The King James Translation of 1 Timothy 3:16 is inaccurate. The word “God” is added. It is not in the original Greek. The actual word in the Greek is “he” and it is referring to Jesus Christ. 

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is respected by biblical scholars as being very accurate. 1 Timothy 3:16 in the NASB says, “By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: he who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

The translators of some versions of the Bible do not hold to the exact Greek text and instead translate verses according to their theology. But no one should change the Word of God. Adding or subtracting words from the Bible introduces error and confusion.

God, the Creator of the world, decided that His own firstborn son should redeem the world from sin and death, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  And it is the Almighty Jehovah God who prepared the body for His son to become the perfect human ransom price “…but a body hast Thou prepared me” (Hebrews 10: 5). Jesus Christ was manifest in the flesh and was seen by people. This was certainly not God Himself who was seen because “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared him” (John 1:18). 

What does “manifest in the flesh” mean? The Apostle Paul explains, “And being found in fashion as a man” (Philippians 2: 8). Jesus was that man. The Creator God never took on the human body, because “God is a spirit” (John 4:24). 

Therefore, this verse does not show a trinity. The idea of a trinity, meaning the equality of God the Father, Jesus the son and the holy spirit- is not found in the Bible. Jesus as the son always pointed to the Father and acknowledged, “For my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). The holy spirit is God’s power and influence, “until ye be endued with power from on high” (Acts 24:49). The concept of a trinity was first created and declared to be truth by the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Prior to that council, Christians understood that God was the Father Creator and Jesus was His only begotten son. 

Additional Resources:

The trinity has been a highly controversial doctrine for many centuries. Because of the strong feelings surrounding this doctrine few are willing to delve into the Bible to see what it really says about the true nature of God and His son, Jesus. This enlightening booklet is therefore intended for the serious student who wants to know what the Bible really teaches.  In addition, is the holy Spirit a person and a third member of the trinity? See how the holy Spirit is used in Scripture. Download PDF: The Lord Our God is One Lord

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