1 Timothy 3:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐὰν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
βραδύνω
G1019
I tarry long
to delay
#4
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#5
εἰδῇς
G1492
thou mayest know
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#6
πῶς
G4459
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#7
δεῖ
G1163
thou oughtest
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
#8
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#9
οἴκῳ
G3624
the house
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
#10
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#11
ἀναστρέφεσθαι
G390
to behave thyself
to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live
#12
ἥτις
G3748
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#13
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#14
ἐκκλησία
G1577
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#15
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#16
ζῶντος
G2198
of the living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#17
στῦλος
G4769
the pillar
a post ("style"), i.e., (figuratively) support
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἑδραίωμα
G1477
ground
a support, i.e., (figuratively) basis
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀληθείας
G225
of the truth
truth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection