Verse Meaning1 TimothyComplex verse
1 Timothy 3:16: Meaning Explained
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,...
1 Timothy 3:16
“Everyone agrees that the mystery of godliness is profound: he appeared in human 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.”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Everyone agrees: Jesus became human, the Spirit proved he was right, angels saw him, the world heard about him, and he returned to heaven.
What’s Happening Here
This is a hymn or confession about Jesus. It celebrates Jesus' life and return to heaven.
Key Words
mysterysomething deep and wonderful to understand
godlinessliving in a way that honors and worships God
vindicatedproven to be right or true
Why It Matters
Jesus is central to the church's faith and mission. His story is the core of what we believe.
Did You Know?
This passage might be an early Christian hymn or creed that churches used to teach faith.
Word Study
G2532
Andκαὶ
G3672
without controversyὁμολογουμένως
G3173
greatμέγα
G2076
isἐστὶν
G2150
of godlinessεὐσεβείας
G3466
the mysteryμυστήριον·
G2316
GodΘεὸς
G5319
was manifestἐφανερώθη
G1722
inἐν
G4561
the fleshσαρκί
G1344
justifiedἐδικαιώθη
G4151
the Spiritπνεύματι
G3700
seenὤφθη
G32
of angelsἀγγέλοις
G2784
preachedἐκηρύχθη
G1484
the Gentilesἔθνεσιν
G4100
believed onἐπιστεύθη
G2889
the worldκόσμῳ
G353
received upἀνελήφθη
G1391
gloryδόξῃ
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read 1 Timothy 3:16 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.