1 Timothy 2:3 kjv
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1 Timothy 2:3 nkjv
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:3 niv
This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:3 esv
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2:3 nlt
This is good and pleases God our Savior,
1 Timothy 2 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 2:1 | First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers... be made for all people, | Preceding context; direct connection. |
| 1 Tim 2:2 | for kings and all who are in high positions... | Preceding context; specific prayer focus. |
| 1 Tim 2:4 | who desires all people to be saved... | Immediate theological ground. |
| 2 Pet 3:9 | The Lord is not slow... not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. | God's universal desire for salvation. |
| Titus 3:4 | But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, | God the Father as Savior. |
| Lk 1:47 | and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. | God as personal Savior. |
| Is 45:22 | Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. | Universal call to salvation by God. |
| Eph 2:10 | For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. | Purposeful living aligned with God's will. |
| Rom 12:2 | do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. | What is acceptable to God. |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | God takes pleasure in good deeds. |
| Phil 4:18 | I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied... a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. | Acceptable worship/service. |
| 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, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. | Praying for authorities/peace. |
| Rom 13:1 | Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God... | God establishes authority. |
| Titus 1:3 | but has now manifested His word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior. | God the Father as the source of command. |
| Titus 2:10 | not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. | Glorifying God the Savior. |
| 1 Tim 1:1 | Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, | God the Father identified as Savior. |
| Jude 1:25 | to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. | Doxology to God as Savior. |
| Ps 100:3 | Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his... | God's supreme authority. |
| Ps 51:17 | The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. | What is pleasing to God (heart). |
| Ps 34:8 | Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! | God's inherent goodness. |
| Phil 2:13 | for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. | God's active work aligns with His pleasure. |
| Mt 5:16 | In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. | Good works pleasing to God. |
| 1 Cor 7:37 | If a man stands firm in his resolve, being under no compulsion, but has control over his own will, and has determined in his heart to keep her as his betrothed, he does well. | Doing what is "good" or "well." |
1 Timothy 2 verses
1 Timothy 2 3 Meaning
Praying for all people, including those in positions of authority, is inherently noble, morally upright, and receives direct approval and favor from God Himself. This practice aligns perfectly with the very character and desire of God as our deliverer and rescuer.
1 Timothy 2 3 Context
This verse serves as the theological basis for the instruction given in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, where Paul urges that prayers and intercessions be made for "all people" and specifically for "kings and all who are in high positions." The instruction to pray for civil authorities was crucial for the early church, enabling them to live "peaceful and quiet lives" so that the gospel could be freely proclaimed without undue governmental opposition or persecution. Paul's emphasis on praying for all, even those who might be considered opponents or unfamiliar, directly prefaces the foundational declaration in verse 4 concerning God's universal salvific desire. The chapter transitions from public worship practices to more specific instructions concerning roles within the church.
1 Timothy 2 3 Word analysis
- For: (γάρ - gar) This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement (1 Tim 2:1-2). It signifies that the practice of praying for all people and for authorities is not merely a suggestion but is founded upon a deep theological truth about God.
- this: (τοῦτο - touto) A demonstrative pronoun referring directly back to the action of praying for all individuals and for those in positions of authority as prescribed in verses 1 and 2. It pinpoints the specific activity that is pleasing to God.
- is good: (καλόν - kalon) Signifies something intrinsically excellent, noble, morally beautiful, and honorable, not just practically useful or expedient. It conveys a qualitative excellence that reflects divine standards and character. This describes the inherent moral and spiritual beauty of such prayer.
- and acceptable: (ἀποδέκτον - apodekton) This word denotes something well-received, approved, pleasing, or welcome. It goes beyond mere goodness by indicating God's positive reception and endorsement of the act. It implies God takes delight in such prayers.
- in the sight of: (ἐνώπιον - enōpion) Literally "before the face of" or "in the presence of." This prepositional phrase emphasizes divine observation and scrutiny. It means the act is openly visible and receives full recognition and approval from God, as if it is performed directly before Him.
- God our Savior: (Θεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν - Theou Sōtēros hēmōn) This is a crucial theological designation. "Savior" (Σωτῆρ - Sōtēr) means rescuer, preserver, or deliverer. Attributing this title to God the Father (before introducing Christ as Savior) underlines that salvation ultimately originates from the Father's gracious plan and character. It signals God's intrinsic nature and universal redemptive intent, preparing the reader for the statement in verse 4 that God desires all people to be saved. This phrase reinforces that praying for all people is aligned with God's very nature and purpose of bringing salvation to humanity.
Words-group analysis
- "For this is good and acceptable": This phrase asserts that praying for all people is not just a pragmatic choice for the church but a divine imperative, deeply rooted in God's ethical and relational nature. It transcends practical benefits, making such prayer a virtuous act.
- "in the sight of God our Savior": This climactic phrase clarifies who considers such prayer good and acceptable and why. It places the act of prayer directly before the divine gaze and connects it with God's character as the ultimate deliverer. This establishes the theological foundation for universal gospel outreach—because God is Savior, He desires all people to be saved.
1 Timothy 2 3 Bonus section
The strong emphasis on God as "Savior" in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus) when referring to God the Father (e.g., 1 Tim 1:1; Titus 1:3; Titus 2:10; Titus 3:4) is noteworthy. While Jesus Christ is explicitly our Savior, these letters highlight that salvation ultimately originates from God the Father's sovereign plan and desire. This establishes a robust Trinitarian foundation for salvation where the Father initiates, the Son executes, and the Spirit applies. The structure of this verse, linking "good and acceptable" with "God our Savior" before detailing His desire for universal salvation, posits that praying for all people is directly tied to the very nature of God's redemptive purpose in the world. This helps to overcome any narrow or exclusive interpretations of God's saving activity and provides strong biblical support for widespread evangelism and intercession.
1 Timothy 2 3 Commentary
1 Timothy 2:3 provides the profound theological grounding for the preceding instruction regarding universal prayer, especially for those in authority. It states that such prayer is inherently "good" and "acceptable" because it aligns with the character of "God our Savior." This brief declaration unveils God's fundamental nature as One who desires the salvation of all humanity, which is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse (v. 4). Therefore, when believers pray for all people, including rulers who may not know God, they are participating in and affirming God's redemptive will for the world. The term "Savior" attributed to God the Father is significant; it underscores that salvation originates from His very being and gracious design, setting the stage for the good news to be offered to everyone. The verse thus motivates global mission through local prayer, demonstrating that intercession for others is not just a duty but a privilege that mirrors the very heart of God.
- Practical Examples: This verse encourages churches to pray for local government leaders, national leaders, and international events; for individuals they know are struggling, regardless of their faith background; and to view every act of intercession as a sacred, pleasing act before God.