1 Timothy 2:2 kjv
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Timothy 2:2 nkjv
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
1 Timothy 2:2 niv
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:2 esv
for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 Timothy 2:2 nlt
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. ... | Submission to governing authorities is commanded. |
| Tit 3:1 | Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities... | Christians should obey authorities. |
| 1 Pet 2:13 | Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution... | Submit to human institutions for God's sake. |
| Jer 29:7 | But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf... | Pray for the peace of the land where one lives. |
| Ezr 6:10 | That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. | Priests prayed for king and his sons. |
| Prov 11:10 | When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of gladness. | Righteous leaders bring prosperity and joy. |
| Prov 29:2 | When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan. | Impact of righteous vs. wicked rulers. |
| 1 Thes 4:11-12 | and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs... | A quiet life helps witness to outsiders. |
| Rom 12:18 | If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. | Seek to live peacefully with everyone. |
| Heb 12:14 | Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. | Strive for peace and holiness. |
| 2 Tim 3:12 | Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted... | Godliness may invite persecution. |
| Tit 2:11-12 | For the grace of God has appeared... training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives... | Grace teaches us to live godly lives. |
| 2 Pet 1:3 | His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness... | God provides for life and godliness. |
| Heb 12:28 | Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe... | Worship God with reverence/godliness. |
| Phil 4:6-7 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding... | Peace comes through prayer, guarding hearts. |
| Psa 144:10 | who gives victory to kings... | God grants success to rulers. |
| Psa 2:10-11 | Now therefore, O kings, be wise... Serve the LORD with fear... | Kings should serve the Lord with reverence. |
| Isa 26:3 | You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. | Perfect peace for those who trust God. |
| 1 Tim 2:4 | who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. | God's desire for universal salvation follows prayer for peaceful life. |
| 1 Tim 2:1 | First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people... | Broader context of prayer for all humanity. |
| Tit 2:7-8 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity... | Teach and model integrity and dignity. |
| 1 Pet 2:12 | Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God... | Good conduct glorifies God before outsiders. |
| Dan 6:21-22 | Then Daniel said to the king, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths... | Daniel shows respect and trust in God under foreign king. |
1 Timothy 2 verses
1 Timothy 2 2 Meaning
1 Timothy 2:2 encourages Christians to pray for those in governmental authority—from supreme rulers to all lower officials—so that the church and individual believers may live tranquil, orderly lives. This pursuit of peace is not merely for personal comfort, but is explicitly for the purpose of enabling a life characterized by genuine devotion to God (godliness) and honorable conduct towards all people (dignity). This environment of peace and order, fostered by prayer, allows the gospel message to be proclaimed freely and effectively, aligning with God's universal desire for all people to come to the knowledge of truth.
1 Timothy 2 2 Context
This verse is part of a larger section (1 Tim 2:1-7) where Paul instructs Timothy on appropriate conduct for public worship and the evangelistic mission of the church. The immediate preceding verse (2:1) calls for prayer for all people, and 2:2 then narrows and specifies this command to include those in positions of political authority. This instruction was vital for the church in Ephesus, and indeed across the Roman Empire, where Christians existed as a minority, often misunderstood, suspected, or persecuted. Living under absolute rulers, some believers might have been tempted to withdraw from society or resist authority. Paul's directive underscores the importance of a peaceable posture that aims to create an environment conducive to living out the faith and spreading the gospel, as directly articulated in the verses that follow (1 Tim 2:3-4), which connect prayer for rulers to God's desire for all people to be saved. The overarching aim of the letter is to ensure good order and sound doctrine within the burgeoning Ephesian church.
1 Timothy 2 2 Word analysis
- for kings (ὑπὲρ βασιλέων - hyper basileōn): "Hyper" means 'on behalf of' or 'for the benefit of'. "Basileōn" refers to literal kings or supreme rulers. This signifies prayer with a purpose for their well-being and actions, recognizing their ultimate power. The early church lived under the Roman Emperors, absolute rulers with the power to decree life or death, persecution or peace.
- and all who are in authority (καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐν ὑπεροχῇ ὄντων - kai pantōn tōn en hyperochē ontōn): "Pantōn" means 'all'. "Hyperochē" (ὑπεροχῇ) signifies supremacy, eminence, or pre-eminence. This phrase broadens the scope beyond a singular king to include every person holding a position of power or high office, whether local, regional, or imperial. This ensures comprehensive prayer for all levels of government, recognizing that even minor officials could impact the peace and conduct of believers.
- that we may lead (ἵνα ἄγωμεν - hina agōmen): "Hina" introduces a purpose clause: "in order that," or "so that." "Agōmen" means 'to lead' or 'to live'. This directly states the purpose or desired outcome of praying for those in authority, connecting their governance to the conditions for the believers' lives.
- a peaceful (ἥσυχον - hēsuchon): Refers to being quiet, tranquil, undisturbed, or calm. This denotes an external state of public order and tranquility, free from political or social unrest and strife, allowing Christians to practice their faith without undue disturbance or hostility. It can also imply an inner disposition of quietude and composure.
- and quiet (καὶ ἡσύχιον - kai hēsychion): Very similar in meaning to "hēsuchon" and from the same root. Some texts might have slight variations, but often reinforce the idea of a serene and undisturbed life. It can particularly emphasize an orderly and tranquil social environment, free from internal or external disruptions that might hinder the church's mission.
- life (βίον - bion): This term refers to one's manner of living, daily conduct, or way of life. It’s not just about existence, but the quality and characteristics of one’s earthly life.
- godly (εὐσεβείᾳ - eusebeia): This term signifies piety, reverence toward God, godliness, or devotion. It describes a life that is truly consecrated to God, manifested in inner reverence and outward actions that reflect commitment to biblical truth and moral purity. It's about living in accordance with God's will and character.
- and dignified (καὶ σεμνότητι - kai semnotēti): "Semnotēti" means dignity, seriousness, gravity, honor, or respectable conduct. It describes the outward demeanor and behavior of Christians, demonstrating integrity, seriousness, and moral respectability in their interactions with society. This aspect relates to how believers are perceived by others.
- in every way (ἐν πάσῃ - en pasē): Literally "in all" or "in every respect." This serves as an intensifier, indicating that the peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified qualities should pervade every facet of the believer's life and interactions, leaving no room for hypocrisy or partial application.
1 Timothy 2 2 Bonus section
The instruction to pray for kings and all in authority was revolutionary in its time, especially given the backdrop of Roman rule which often included emperors hostile to Christian faith. It counters any potential anarchic tendencies or a desire for revolutionary overthrow, instead advocating for faithful citizenship and a recognition of divine providence in the establishment of authorities, even imperfect ones (Rom 13:1). This also demonstrates the Christian hope is not primarily in political change or earthly kingdoms, but in the kingdom of God, which can advance even under oppressive regimes, provided a measure of civic peace exists. The quality of "dignity" also challenges the stereotype that Christians were socially undesirable or disruptive; instead, it calls for a life that commands respect, disarming criticism and fostering an openness to their message. This proactive stance through prayer, rather than passive submission or rebellious opposition, underscores the priority of gospel proclamation and faithful living over political maneuvering.
1 Timothy 2 2 Commentary
1 Timothy 2:2 lays a foundational principle for Christian engagement with civil government: the command to pray for rulers and all in authority. This instruction is profoundly practical and missional. Paul recognizes that a stable and orderly society, facilitated by effective governance, creates the optimal conditions for the church to thrive and for the gospel to spread unhindered. Without prayer for peace and order, the church risks constant disruption from civil unrest, political upheaval, or persecution, diverting its focus from its primary mission.
The verse clarifies that the desired outcome of such prayer is not political alignment or worldly comfort, but rather "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." "Peaceful and quiet" refers to a societal environment conducive to stable living and worship, free from chaos, arbitrary violence, or direct government suppression. This allows believers to focus on their faith and outreach. Importantly, this tranquility is explicitly for the purpose of living "godly and dignified lives." "Godly" speaks to our vertical relationship—our reverence and devotion towards God—while "dignified" addresses our horizontal relationship—our respectable and honorable conduct before all people, particularly unbelievers. This dignified and godly living serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel. The phrase "in every way" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of these qualities; they should define every aspect of a believer's public and private life. Therefore, praying for authorities is not merely a duty but a strategic action to secure a climate where Christian discipleship can flourish and the evangelistic mandate can be fulfilled (1 Tim 2:4).