1 Timothy 2 5

1 Timothy 2:5 kjv

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1 Timothy 2:5 nkjv

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 niv

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 esv

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 nlt

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity ? the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2 verses

1 Timothy 2 5 Meaning

1 Timothy 2:5 declares the foundational truth of Christian monotheism and the singular path to reconciliation with the one true God. It asserts that there is only one God, universally sovereign, and exclusively one mediator who bridges the chasm between this holy God and sinful humanity: Jesus Christ, specifically emphasizing His dual nature as fully divine ("Christ Jesus") and fully human ("the man"). This verse underpins the universality of the Gospel message and the exclusive efficacy of Christ's atoning work, making Him the unique point of contact and intercession for all people.

1 Timothy 2 5 Context

1 Timothy chapter 2 begins with Paul urging prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings "for all people" (v. 1), specifically mentioning kings and all in authority, so that Christians might live peaceful lives (v. 2). He states that this is "good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (vv. 3-4). Verse 5 then provides the foundational theological justification for this universal desire for salvation and the global mission of the church: the very nature of God and the exclusive means He has provided for humanity's reconciliation. It shifts from the purpose of prayer (salvation for all) to the reason salvation is available for all. Historically, this declaration likely stood in stark contrast to pagan polytheism and mystery religions that posited many deities and various cultic intermediaries. It also distinguished Christianity from a Judaism that might have perceived access to God primarily through the Law, the Temple, or a Levitical priesthood, or even through angelic mediators (Gal 3:19). Paul is asserting a new, universal, and singularly mediated access to God.

1 Timothy 2 5 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): This conjunction signifies a causal relationship. It introduces the theological reason or justification for the preceding statements about God's desire for all people to be saved and the necessity of universal prayer. It links the missional desire (vv. 3-4) to a theological bedrock.
• there is (εἷς ἐστιν - heis estin): "There is" indicates an existential truth, an objective reality. Combined with "one," it forcefully states a definitive, singular existence.
• one (εἷς - heis): This word emphasizes absolute numerical singularity. In the context of "God," it proclaims strict monotheism, refuting any notion of multiple gods or deities (as common in Greco-Roman polytheism). In the context of "mediator," it declares absolute exclusivity – there is no other legitimate go-between for humanity and God.
• God (Θεός - Theos): Refers to the singular, ultimate, sovereign Creator and Lord of the universe. This "one God" is the focus of Christian worship and the ultimate end of all prayer and reconciliation. This word affirms the absolute deity.
• and (καὶ - kai): A simple connective, joining the two core assertions of the verse: the oneness of God and the oneness of the mediator.
• one (εἷς - heis): This second instance of "one" carries the same emphatic weight, explicitly declaring that the path back to God is just as singular and exclusive as God's own being. It dismisses all other claimants to mediatorial roles.
• mediator (μεσίτης - mesitēs): This crucial Greek term means "one who stands in the middle," an "umpire," an "intercessor," an "arbitrator," or "go-between." In a legal or spiritual context, it refers to someone who intercedes or mediates between two parties that are at odds, estranged, or need a bridge built between them. It implies a divide (here, between God and humanity due to sin) that needs to be overcome by someone representing both sides or having access to both.
• between God (Θεοῦ - Theou) and men (ἀνθρώπων - anthrōpōn): This phrase defines the specific parties involved in the reconciliation, highlighting the gap created by sin between a holy God and fallen humanity. "Men" (ἀνθρώπων - anthrōpōn) here is a generic term referring to all human beings, male and female, affirming the universal scope of the mediation.
• the man (ἄνθρωπος - anthrōpos): This designation is profoundly significant. It emphasizes Jesus' full and true humanity. For effective mediation, the mediator must fully identify with both parties. As "the man," Jesus fully experienced human life, temptation, suffering, and death, uniquely qualifying Him to represent humanity before God and to die for humanity's sins (Heb 2:14-18). His humanity made Him approachable and capable of propitiation.
• Christ Jesus (Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς - Christos Iēsous): "Christ" (Messiah, Anointed One) signifies His divine appointment, unique office, and prophetic fulfillment, hinting at His deity and saving power. "Jesus" (Yeshua, meaning "Yahweh saves") refers to His personal, historical name, confirming His identity as the promised Savior. The combination ("Christ Jesus") thus speaks to His unified identity as the God-man, uniquely qualified for the mediatorial role due to His divine authority and His shared humanity.

Word-groups by words-group analysis:

• "For there is one God": This opening phrase asserts absolute monotheism, a core tenet derived from the Old Testament Shema (Deut 6:4). It forms the theological basis for the universal love and desire of God for humanity, as all people are created by and accountable to this singular Creator. This establishes God's unchanging nature and supreme authority.
• "and one mediator": This declaration asserts exclusivity. Just as God is unique, so is the access to Him. It rejects any plurality of paths, agents, or rituals for reconciliation beyond what God Himself has provided. This is crucial for evangelism and highlights the particularity of God's redemptive plan.
• "between God and men": This phrase clearly identifies the two estranged parties, emphasizing the deep chasm that sin has created. The need for a mediator arises directly from this broken relationship and the inability of humanity to approach a holy God on its own terms. "Men" used generically implies that the reconciliation provided is for all humanity.
• "the man Christ Jesus": This identifies the specific and unique mediator. The emphasis on "the man" underscores His incarnation, signifying that He shares fully in humanity, capable of suffering and death on our behalf. Yet, combining "the man" with "Christ Jesus" points to His full deity and unique role as Messiah and Savior. This title underscores the hypostatic union—Jesus is fully God and fully man, indispensable for His role as the perfect bridge between heaven and earth.

1 Timothy 2 5 Bonus section

• Hypostatic Union: This verse implicitly, but strongly, asserts the doctrine of the hypostatic union—that Jesus is one person with two distinct, inseparable natures: fully divine and fully human. His divinity allows Him to effectively bridge the gap from God's side, while His humanity allows Him to identify with and represent humanity from man's side. Neither full deity alone nor full humanity alone would suffice for perfect mediation.
• Contrast with Mosaic Covenant: While the Law was given through Moses as a mediator (Gal 3:19), Moses was merely a messenger. Jesus, as "the mediator" (Heb 8:6), established a "new covenant" that brings grace and forgiveness directly, by His own sacrificial work, rather than just relaying commands. His mediation is active, intercessory, and salvific, providing actual access and reconciliation.
• The 'Scandal of Particularity': The declaration of "one mediator" directly confronts universalist views that propose multiple paths to God. This truth can be perceived as exclusive or narrow by some, but for Christians, it is a testament to God's specific, personal, and perfectly revealed plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, making it the most inclusive offer possible since it is open to "all men" (humanity).

1 Timothy 2 5 Commentary

1 Timothy 2:5 stands as a pillar of Christian doctrine, succinctly encapsulating fundamental truths about God and salvation. It provides the essential theological groundwork for Paul's previous command for universal prayer and the Gospel's availability to all, irrespective of social standing or background. The verse begins by unequivocally stating the existence of "one God." This monotheistic affirmation grounds all Christian theology and directly refutes any polytheistic worldview. This single, supreme God, revealed through Christ, is the God of all humanity, providing the ultimate reason why He desires "all people to be saved" (1 Tim 2:4).

Following the affirmation of God's singularity, the verse introduces the concept of a "mediator." The word mesitēs inherently implies a divide or conflict that requires someone to bridge the gap. The separation between "God and men" is humanity's sin (Isa 59:2). Given God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, a direct, unmediated approach is impossible. Therefore, God Himself provided the perfect bridge. The power of this verse lies in its absolute exclusivity: "one mediator." This firmly shuts the door on any other proposed routes to God—be they through angels, other deities, human gurus, religious systems, or self-effort. Access to God is uniquely and exclusively through Christ.

Crucially, this one mediator is identified as "the man Christ Jesus." The designation "the man" highlights His essential humanity, necessary for Him to truly represent fallen humanity, bear its sins, and suffer its penalty (Heb 2:14-18). He understood our weaknesses and temptations because He became one of us. However, He is not merely a man; He is "Christ Jesus," simultaneously asserting His divine authority, His role as the promised Messiah, and His historical identity as Savior. This emphasizes His dual nature (fully God and fully man) in one person, a theological concept known as the hypostatic union. It is precisely because Jesus is both God (possessing infinite holiness and power to deal with sin) and Man (able to identify with and represent humanity) that He is the only adequate mediator capable of perfectly bridging the infinite chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. His perfect life and sacrificial death accomplished reconciliation, establishing Him as the intercessor for all who would come to God through Him. This verse profoundly underscores both the sufficiency and the exclusivity of Jesus' work for salvation.

For practical application, this verse guides our evangelism: we present the unique way to God. It informs our prayers: we approach the Father through the Son. It strengthens our faith: we rely solely on Christ's accomplished work for our standing with God. It also helps us understand other faiths by revealing why different approaches to God are ultimately insufficient without this singular mediator.