Keraia
1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:16

The Mystery of Godliness · 1 Timothy 3:14–16
Read 1 Timothy 3

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: He who appeared in 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.
Latin
Et manifeste magnum est pietatis sacramentum, quod manifestatum est in carne, justificatum est in spiritu, apparuit angelis, prædicatum est gentibus, creditum est in mundo, assumptum est in gloria.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

1 Timothy 3:16

  • This verse contains a short song or statement of belief that emphasizes the profound religious teaching of early Christian worship.

  • the mystery of godliness: Jesus Christ is the only source of godliness.

  • vindicated by the Spirit: Christ’s resurrection reframes the story as an act of power, following his human life and death. The resurrection confirms his teachings (Romans 1:4).

  • seen by angels: This emphasizes Jesus’s supreme rule in the realm of heaven (see also Ephesians 1:21; Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 1:3–4; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 5:8–14).

  • proclaimed among the nations: The church must announce Christ’s salvation and rule, and people on earth must accept it as well (compare 1 Timothy 2:1–7).

  • believed in throughout the world: The mission to spread the message is successful, but not everyone will accept it.

  • was taken up in glory: Christ went up to heaven, and God glorified him (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:2, 11, 22; compare Acts 7:55–56). Christ’s work is successful on earth and glorified in heaven.

1 Timothy 3:14–4:16

This section explains how Timothy should spend his time until Paul arrives (3:14–15; 4:13).

Glossary

Ascension of Christ Exaltation of Christ Heaven Incarnation Music Mystery Poetry, Biblical Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Failure to Assemble Gentiles: Conversion of Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Ascension of Jesus, the Christ: Exaltation of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: God Manifest in the Flesh Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to the Divinity of Mysteries of Redemption Mystery Salvation: Plan of Trinity: The Holy