1 Timothy 3:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

so that if I am delayed, you may know how one should behave in the household of God, which is the Messianic Community of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

Berean Standard Bible:

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.

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G1161} if^{G1437} I tarry long^{G1019}, that^{G2443} thou mayest know^{G1492} how^{G4459} thou oughtest^{G1163} to behave thyself^{G390} in^{G1722} the house^{G3624} of God^{G2316}, which^{G3748} is^{G2076} the church^{G1577} of the living^{G2198} God^{G2316}, the pillar^{G4769} and^{G2532} ground^{G1477} of the truth^{G225}.

Cross-References (KJV):

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:21

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 1:9

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Matthew 16:18

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.

Matthew 16:19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

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Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:15

1 Timothy 3:15 is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian church. The verse serves as a transition between Paul's instructions on the qualifications for church leaders (elders and deacons) and practical advice for Christian living. In this context, Paul emphasizes the importance of proper conduct within the church, which he refers to as "the house of God."

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the first century when the Christian church was still in its formative years. Early Christians faced challenges from both external persecution and internal disorder, including false teachings and moral laxity. Paul's letter aims to provide Timothy with guidance on maintaining order and orthodoxy within the church at Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering.

The themes of 1 Timothy 3:15 include ecclesiology (the study of the church) and personal conduct. Paul describes the church as "the pillar and ground of the truth," signifying its role as the foundation and support for divine truth in a world filled with error. This metaphor underscores the church's responsibility to uphold and proclaim the gospel message, as well as to embody the moral and ethical standards that reflect God's character.

In summary, 1 Timothy 3:15 addresses the critical role of the church as the custodian of truth and the place where believers learn and exhibit appropriate behavior. Paul's words serve as a directive to Timothy, and by extension to all church leaders, to ensure that the church remains a steadfast witness to the faith amidst the challenges of the surrounding culture. This verse highlights the church's foundational role in preserving and promoting the Christian faith, which is as relevant to contemporary believers as it was to the early Christian community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G1161
There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δέ
Transliteration: dé
Pronunciation: deh
Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
Strong's Number: G1437
There are 254 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐάν
Transliteration: eán
Pronunciation: eh-an'
Description: from εἰ and ἄν; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty:--before, but, except, (and) if, (if) so, (what-, whither-)soever, though, when (-soever), whether (or), to whom, (who-)so(-ever). See μή.
Strong's Number: G1019
There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: βραδύνω
Transliteration: bradýnō
Pronunciation: brad-oo'-no
Description: from βραδύς; to delay:--be slack, tarry.
Strong's Number: G2443
There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἵνα
Transliteration: hína
Pronunciation: hin'-ah
Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
Strong's Number: G1492
There are 626 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἴδω
Transliteration: eídō
Pronunciation: i'-do
Description: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent ὀπτάνομαι and ὁράω; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
Strong's Number: G4459
There are 100 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πῶς
Transliteration: pōs
Pronunciation: poce
Description: adverb from the base of ποῦ; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!:--how, after (by) what manner (means), that. (Occasionally unexpressed in English).
Strong's Number: G1163
There are 104 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δεῖ
Transliteration: deî
Pronunciation: die
Description: 3rd person singular active present of δέω; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should.
Strong's Number: G390
There are 70 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀναστρέφω
Transliteration: anastréphō
Pronunciation: an-as-tref'-o
Description: from ἀνά and στρέφω; to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. remain, live:--abide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used.
Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Strong's Number: G3624
There are 106 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οἶκος
Transliteration: oîkos
Pronunciation: oy'-kos
Description: of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively):--home, house(-hold), temple.
Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Strong's Number: G3748
There are 148 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅστις
Transliteration: hóstis
Pronunciation: hot'-ee
Description: from ὅς and τὶς; which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same:--X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever). Compare ὅτι.
Strong's Number: G2076
There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐστί
Transliteration: estí
Pronunciation: es-tee'
Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
Strong's Number: G1577
There are 115 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration: ekklēsía
Pronunciation: ek-klay-see'-ah
Description: from a compound of ἐκ and a derivative of καλέω; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):--assembly, church.
Strong's Number: G2198
There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ζάω
Transliteration: záō
Pronunciation: dzah'-o
Description: a primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively):--life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick.
Strong's Number: G4769
There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: στῦλος
Transliteration: stŷlos
Pronunciation: stoo'-los
Description: from (to stiffen; properly akin to the base of ἵστημι); a post ("style"), i.e. (figuratively) support:--pillar.
Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G1477
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἑδραίωμα
Transliteration: hedraíōma
Pronunciation: hed-rah'-yo-mah
Description: from a derivative of ἑδραῖος; a support, i.e. (figuratively) basis:--ground.
Strong's Number: G225
There are 1319 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀλήθεια
Transliteration: alḗtheia
Pronunciation: al-ay'-thi-a
Description: from ἀληθής; truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.

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