1 Timothy 3:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὁμολογουμένως
G3672
without controversy
confessedly
#3
μέγα
G3173
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#4
ἐστὶν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#5
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
εὐσεβείας
G2150
of godliness
piety; specially, the gospel scheme
#8
μυστήριον·
G3466
the mystery
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#9
Θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#10
ἐφανερώθη
G5319
was manifest
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
#11
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
σαρκί
G4561
the flesh
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
#13
ἐδικαιώθη
G1344
justified
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
πνεύματι
G4151
the Spirit
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
#16
ὤφθη
G3700
seen
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
#17
ἀγγέλοις
G32
of angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#18
ἐκηρύχθη
G2784
preached
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
#19
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
ἔθνεσιν
G1484
the Gentiles
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#21
ἐπιστεύθη
G4100
believed on
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
#22
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#23
κόσμῳ
G2889
the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#24
ἀνελήφθη
G353
received up
to take up
#25
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#26
δόξῃ
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

Cross References

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Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Timothy.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection