1 Timothy 2 1

1 Timothy 2:1 kjv

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1 Timothy 2:1 nkjv

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

1 Timothy 2:1 niv

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people?

1 Timothy 2:1 esv

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

1 Timothy 2:1 nlt

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

1 Timothy 2 verses

1 Timothy 2 1 Meaning

First Timothy 2:1 is an apostolic command urging all believers to prioritize a multifaceted prayer life. It calls for specific requests (petitions), general communion with God (prayers), pleading on behalf of others (intercessions), and expressions of gratitude (thanksgivings) to be continually offered for every individual. This establishes the profound importance and broad scope of prayer in the Christian life, particularly within the corporate assembly.

1 Timothy 2 1 Context

This verse initiates a significant section of Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding proper conduct and order within the Ephesian church. Having addressed false teachings in chapter 1, Paul now transitions to matters of public worship. Verse 1 sets the foundational principle of universal prayer as a prerequisite for and a reflection of the orderly and godly community he seeks to establish. The subsequent verses build on this by discussing the subjects of prayer (especially for authorities), God's universal redemptive will, and appropriate conduct for men and women in the assembly. Historically, Ephesus was a major port city with diverse religious and philosophical influences, including emperor worship and various mystery cults. Paul’s instruction for universal prayer, particularly for authorities (vv. 2-3), stood in stark contrast to potential rebellious or isolationist tendencies among some Christians, demonstrating their peaceable submission and desire for a societal environment conducive to the spread of the gospel.

1 Timothy 2 1 Word analysis

• First of all, then, (πρῶτον πάντων, prōton pantōn): This phrase emphasizes paramount importance and priority. Paul is not merely suggesting, but asserting this instruction as foundational, something that must take precedence among their practices in the Christian community. It sets the tone for the instructions on church order that follow.
• I urge (παρακαλῶ, parakalō): This Greek verb signifies an earnest appeal, exhortation, encouragement, or strong plea rather than a mere request or a command. It conveys Paul's deep pastoral concern and spiritual authority as he encourages Timothy and the church to embrace this practice with conviction. It's an authoritative urging, not a mere suggestion.
• that petitions (δεήσεις, deēseis): Refers to specific requests born out of a sense of need or lack. These are urgent, often passionate appeals made when someone is conscious of a particular deficiency or difficulty requiring divine intervention. They are precise, felt needs laid before God.
• prayers (προσευχάς, proseuchas): This is the most general term for prayer, encompassing all forms of communication with God. It signifies an act of worship, devotion, and communion. It refers to a respectful approach to God, not limited to specific requests but covering all forms of addressing Him in adoration, confession, or thanksgiving.
• intercessions (ἐντεύξεις, enteuxeis): Denotes bold, confident approach, often pleading on behalf of another, or even involving an appeal to God against something (as in the case of pleading against injustice). It carries the nuance of confident access to God and implies engaging in spiritual warfare or defending someone else's cause before the Divine Judge. It signifies a direct, personal encounter with God concerning the needs of others.
• and thanksgivings (εὐχαριστίας, eucharistias): Refers to expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's blessings and acts of deliverance. This term is intrinsically linked to the "eucharist" (communion), highlighting that gratefulness is central to Christian worship. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God's goodness in prayer.
• be made (ποιεῖσθαι, poieisthai): Implies an active and intentional doing or making. It's not passive reception but an active generation of prayer. This indicates a consistent and regular practice within the church assembly, showing the performance of prayer.
• for all people (πάντων ἀνθρώπων, pantōn anthrōpōn): This is a critical phrase, establishing the universality of the scope of prayer. It deliberately counters any sectarian, exclusive, or isolationist tendencies, commanding prayer for the entirety of humanity, regardless of their social status, moral character, or spiritual standing. This foundational statement foreshadows God's desire for the salvation of all in verse 4 and reveals the truly expansive nature of God’s love and the Church's mission.

1 Timothy 2 1 Bonus section

The distinction between the four Greek terms for prayer (deēseis, proseuchas, enteuxeis, eucharistias) might have been common in philosophical or religious circles of the time to describe various forms of approaching a deity, and Paul uses them cumulatively here to ensure comprehensive coverage. It teaches that the public assembly's prayers are not just for itself but also for the broader society, acting as spiritual watchmen and intercessors for the world. This public, inclusive prayer also serves as a visible witness to God’s nature and His will for humanity, which extends to everyone. Furthermore, the imperative "First of all" connects to the ethical duties expected of believers and undergirds the principle that a church that prioritizes corporate prayer is a church rightly ordered in its relationship with God and its mission in the world.

1 Timothy 2 1 Commentary

1 Timothy 2:1 lays the bedrock for public worship, asserting prayer as its paramount priority. Paul, with a shepherd's heart and apostolic authority, "urges" a robust and comprehensive prayer life, utilizing a cluster of terms to emphasize its multifaceted nature: "petitions" for specific needs, "prayers" as general communion, "intercessions" for others, and "thanksgivings" for God’s provision. This rich vocabulary highlights that Christian prayer is not one-dimensional but embraces all aspects of addressing the Creator. Most profoundly, the command that these prayers "be made for all people" expands the Christian's prayer horizon beyond the immediate community. This universal scope undergirds the missionary impulse, indicating that our prayers should encompass the lost, the needy, and indeed, all humanity, anticipating God’s desire for the salvation of all. This public prayer fosters peace and good governance (v. 2) and serves as a vital component in God's plan for societal order and evangelism.