What is the correct translation of 1 Timothy 3 16?

Verse 16 is thought to have been a fragment of a Christian hymn. It seems to be referring to Jesus' birth, baptism, earthly ministry, death and resurrection.

Additional Answer:

Paul's purpose for this 1st letter to Timothy was to give him instructions on how a local assembly and its leadership should function in the Church of the Living God. Verse 16 contains an early hymn of the Church. It has 3 couplets or 6 related together:

1. Manifested in the flesh refers to Christ's incarnation (John 1:14)

1. Justified in the Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit of God's work in Him (John 16:7)

2. Seen by angels refers to the angelic witness of Christ's ministry/resurrection

2. Preached among the Gentiles refers to proclaiming to all Nations (Col. 1:23)

3. Believed on in the world refers to individual responses to God's plan (1Cor. 18-25)

3. Received up in glory refers to the Ascension (Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3,4).

1 Timothy 3:14-16New King James Version (NKJV

The Great Mystery

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself 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[a] was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.