King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 3:15 Mean?

1 Timothy 3:15 in the King James Version says “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church ...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. ground: or, stay”

1 Timothy 3:15 · KJV

Truth

Context

13

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. used: or, ministered

14

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

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. ground: or, stay

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.

Read 1 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the church 'the pillar and ground of truth'—what does this metaphor mean?
  2. Why does proper conduct in God's household matter so much for preserving truth?
  3. What happens when the church fails to uphold truth through godly living?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἐὰν1 of 21

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δὲ2 of 21

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

βραδύνω3 of 21

“I tarry long”

G1019

to delay

ἵνα4 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

εἰδῇς5 of 21

“thou mayest know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πῶς6 of 21

“how”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δεῖ7 of 21

“thou oughtest”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ἐν8 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἴκῳ9 of 21

“the house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

θεοῦ10 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἀναστρέφεσθαι11 of 21

“to behave thyself”

G390

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

ἥτις12 of 21

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστὶν13 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐκκλησία14 of 21

“the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

θεοῦ15 of 21

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ζῶντος16 of 21

“of the living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

στῦλος17 of 21

“the pillar”

G4769

a post ("style"), i.e., (figuratively) support

καὶ18 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἑδραίωμα19 of 21

“ground”

G1477

a support, i.e., (figuratively) basis

τῆς20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀληθείας21 of 21

“of the truth”

G225

truth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 3:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:5Ephesians 2:21-221 Thessalonians 1:91 Kings 2:41 Chronicles 22:13Matthew 16:18-19

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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