Font Size
1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
Christian Standard Bible
1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
Christian Standard Bible
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I write these things to you, hoping to come(A) to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household,(B) which is the church of the living God,(C) the pillar and foundation of the truth.(D) 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness(E) is great:
He[a] was manifested in the flesh,(F)
vindicated in the Spirit,(G)
seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed(H) on in the world,
taken up in glory.(I)
Demonic Influence
4 Now the Spirit(J) explicitly says that in later times(K) some will depart from the faith,(L) paying attention to deceitful spirits(M) and the teachings of demons,(N) 2 through the hypocrisy(O) of liars whose consciences(P) are seared. 3 They forbid marriage(Q) and demand abstinence(R) from foods that God created(S) to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good,(T) and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,(U) 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God(V) and by prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith(W) and the good teaching that you have followed.(X) 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.(Y) Rather, train yourself in godliness.(Z) 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit,(AA) but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.(AB) 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.(AC) 10 For this reason we labor and strive,[b] because we have put our hope in the living God,(AD) who is the Savior(AE) of all people,(AF) especially of those who believe.
Instructions for Ministry
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,(AG) in conduct,(AH) in love,[c](AI) in faith, and in purity.(AJ) 13 Until I come,(AK) give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,(AL) with the laying on of hands(AM) by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save(AN) both yourself and your hearers.(AO)
1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
New International Version
1 Timothy 3:14-4:16
New International Version
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church(A) of the living God,(B) the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery(C) from which true godliness(D) springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,(E)
was vindicated by the Spirit,[a]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,(F)
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.(G)
4 The Spirit(H) clearly says that in later times(I) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits(J) and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(K) 3 They forbid people to marry(L) and order them to abstain from certain foods,(M) which God created(N) to be received with thanksgiving(O) by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good,(P) and nothing is to be rejected(Q) if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God(R) and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[b] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith(S) and of the good teaching that you have followed.(T) 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(U) rather, train yourself to be godly.(V) 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(W) holding promise for both the present life(X) and the life to come.(Y) 9 This is a trustworthy saying(Z) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(AA) who is the Savior of all people,(AB) and especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things.(AC) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you(AD) because you are young, but set an example(AE) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith(AF) and in purity. 13 Until I come,(AG) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,(AH) to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy(AI) when the body of elders(AJ) laid their hands on you.(AK)
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save(AL) both yourself and your hearers.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
- 1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.