystery" (Ellicott)--for the glorious truth which the Church of God pillar-like upholds, is none other than that stupendous mystery, in other ages not made known, but then revealed--the mystery of Christ, in all His loving manifestations and glorious triumph. Yes, confessedly great--so great that the massive grandeur of the pillar is only in proportion to the truth it supports.God was manifest in the flesh.--Here, in the most ancient authorities, the word "God" does not occur. We must, then, literally translate the Greek of the most famous and trustworthy MSS. as follows: He who was manifested in the flesh. In the later MSS., and in the great majority of the fathers who cite the passage, we certainly find Theos ("God"), as in the Received text. The substitution can be traced to no special doctrinal prejudice, but is owing, probably, to a well-meant correction of early scribes. At first sight, Theos ("God") would be a reading easier to understand, and grammatically more exact; and in the original copies, the great similitude between ?C ("God")--the contracted form in which ?EOC was written--and the relative ?C ("He who"), would be likely to suggest to an officious scribe the very trifling alteration necessary for the easier and apparently more accurate word. Recent investigations have shown, however, beyond controversy that the oldest MSS., with scarcely an exception, contain the more difficult reading, ?C ("He who"). The Greek pronoun thus rendered is simply a relative to an omitted but easily-inferred antecedent--viz., Christ. Possibly the difficulty in the construction is due to the fact of the whole verse being a fragment of an ancient Christian hymn, embodying a confession of faith, well known to, and perhaps often sung by, the faithful among the congregations of such cities as Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome--a confession embodying the grand facts of the Incarnation and the Resurrection, the preaching of the cross to, and its reception by, the Gentile world, and the present session of Christ in glory. In the original Greek the rhythmical, as well as the antithetical character, of the clauses is very striking. In the English translation they can hardly be reproduced:--"Who was manifested in the flesh,justified in the Spirit,seen of angels,was preached among the Gentiles,believed on in the world,taken up into glory."Fragments of similar hymns to Christ are found in <a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm" title="It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:">2Timothy 2:11</a>, and perhaps also in <a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm" title="Why he said, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.">Ephesians 5:14</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - He who for God, A.V. and T.R.; manifested for manifest, A.V.; among the nations for unto the Gentiles, A.V.; in for into, A.V. Without controversy (ὁμολογουμένως); only here in the New Testament, but used in the same sense in the LXX. and in classical Greek, "confessedly," by common confession. Great is the mystery of godliness. This is said to enhance the glory of the Church just spoken of, to whom this mystery has been entrusted, and so still further to impress upon Timothy the vital necessity of a wise and holy walk in the Church. The mystery of godliness is all that truth which "in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Godliness (τῆς εὐδεβείας); i.e." the Christian faith;" what in <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3</a> is called "The words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness (τῇ κατ αὐσεβείαν διδασκαλὶᾳ)," and in <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a>, "The truth which is according to godliness." In ver. 9 it is "the mystery of the faith, where ἠ πίστις is equivalent to ἡ αὐσεβεία. Bishop Ellicott, however, does not admit this objective sense of ἡ πίστις ορ ἡ αὐσεβεία but explains the genitive as "a pure possessive genitive," the mystery appertaining to, or the property of, subjective faith and godliness; but this is a use not borne out b- any passage in which the word "mystery" occurs. It is always mysteries (or mystery) of the kingdom of God, of Christ, of God, of the gospel, and the like. In the following passages the objective sense of ἠ πίστις is either necessary or by far the most natural: <a href="/acts/3-7.htm">Acts 3:7</a>; <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Acts 13:8</a>; <a href="/acts/14-22.htm">Acts 14:22</a>; <a href="/acts/16-5.htm">Acts 16:5</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Galatians 1:23</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-5.htm">Ephesians 4:5</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-7.htm">Colossians 2:7</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">1 Timothy 1:19</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10, 21</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a>; <a href="/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13</a>; <a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1</a>; <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Jude 1:3</a>. Having thus exalted the "mystery of godliness," St. Paul goes on to expound it. He who (ὅς). This is generally adopted now as the true reading, instead of Θεός (ΟΣ, instead of ΘΣ). Bishop Ellicott satisfied himself, by most careful personal examination, that the original reading of the Cod. Alex. was ΟΣ, and that it had been altered by a later hand to ΘΣ. The Cod. Sinait certainly has ὅς, and to this all the older versions agree. The Vulgate has quod, agreeing with sacramentum and representing the Greek ὁ Accepting this, then, as the true reading, we proceed to explain it. Ὅς, who, is a relative, and must, therefore, have an antecedent. But there is no expressed antecedent of the masculine gender for it to agree with. The antecedent, therefore, must be understood, and gathered from the preceding words, τὸ μυστήριον τῆς εὐσεβείας. It can only be Christ. The mystery of the whole Old Testament, that which was wrapped in types and hidden under veils, was Christ (<a href="/colossians/1-27.htm">Colossians 1:27</a>). Moses spake of him, the Psalms speak of him, the prophets speak of him; but all of them spake darkly. But in the gospel "the mystery of Christ" (<a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Colossians 4:3</a>)is revealed. Christ is the Mystery of Christianity. It is, therefore, no difficult step to pass from "the mystery" to "Christ," and to supply the word "Christ" as the antecedent to "who." Was manifested (ἐφανερώθη); a word frequently applied to Christ (<a href="/john/1-31.htm">John 1:31</a>; <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">1 John 1:2</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-5.htm">1 John 3:5, 8</a>, etc.). The idea is the same in <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>. Justified in the spirit. This is rather an obscure expression. But it seems to describe our Lord's spotless righteousness, perhaps with special reference to the declaration of it at his baptism, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." We have the same contrast between the flesh and the Spirit of Christ in <a href="/1_peter/3-18.htm">1 Peter 3:18</a>. And between the flesh and the spirit of a Christian man in <a href="/romans/8-10.htm">Romans 8:10</a>, "The body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is life because of righteousness." To this clause apparently the remark of Chrysostom applies, "God became man, and man became God." "The spirit" seems to mean the moral nature - the inner man. Seen of angels. Perhaps the multitude of the heavenly host who welcomed the birth of Christ were permitted to see the new-born Babe, as he seems to have done who described him to the shepherds as "wrapped in swaddling clothes" (<a href="/luke/2-12.htm">Luke 2:12-14</a>). Angels ministered unto him after the temptation (<a href="/mark/1-13.htm">Mark 1:13</a>), and in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/luke/22-43.htm">Luke 22:43</a>, where the word ὤφθη is used), and at his resurrection (<a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2</a>). The special interest of angels in the "great mystery" is referred to in <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a>; <a href="/hebrews/1-6.htm">Hebrews 1:6</a>. Preached among the nations (ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν). It would have been better to keep the rendering "Gentiles" here, to mark the identity of thought with <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Ephesians 3:6, 8</a>, where, in the apostle's view, the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, that they might be fellow-heirs with the Jews of the promises of God, is one main feature of the mystery (comp. <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">1 Timothy 2:7</a>). Believed on in the world. The next step in this ascending scale is the acceptance of Christ in the world as the Savior thereof. The language here is not stronger than that of <a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Colossians 1:5, 6</a>, "The word of the truth of the gospel, which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the world, and beareth fruit." And in <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Colossians 1:23</a>, "The gospel which was preached in all creation under heaven" (comp. <a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Romans 1:8</a>). The statement in <a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15-20</a> might almost have been in St. Paul's mind. Note the use there of the words κηρύξατε ἐκηρύξαν, τὸν κόσμον ὀ πιστεύσας πιστεύσασι ἀνελήφρη. Received up in glory. The change of "into" (A.V.) into "in" is of very doubtful propriety. In New Testament Greek ἐν, frequently follows verbs of motion, and means the same as εἰς, like the Hebrew בְּ. Our Lord is net said to have ascended in glory (as he appeared at the Transfiguration), but, as St. Mark has it, "He was received up into heaven, and [there] sat down at the right hand of God," fulfilling <a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a>. This grand burst of dogmatic teaching is somewhat like that in <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5-7</a>. There is no adequate evidence of its being, as many commentators have thought, a portion of a hymn or creed used in the Church. It rather implies the same tension in the apostle's mind which is apparent in other parts of the Epistle (comp. <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">1 Timothy 6:11</a> and following verses). <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By common confession, ὁμολογουμένως (homologoumenōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3672.htm">Strong's 3672: </a> Admittedly, without controversy. Adverb of present passive participle of homologeo; confessedly. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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. mystery μυστήριον (mystērion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'. of godliness εὐσεβείας (eusebeias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2150.htm">Strong's 2150: </a> Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme. 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. great: μέγα (mega) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. [He] Ὃς (Hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. appeared ἐφανερώθη (ephanerōthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5319.htm">Strong's 5319: </a> To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent. 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. [the] flesh, σαρκί (sarki) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4561.htm">Strong's 4561: </a> Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. was vindicated ἐδικαιώθη (edikaiōthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1344.htm">Strong's 1344: </a> From dikaios; to render just or innocent. by 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. [the] Spirit, πνεύματι (pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. was seen ὤφθη (ōphthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. by angels, ἀγγέλοις (angelois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. was proclaimed ἐκηρύχθη (ekērychthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2784.htm">Strong's 2784: </a> To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth. among 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. [the] nations, ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. was believed in ἐπιστεύθη (episteuthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. throughout 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. [the] world, κόσμῳ (kosmō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). was taken up ἀνελήμφθη (anelēmphthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_353.htm">Strong's 353: </a> To take up, raise; I pick up, take on board; I carry off, lead away. From ana and lambano; to take up. 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. glory. δόξῃ (doxē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1391.htm">Strong's 1391: </a> From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:16 Without controversy the mystery of godliness (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 4:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 4:1" /></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>