1 Timothy 3:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέγα
great
G3173
μέγα
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
3 of 26
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον·
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον·
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
8 of 26
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
Θεὸς
God
G2316
Θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐφανερώθη
was manifest
G5319
ἐφανερώθη
was manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
10 of 26
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
σαρκί
the flesh
G4561
σαρκί
the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
12 of 26
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἐδικαιώθη
justified
G1344
ἐδικαιώθη
justified
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
13 of 26
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
πνεύματι
the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 26
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ὤφθη
seen
G3700
ὤφθη
seen
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
16 of 26
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
ἀγγέλοις
of angels
G32
ἀγγέλοις
of angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
17 of 26
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἐκηρύχθη
preached
G2784
ἐκηρύχθη
preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
18 of 26
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
20 of 26
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐπιστεύθη
believed on
G4100
ἐπιστεύθη
believed on
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
21 of 26
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.Romans 16:25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,Luke 24:4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:Colossians 1:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.1 John 1:2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Historical Context
Early Christian worship included hymns and confessions summarizing core beliefs (Philippians 2:6-11, Colossians 1:15-20). This may be a liturgical piece the Ephesian church sang or recited. The sixfold structure (possibly originally three couplets in Greek) presents Christ's story from incarnation to ascension—the gospel in poetic form. These confessions served both worship and teaching, embedding theology in memorable forms.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is Christ Himself called 'the mystery of godliness'—how does He reveal godly living?
- How does this sixfold confession summarize the entire gospel story?
- What role do hymns and confessions play in teaching and reinforcing core Christian beliefs?
Analysis & Commentary
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness (καὶ ὁμολογουμένως μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον, kai homologoumenōs mega estin to tēs eusebeias mystērion)—'by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness.' Homologoumenōs means confessedly, admittedly, universally acknowledged. Mystērion is mystery—revealed truth. What follows is likely an early Christian hymn or confession about Christ:
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—This sixfold confession celebrates Christ's incarnation (manifest in flesh), vindication (justified in Spirit—His resurrection), angelic witness, global proclamation, worldwide faith, and ascension. Phaneroō (manifest) means revealed, made visible. Dikaioō (justified) means vindicated, declared righteous.
The 'mystery of godliness' is Christ Himself—God incarnate. This poetic confession summarizes the gospel: divine Son took flesh, died, rose vindicated by the Spirit, was witnessed by angels, proclaimed to nations, believed worldwide, and ascended in glory. This is Christianity's heart—not abstract philosophy but historical Person and events.