1 Timothy 3 16

1 Timothy 3:16 kjv

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.

1 Timothy 3:16 nkjv

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.

1 Timothy 3:16 niv

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.

1 Timothy 3:16 esv

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.

1 Timothy 3:16 nlt

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.

1 Timothy 3 verses

1 Timothy 3 16 Meaning

This verse is a profound statement of Christian faith, often referred to as the "Christ Hymn." It exalts Jesus Christ as the incarnate Word of God, who was uniquely revealed, vindicated by the Holy Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among nations, believed in the world, and finally, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3 16 Context

First Timothy 3:16 addresses the crucial understanding of who Jesus Christ is within the early church. Timothy, as a pastor, was tasked with leading and teaching believers. This verse serves as a high Christological affirmation, clarifying Jesus' identity and divine mission in a time when false teachings might arise or understanding could be deficient. It provides foundational truths for Christian doctrine and practice. Historically, the early church grappled with fully understanding Jesus' divinity and humanity, making statements like this vital for maintaining orthodox belief. The phrasing might also implicitly address early forms of Gnosticism or other groups that downplayed Jesus' physicality or his full humanity.

1 Timothy 3 16 Word Analysis

• "Great" (μέγα - mega): Signifies "great" in size, importance, or intensity. It highlights the immense significance of the mystery of godliness.
• "Mystery" (μυστήριον - mystērion): Refers to a secret or hidden truth, now revealed. Here, it signifies the profound, divinely ordained plan concerning Christ that was not fully known before but is now made manifest. This concept appears throughout Paul’s letters, representing God's salvific plan unfolding through Christ.
• "Of godliness" (τῆς εὐσεβείας - tēs eusebeias): "Eusebeia" relates to piety, devotion, and religious duty towards God. It denotes the active expression of reverence and obedience that characterizes a life lived in accordance with God’s will. This aligns with the overall theme of living a godly life discussed in Timothy’s pastoral epistles.
• "He was manifested" (ἐφανερώθη - ephanerōthē): A passive verb meaning "to be made known," "revealed," or "manifested." It points to Christ’s visible appearance in the world through the Incarnation. The perfect tense suggests a final and definitive manifestation.
• "In the flesh" (σὰρξ - sarx): Literally "flesh." It refers to Christ’s physical humanity, His mortal human body. This is a key affirmation against docetic views, which claimed Jesus only appeared to have a body. This word connects directly to the doctrine of the Incarnation, central to Christian belief, echoing John 1:14.
• "Was justified" (ἐδικαιώθη - edikaiōthē): Meaning "vindicated," "declared righteous," or "acquitted." In this context, it speaks of Jesus’ divine vindication, primarily through His resurrection, confirming His sinless life and divine sonship. It’s not about being made righteous in the sense of imputation (which is for believers), but about God declaring Him righteous and true in all His claims. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on Christ’s resurrection as proof of His identity and victory.
• "In the Spirit" (πνεύματι - pneumati): Refers to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s role is crucial in Jesus’ earthly ministry, His temptation, His miracles, and most significantly, His resurrection. The Spirit empowered and validated Jesus throughout His life and resurrection, marking His divine Sonship.
• "Seen by angels" (ἐθεάθη ἀπὸ ἀγγέλων - etheathe apo angelōn): "Ethea the" implies beholding or witnessing. Angels were eyewitnesses to Christ’s ministry, resurrection, and ascension. This highlights Jesus’ divine majesty and the attention He draws from the heavenly realm. Angels are presented throughout Scripture as ministers and observers of God’s work.
• "Preached among the nations" (ἐκηρύχθη ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν - ekerychthē en tois ethnesin): "Kerychthē" means "proclaimed" or "preached." This speaks of the Great Commission and the evangelization of the Gentile world. It underscores Christ’s universal relevance and the global scope of the gospel message, a theme developed by Paul.
• "Believed on in the world" (ἐπιστεύθη ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ - episteuthē en tō kosmō): "Episteuthē" means "believed in" or "trusted." It signifies the response of faith from humanity towards Christ. The world here represents the sphere of human habitation and society. This points to the redemptive purpose of Christ’s mission, which is for all people.
• "Received up" (ἐλήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ - elēmphthē en doxē): "Elemphthē" means "taken up" or "received." This refers to Christ’s ascension into heaven. The phrase "in glory" (en doxē) emphasizes the glorious manner of His ascension, returning to His divine majesty and presence with the Father. This is His exaltation.

Groups of Words Analysis:

• "Great mystery of godliness": The core truth of Christianity is presented as a "mystery," something once hidden but now revealed, focusing on the person and work of Christ, culminating in the life of piety it inspires.
• "Manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit": This phrase encapsulates the dual nature and validating work of Christ. His humanity is affirmed ("in the flesh"), and His divine righteousness is proven ("justified in the Spirit"), connecting His physical reality with His spiritual authentication.
• "Seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, received up in glory": This sequence details the reception and exaltation of Christ. From the angelic observation to the human proclamation and belief, and ultimately to His glorious ascension, it charts His impact and ultimate homecoming.

1 Timothy 3 16 Bonus Section

The construction of 1 Timothy 3:16 may suggest it was an early Christian hymn or creedal statement that Paul incorporated into his letter. The rhythmic phrasing and systematic presentation of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation lend credence to this theory. Such early credal fragments were essential for defining Christian identity and teaching in a consistent manner, combating heresy and solidifying belief in a rapidly expanding movement. The clarity on Christ’s nature (fully God and fully man) addresses critical theological questions relevant from the earliest days of Christianity.

1 Timothy 3 16 Commentary

This verse summarizes the core of Christian belief in the person of Jesus Christ. It begins with the immensity of God’s revealed plan, centered on Christ’s incarnation, which proves His divine nature and humanity. His resurrection, achieved through the Spirit, validated Him. His fame spread through angelic witnesses and preaching to all people. Humanity’s faith in Him brings salvation, and His ascension marks His glorious return to the Father. This affirmation of Christ's unique identity and work is foundational for the church's understanding and mission.