1 Timothy 3:16
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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul exalts the great mystery of godliness in a hymn celebrating Christ revealed in the flesh and received up into glory.
What Does 1 Timothy 3:16 Mean?
Paul breaks into what reads like an early hymn, naming the great mystery at the heart of true godliness. In six short lines he traces the wonder of God made known in the flesh.
God was manifest in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on across the world, and taken up into glory. Here is the whole sweep of the gospel in Christ. Paul does not argue it; he adores it, and invites the reader to wonder with him.
In the Original Language
phaneroo (φανερόω), 'manifest' -- to make visible what was hidden, to reveal openly.