1 Timothy 3:15

13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things

in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
KJV
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.
WEB
but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
ASV
but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
DARBY
but if I delay, in order that thou mayest know how one ought to conduct oneself in God's house, which is [the] assembly of [the] living God, [the] pillar and base of the truth.
BLB
but if I should delay, so that you may know how it is necessary to conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.
ÅB
men om jeg venter med å komme, at du da kan vite hvordan en bør ferdes i Guds hus, som er den levende Guds menighet, sannhetens støtte og grunnvoll.
OTB
men hvis jeg blir forsinket, skriver jeg for at du skal vite hvordan man skal oppføre seg i Guds hus, som er den levende Guds menighet, sannhetens støtte og grunnvoll.
B1930
men om jeg venter med å komme, at du da kan vite hvorledes en bør ferdes i Guds hus, som er den levende Guds menighet, sannhetens støtte og grunnvoll.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 2:21–22

    In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 22:13

    Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

    Read in context
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9

    For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 2:4

    and so that the LORD may fulfill His promise to me: ‘If your descendants take heed to walk faithfully before Me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’

    Read in context
  • Matthew 16:18–19

    And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 28:9–21

    As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 16:16

    Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

    Read in context