1 Timothy 3:15

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.

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

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.

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.

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

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 2:21–22

    In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 22:13

    Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

    Read in context
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9

    For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 2:4

    That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 16:18–19

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

    Read in context
  • 1 Chronicles 28:9–21

    And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 16:16

    And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

    Read in context