The Meaning of 1 Timothy 3:15 Explained

1 Timothy 3:15

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.

YLT: and if I delay, that thou mayest know how it behoveth thee to conduct thyself in the house of God, which is an assembly of the living God -- a pillar and foundation 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.

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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 1 Timothy 3:15 Mean?

Study Notes

church
Church (visible), Summary: The passages under this head 1 Corinthians 10:32 ; 1 Timothy 3:15 refer to that visible body of professed believers called, collectively, "the Church," of which history takes account as such, though it exists under many names and divisions based upon differences in doctrine or in government. Within, for the most part, this historical "Church" has existed the true Church, "which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all Ephesians 1:22 ; Ephesians 1:23 .
like the believing Remnant within Israel
The predicted future of the visible Church is apostasy Luke 18:8 ; 2 Timothy 3:1-8 of the true Church, glory; Matthew 13:36-43 ; Romans 8:18-23 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 .
Church (true), Summary: The true church, composed of the whole number of regenerate persons from Pentecost to the first resurrection 2 Corinthians 11:2-46 united together and to Christ by the baptism with the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:12 ; 1 Corinthians 12:13 is the body of Christ of which He is the Head Ephesians 1:22 ; Ephesians 1:23 . As such, it is a holy temple for the habitation of God through the Spirit Ephesians 2:21 ; Ephesians 2:22 is "one flesh" with Christ Ephesians 5:30 ; Ephesians 5:31 and espoused to Him as a chaste virgin to one husband 1711669813_23 .
perfect (See Scofield " Matthew 5:48 ") .
remnant Remnant. See, Isaiah 1:9 .
grace Grace (in salvation). vs. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ; Romans 3:24 See note, (See Scofield " John 1:17 ") .
Remnant
Remnant, Summary: In the history of Israel, a "remnant" may be discerned, a spiritual Israel within the national Israel. In Elijah's time 7,000 had not bowed the knee to Baal 1 Kings 19:18 . In Isaiah's time it was the "very small remnant" for whose sake God still forbore to destroy the nation Isaiah 1:9 . During the captivities the remnant appears in Jews like Ezekiel, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Esther, and Mordecai. At the end of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity it was the remnant which returned under Ezra and Nehemiah. At the advent of our Lord, John the Baptist, Simeon, Anna, and "them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" Luke 2:38 were the remnant. During the church-age the remnant is composed of believing Jews Romans 11:4 ; Romans 11:5 . But the chief interest in the remnant is prophetic. During the great tribulation a remnant out of all Israel will turn to Jesus as Messiah, and will become His witnesses after the removal of the church Revelation 7:3-8 . Some of these will undergo martyrdom Revelation 6:9-11 some will be spared to enter the millennial kingdom Zechariah 12:6 to Zechariah 13:9 . Many of the Psalms express, prophetically, the joys and sorrows of the tribulation remnant.
remnant Remnant. See, Isaiah 1:9 .
grace Grace (in salvation). vs. 2 Corinthians 8:9 ; Romans 3:24 See note, (See Scofield " John 1:17 ") .

Context Summary

1 Timothy 3:8-16 - Qualifications Of Church Officials
Younger men, referred to as deacons, were appointed to subordinate tasks, especially the relief of the poor, Acts 6:1-15. Though their service was less important, their character must be of the highest quality. The strength of a church is as much in the godliness of those who fill subordinate offices, as in its acknowledged leaders. The caretaker of a church should be a man of as high ideals as its chief pastor. Nothing is common or unclean, nothing trivial and unimportant, where Christ's honor and glory are concerned. In the prophet's vision the very snuffers of the candlestick were of gold.
The women mentioned here are deaconesses, Romans 16:1. Governor Bradford, describing the church of the Pilgrim Fathers, says of a deaconess: "She honored her place and was an ornament to the congregation. She did frequently visit the sick and weak, and would gather relief for them. She was obeyed as a mother in Israel."
The Church is the earthly dwelling-place of God. It lifts up and maintains the standard of truth in the midst of men, therefore it is hated. It is most necessary that Christians should bear witness to the truth, collectively as well as individually. The facts given us to witness to are enumerated here in the six clauses of an ancient antiphonal chant. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 3

1  How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;
14  and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things
15  Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 3:15

But if I tarry long [εαν δε βραδυνω]
Condition of third class with εαν — ean and the present active subjunctive of βραδυνω — bradunō old verb, to be slow (usually intransitive), from βραδυς — bradus (slow, dull, Luke 24:25), in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:9. [source]
That thou mayest know [ινα ειδηις]
Final clause with ινα — hina and second perfect active subjunctive of οιδα — oida to know. How men ought (πως δει — pōs dei). “How it is necessary for thee” (supply σε — se more naturally than τινα — tina any one). Indirect question. To behave themselves Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω — anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου — en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια — ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος — ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
How men ought [πως δει]
“How it is necessary for thee” (supply σε — se more naturally than τινα — tina any one). Indirect question. [source]
To behave themselves [αναστρεπεσται]
Present middle (direct) infinitive of αναστρεπω — anastrephō old verb, to turn up and down. See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. In the house of God (εν οικωι τεου — en oikōi theou). Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. Which “Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια — ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος — ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
In the house of God [εν οικωι τεου]
Probably here “household of God,” that is “the family of God” rather than “the house (or temple) of God.” Christians as yet had no separate houses of worship and οικος — oikos commonly means “household.” Christians are the ναος — naos (sanctuary) of God (1 Corinthians 3:16.; 2 Corinthians 6:16), and Paul calls them οικειοι του τεου — oikeioi tou theou (Ephesians 2:19) “members of God‘s family.” It is conduct as members of God‘s family (οικος — oikos) that Paul has in mind. [source]
Which [ητις]
“Which very house of God,” agreeing (feminine) with the predicate word εκκλησια — ekklēsia (church). The church of the living God (εκκλησια τεου ζωντος — ekklēsia theou zōntos). Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. The pillar and ground of the truth Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
The church of the living God [εκκλησια τεου ζωντος]
Probably here the general church or kingdom as in Colossians and Ephesians, though the local church in 1 Timothy 3:5. [source]
The pillar and ground of the truth [στυλος και εδραιωμα της αλητειας]
Paul changes the metaphor again as he often does. Those words are in apposition to εκκλησια — ekklēsia and οικος — oikos On στυλος — stulos old word for pillar, see note on Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12 (only other N.T. examples). εδραιωμα — Hedraiōma late and rare word (from εδραιοω — hedraioō to make stable) occurs here first and only in ecclesiastical writers later. Probably it means stay or support rather than foundation or ground. See 1 Corinthians 1:23; 2 Timothy 2:19 for similar idea. See also Matthew 16:18. [source]
I tarry long [βραδύνω]
Only here and 2 Peter 3:9. [source]
Thou oughtest to behave thyself [δεῖ ἀναστρέφεσθαι]
The verb ἀναστρέφεσθαι only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 2:3. The reference is not to Timothy's conduct as the A.V. implies but rather to the instructions which he is to give to church members. Rend. how men ought to behave. See on conversation, 1 Peter 1:15. [source]
House of God [οἴκῳ θεοῦ]
An O.T. phrase, used of the temple. More frequently, house of the Lord ( κυρίου ); see 1 Kings 3:1; 1 Kings 6:1; 1 Chronicles 22:2, 1 Chronicles 22:11; 1 Chronicles 29:2, etc. Applied to the church only here. Paul has οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως Hebrews householders of the faith (Galatians 6:10), and οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ householdersof God (Ephesians 2:19), signifying members of the church. Christians are called ναὸς θεοῦ sanctuaryof God (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16); and the apostles are οἰκονόμοι householdstewards (1 Corinthians 4:1). So of a Bishop (Titus 1:7). See also Hebrews 3:6. [source]
Church [ἐκκλησία]
See on 1 Thessalonians 1:1. [source]
Pillar and ground of the truth [στύλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας]
Στύλος pillar, in Paul only Galatians 2:9. In Revelation 3:12; Revelation 10:1. Ἑδραίωμα stayprop, better than ground. N.T.oolxx, oClass. The kindred adjective ἑδαῖος firmstable, 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23. These words are in apposition with church. The idea is that the church is the pillar, and, as such, the prop or support of the truth. It is quite beside the mark to press the architectural metaphor into detail. By giving to ἑδραίωμα the sense of stay or prop, the use of the two words for the same general idea is readily explained. The church is the pillar of the truth, and the function of the pillar is to support. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 3:15

1 Corinthians 4:1 Stewards of the mysteries of God [οικονομους μυστηριων τεου]
The steward or house manager Hence the under-rower They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God‘s secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be (Matthew 13:51; Matthew 16:8-12). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see note on 1 Corinthians 2:7 for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. “The church is the οικος — oikos (1 Timothy 3:15), God the οικοδεσποτης — oikodespotēs (Matthew 13:52), the members the οικειοι — oikeioi (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19)” (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship. [source]
Galatians 2:9 They who were reputed to be pillars [οι δοκουντες στυλοι ειναι]
They had that reputation So of the church (1 Timothy 3:15). These were the Pillar Apostles. [source]
Colossians 1:23 Grounded and settled [τεθελεωμένοι καὶ ἑδραῖοι]
For grounded, see on settle, 1 Peter 5:10; compare Luke 6:48, Luke 6:49; Ephesians 3:17. Settled, from ἕδρα aseat. Rev., steadfast. See 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Corinthians 15:58, the only other passages where it occurs. Compare ἑδραίωμα ground 1 Timothy 3:15. Bengel says: “The former is metaphorical, the latter more literal. The one implies greater respect to the foundation by which believers are supported; but settled suggests inward strength which believers themselves possess.” [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 Lit. confessedly . N.T.o The mystery of godliness [τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον]
(a) The connection of thought is with the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), and the words mystery of godliness are a paraphrase of that word. The church is the pillar and stay of the truth, and the truth constitutes the mystery of godliness. (b) The contents of this truth or mystery is Christ, revealed in the gospel as the Savior from ungodliness, the norm and inspiration of godliness, the divine life in man, causing him to live unto God as Christ did and does (Romans 6:10). See 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 2:5; Colossians 1:26, Colossians 1:27. According to the Fourth Gospel, Christ is himself the truth (John 14:6). The mystery of godliness is the substance of piety = mystery of the faith (1 Timothy 3:9). (c) The truth is called a mystery because it was, historically, hidden, until revealed in the person and work of Christ; also because it is concealed from human wisdom, and apprehended only by faith in the revelation of God through Christ. (d) The genitive, of godliness, is possessive. The mystery of godliness is the truth which pertains or belongs to godliness. It is not the property of worldly wisdom. Great ( μέγα ) means important, weighty, as Ephesians 5:32. [source]
1 Timothy 2:5 One God []
These Epistles deal much with the divine attributes. See 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:13, 1 Timothy 6:15, 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 2:13; Titus 1:2. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 How to rule [προστηναι]
Second aorist active infinitive of same verb προιστημι — proistēmi and with οιδεν — oiden means “know how to rule,” not “know that he rules.” How (πως — pōs). Rhetorical question expecting negative answer. Shall he take care of Future middle of επιμελεομαι — epimeleomai old compound Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 Shall he take care of [επιμελησεται]
Future middle of επιμελεομαι — epimeleomai old compound Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 3:5 The church of God [εκκλησιας τεου]
Anarthrous as in 1 Timothy 3:15, elsewhere with article (1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13). The local church described as belonging to God. No one in N.T. but Paul (Acts 20:28) so describes the church. This verse is a parenthesis in the characteristics of the bishop. [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 Without controversy [ὁμολογουμένως]
Lit. confessedly. N.T.oThe mystery of godliness ( τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον )(a) The connection of thought is with the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), and the words mystery of godliness are a paraphrase of that word. The church is the pillar and stay of the truth, and the truth constitutes the mystery of godliness. (b) The contents of this truth or mystery is Christ, revealed in the gospel as the Savior from ungodliness, the norm and inspiration of godliness, the divine life in man, causing him to live unto God as Christ did and does (Romans 6:10). See 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 2:5; Colossians 1:26, Colossians 1:27. According to the Fourth Gospel, Christ is himself the truth (John 14:6). The mystery of godliness is the substance of piety = mystery of the faith (1 Timothy 3:9). (c) The truth is called a mystery because it was, historically, hidden, until revealed in the person and work of Christ; also because it is concealed from human wisdom, and apprehended only by faith in the revelation of God through Christ. (d) The genitive, of godliness, is possessive. The mystery of godliness is the truth which pertains or belongs to godliness. It is not the property of worldly wisdom. Great ( μέγα ) means important, weighty, as Ephesians 5:32. [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 Great [μεγα]
See note on Ephesians 5:32. “A great mystery.” The mystery of godliness (το της ευσεβειας μυστηριον — to tēs eusebeias mustērion). See 1 Timothy 3:9 “the mystery of the faith,” and 1 Timothy 2:2 for ευσεβεια — eusebeia Here the phrase explains “a pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). See in particular 1 Corinthians 1:27. “The revealed secret of true religion, the mystery of Christianity, the Person of Christ” (Lock). He who The correct text, not τεος — theos (God) the reading of the Textus Receptus (Syrian text) nor ο — ho (neuter relative, agreeing with μυστηριον — mustērion) the reading of the Western documents. Westcott and Hort print this relative clause as a fragment of a Christian hymn (like Ephesians 5:14) in six strophes. That is probably correct. At any rate ος — hos (who) is correct and there is asyndeton (no connective) in the verbs. Christ, to whom ος — hos refers, is the mystery (Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:2). Was manifested (επανερωτη — ephanerōthē). First aorist passive indicative of πανεροω — phaneroō to manifest. Here used to describe the incarnation (εν σαρκι — en sarki) of Christ (an answer also to the Docetic Gnostics). The verb is used by Paul elsewhere of the incarnation (Romans 16:26; Colossians 1:26) as well as of the second coming (Colossians 3:4). Justified in the spirit First aorist passive indicative of δικαιοω — dikaioō to declare righteous, to vindicate. Christ was vindicated in his own spirit (Hebrews 9:14) before men by overcoming death and rising from the dead (Romans 1:3.). Seen of angels (ωπτη αγγελοις — ōphthē aggelois). First aorist passive indicative of οραω — horaō to see, with either the instrumental or the dative case of angels (αγγελοις — aggelois). The words were probably suggested by the appearance of Jesus (ωπτη — ōphthē the usual form for the resurrection appearances of Christ) of the angels at the tomb and at the ascension of Christ. See note on Philemon 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22 for the appearance of Jesus to the angels in heaven at the ascension. Some would take “angels” here to be “messengers” (the women). Preached among the nations First aorist passive indicative of κηρυσσω — kērussō to proclaim. The word ετνος — ethnos may mean “all creation” (Colossians 1:23) and not just Gentiles as distinct from Jews. Paul had done more of this heralding of Christ among the Gentiles than any one else. It was his glory (Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:8). Cf. 1 Timothy 2:7. Believed on in the world (επιστευτη εν κοσμωι — episteuthē en kosmōi). First aorist indicative passive again of πιστευω — pisteuō to believe (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Cf. 1 Timothy 1:15; 2 Corinthians 5:19. Received up in glory First aorist passive again (six verbs in the same voice and tense in succession, a rhythmic arrangement like a hymn). Cf. Romans 8:29. This time the verb is αναλαμβανω — analambanō the verb used of the ascension (Acts 1:11, Acts 1:22, which see). In a wonderful way this stanza of a hymn presents the outline of the life of Christ. [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 The mystery of godliness [το της ευσεβειας μυστηριον]
See 1 Timothy 3:9 “the mystery of the faith,” and 1 Timothy 2:2 for ευσεβεια — eusebeia Here the phrase explains “a pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). See in particular 1 Corinthians 1:27. “The revealed secret of true religion, the mystery of Christianity, the Person of Christ” (Lock). [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 The foundation of God standeth sure [ὁ στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν]
Wrong. Στερεὸς sureis attributive, not predicative. Rend. the firm foundation of God standeth. The phrase foundation of God, N.T.o Θεμέλιος foundationis an adjective, and λίθος stoneis to be supplied. It is not to be taken by metonymy for οἰκία house(2 Timothy 2:20), but must be interpreted consistently with it, and, in a loose way, represents or foreshadows it. So we speak of an endowed institution as a foundation. By “the sure foundation of God” is meant the church, which is “the pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), by means of which the truth of God is to withstand the assaults of error. The church has its being in the contents of “the sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), which is “according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3), and which is deposited in it. “The mystery of godliness “ is intrusted to it (1 Timothy 3:16). Its servants possess “the mystery of the faith” (1 Timothy 3:9). In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Christ is represented as “ the chief corner-stone.” In Ephesians 2:20, the church is built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with Christ as the corner-stone, and grows into a “holy temple ( ναὸν ) in the Lord.” Here, the church itself is the foundation, and the building is conceived as a great dwelling-house. While the conception of the church here does not contradict that of Paul, the difference is apparent between it and the conception in Ephesians, where the church is the seat of the indwelling and energy of the Holy Spirit. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Στερεός firmonly here, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, and 1 Peter 5:9(note). Ἕστηκεν standethin contrast with overthrow (2 Timothy 2:18). [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 Firm [στερεος]
Old adjective, solid, compact, in N.T. only here, 1 Peter 5:9; Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14. See στερεωμα — stereōma in Colossians 2:5. For τεμελιος — themelios see note on 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 15:20; 1 Timothy 6:19. Cf. εδραιωμα — hedraiōma in 1 Timothy 3:15. Seal (σπραγις — sphragis). See 1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11. Knoweth Timeless aorist active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō Quotation from Numbers 16:5. Let every one depart (αποστητω πας — apostētō pās). Paraphrase of Numbers 16:27; Isaiah 26:13; Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 20:9. Second aorist active imperative of απιστημι — aphistēmi (intransitive use), “Let every one stand off from.” Probably another echo of the rebellion of Korah. [source]
Hebrews 10:21 House of God [οἶκον τοῦ θεοῦ]
In the Gospels always of the temple. Not found in Paul. Once in the Pastorals, of the church, 1 Timothy 3:15, and so 1 Peter 4:17. Here the whole Christian family. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22. [source]
Hebrews 3:2 Who was faithful [πιστον οντα]
Present active participle with predicate accusative agreeing with Ιησουν — Iēsoun “as being faithful.” That appointed him See 1 Samuel 12:6. Dative case of the articular participle (aorist active) of ποιεω — poieō and the reference is to God. Note πιστος — pistos as in Hebrews 2:17. As also was Moses The author makes no depreciatory remarks about Moses as he did not about the prophets and the angels. He cheerfully admits that Moses was faithful “in all his house” (εν ολωι τωι οικωι αυτου — en holōi tōi oikōi autou), an allusion to Numbers 12:7 (εαν ολωι τωι οικωι μου — ean holōi tōi oikōi mou) about Moses. The “his” is God‘s. The use of οικος — oikos for the people (family) of God, not the building, but the group (1 Timothy 3:15) in which God is the Father. But wherein is Jesus superior to Moses? The argument is keen and skillful. [source]
2 Peter 3:9 Is not slack [οὐ βραδύνει]
Only here and 1 Timothy 3:15. The word is literally to delay or loiter. So Septuagint, Genesis 43:10, “except we had lingered. ” Alford's rendering, is not tardy, would be an improvement. The word implies, besides delay, the idea of lateness with reference to an appointed time. [source]
2 Peter 3:9 Is not slack concerning his promise [ου βραδυνει της επαγγελιας]
Ablative case επαγγελιας — epaggelias after βραδυνει — bradunei (present active indicative of βραδυνω — bradunō from βραδυς — bradus slow), old verb, to be slow in, to fall short of (like λειπεται σοπιας — leipetai sophias in James 1:5), here and 1 Timothy 3:15 only in N.T. [source]
Revelation 3:12 Pillar [στύλον]
The word occurs, Galatians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:15; Revelation 10:1. The reference here is not to any prominence in the earthly church, as Galatians 2:9, but to blessedness in the future state. The exact meaning is doubtful. Some explain, he shall have a fixed and important place in the glorified church. Compare Matthew 19:28. Others emphasize the idea of stability, and find a possible local reference to the frequent earthquakes from which Philadelphia had suffered, and which had shaken its temples. Strabo says: “And Philadelphia has not even its walls unimpaired, but daily they are shaken in some way, and gaps are made in them. But the inhabitants continue to occupy the land notwithstanding their sufferings, and to build new houses.” Others again emphasize the idea of beauty. Compare 1 Peter 2:5, where the saints are described living stones. [source]
Revelation 3:12 A pillar [στυλον]
Old word for column, in N.T. only here, Revelation 10:1; Galatians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:15. Metaphorical and personal use with a double significance of being firmly fixed and giving stability to the building. Philadelphia was a city of earthquakes. “Temple” Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομαι — erchomai The subject is ο νικων — ho nikōn (the one overcoming). “Fixity of character is at last achieved” (Charles). He, like the στυλος — stulos (pillar), remains in place.Upon him Upon ο νικων — ho nikōn (the victor), not upon the pillar He receives this triple name (of God, of the city of God, of Christ) on his forehead (Revelation 14:1; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 22:4) just as the high-priest wore the name of Jehovah upon his forehead (Exodus 28:36, Exodus 28:38), the new name (Revelation 2:17), without any magical or talismanic power, but as proof of ownership by God, as a citizen of the New Jerusalem, with the new symbol of the glorious personality of Christ (Revelation 19:12), in contrast with the mark of the beast on others (Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:17). For citizenship in God‘s city see Galatians 4:26; Philemon 3:20; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14.The new Jerusalem (της καινης Ιερουσαλημ — tēs kainēs Ierousalēm). Not νεας — neas (young), but καινης — kainēs (fresh). See also Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10 and already Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22. Charles distinguishes between the Jerusalem before the final judgment and this new Jerusalem after that event. Perhaps so! In the Apocalypse always this form Ιερουσαλημ — Ierousalēm (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10), but in John‘s Gospel ιεροσολυμα — Hierosoluma (Revelation 1:19, etc.).Which cometh down Nominative case in apposition with the preceding genitive πολεως — poleōs as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 2:20, etc.Mine own new name (το ονομα μου το καινον — to onoma mou to kainon). For which see Revelation 2:17; Revelation 19:12, Revelation 19:16. Christ himself will receive a new name along with all else in the future world (Gressmann). [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 3:15 mean?

if however I should delay so that you may know how it behooves [one] in [the] household of God to conduct oneself which is [the] church [the] living [the] pillar and base of the truth
ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία ζῶντος στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας

δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
βραδύνω  I  should  delay 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: βραδύνω  
Sense: to delay, be slow.
ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
εἰδῇς  you  may  know 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Subjunctive Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: οἶδα  
Sense: to see.
πῶς  how 
Parse: Adverb
Root: πῶς  
Sense: how, in what way.
δεῖ  it  behooves  [one] 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: δεῖ  
Sense: it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper.
οἴκῳ  [the]  household 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: οἶκος  
Sense: a house.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἀναστρέφεσθαι  to  conduct  oneself 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Root: ἀναστρέφω  
Sense: to turn upside down, overturn.
ἐκκλησία  [the]  church 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκκλησία  
Sense: a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly.
ζῶντος  [the]  living 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ζάω  
Sense: to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead).
στῦλος  [the]  pillar 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: στῦλος  
Sense: a pillar.
ἑδραίωμα  base 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ἑδραίωμα  
Sense: a stay, prop, support.
τῆς  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀληθείας  truth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀλήθεια  
Sense: objectively.