1 Timothy 3:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
εἰδῇς
thou mayest know
G1492
εἰδῇς
thou mayest know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
6 of 21
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
δεῖ
thou oughtest
G1163
δεῖ
thou oughtest
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
7 of 21
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
οἴκῳ
the house
G3624
οἴκῳ
the house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
9 of 21
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀναστρέφεσθαι
to behave thyself
G390
ἀναστρέφεσθαι
to behave thyself
Strong's:
G390
Word #:
11 of 21
to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live
ἐκκλησία
the church
G1577
ἐκκλησία
the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
14 of 21
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1 Chronicles 22:13Then 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.1 Thessalonians 1:9For 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;1 Kings 2:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.Matthew 16:16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.1 Samuel 17:26And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:Romans 9:26And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
Historical Context
Ancient cities featured prominent pillars supporting temples and public buildings—visible, structural, essential. Paul uses this architectural image: the church is truth's supporting structure in the world. When the church lives faithfully, truth stands firm. When the church fails morally, truth is undermined in public perception. The Ephesian church's conduct affected Christianity's credibility throughout Asia Minor.
Questions for Reflection
- How is the church 'the pillar and ground of truth'—what does this metaphor mean?
- Why does proper conduct in God's household matter so much for preserving truth?
- What happens when the church fails to uphold truth through godly living?
Analysis & Commentary
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God (ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω, ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι, ean de bradynō, hina eidēs pōs dei en oikō theou anastraphesthai)—'if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.' Bradynō means to delay, be slow. Anastrophē means to conduct oneself, behave. Oikos theou is 'God's household.'
Which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία θεοῦ ζῶντος, στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας, hētis estin ekklēsia theou zōntos, stylos kai hedraiōma tēs alētheias)—'which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.' Stylos means pillar, column. Hedraiōma means foundation, support, bulwark.
Paul explains why proper church conduct matters: the church is God's household, and more—it's the pillar and foundation supporting truth in the world. Not that the church creates truth (God's Word is truth), but the church upholds, proclaims, and preserves it. How we conduct ourselves in God's house matters because the watching world sees our lives and either believes or dismisses the truth we proclaim.