1 Timothy 3:15
What does 1 Timothy 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 3:15 means
If Paul is delayed, these instructions ensure believers know how to conduct themselves “in the house of God,” the church of the living God. The church is “the pillar and ground of the truth,” called to uphold and display the gospel before the world. Because the church bears this weighty task, its life must be orderly, holy, and true. Leadership qualifications and congregational behavior serve this larger purpose: preserving and proclaiming God’s truth. The living God dwells among His people; therefore, their communal life should reflect His character and stabilize the truth in a watching world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if I am long in coming, this will make clear to you what behaviour is right for men in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of what is true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and if I delay, that thou mayest know how it behoveth <FI>thee<Fi> to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God--a pillar and foundation of the truth,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but if I delay, in order that thou mayest know how one ought to conduct oneself inGod's house, which is [the] assembly of [the] livingGod, [the] pillar and base of the truth.
Context
Verse 15 gives the theological rationale for the whole chapter. Conduct in the church matters because the church belongs to the living God and supports the truth’s public witness. This sets up verse 16, where Paul summarizes the content of the truth the church upholds—the great mystery of godliness centered on Christ. Doctrine and conduct converge: what the church confesses shapes how it must live.
v.14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly;
v.15This passage
v.16And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 1:18
For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen 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.
- 1 Timothy 4:10
For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.
- Matthew 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Jehovah searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
- Romans 3:2
Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God.
- 1 Chronicles 22:13
Then shalt thou prosper, if thou observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Jehovah charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; fear not, neither be dismayed.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Incarnation
The incarnation is the Christian doctrine that Jesus Christ is God and became flesh, dwelling among humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About Leadership
The Bible offers profound wisdom on the nature of leadership, emphasizing service, humility, and godliness.
What the Bible says about…