1TI 2:1-8

A Call to Prayer

1I urge therefore, first of all, that entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all people,

2on behalf of kings and all who are in positions of authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

3This is good and acceptable before God our Savior,

4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and people — the man Christ Jesus,

6who gave himself as a ransom for all — the testimony rendered at the proper time.

7For this I was appointed as herald and apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without anger and disputing.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Roman Empire, prayer was deeply embedded in both Jewish and Greco-Roman religious practice. For Jews, prayer was a structured act of piety, often tied to synagogue worship and the Temple rituals. For Romans, prayers were transactional, offered to gods or emperors to secure favor or avert disaster. The call for 'entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings' (, , , ) reflects a comprehensive approach to prayer, encompassing petitions, worship, direct appeals, and gratitude. Praying 'for kings and all those in authority' aligns with Jewish practice of praying for rulers (Jeremiah 29:7) and Roman expectations of civic piety. The emphasis on a 'tranquil and quiet life' resonates with Roman ideals of peace (Pax Romana) and Jewish hopes for societal stability. The mediator role of Christ Jesus contrasts sharply with Roman imperial cults, where emperors mediated between gods and people, and Jewish Temple rituals, where priests mediated through sacrifices.

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How other translations render this

1TI 2:1

KJV: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
BSB: First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—
Koinōnos: I urge therefore, first of all, that entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all people,

1TI 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.
BSB: for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Koinōnos: on behalf of kings and all who are in positions of authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1TI 2:3

KJV: For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
BSB: This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
Koinōnos: This is good and acceptable before God our Savior,

1TI 2:4

KJV: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
BSB: who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Koinōnos: who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1TI 2:5

KJV: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
BSB: For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Koinōnos: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and people — the man Christ Jesus,

1TI 2:6

KJV: Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
BSB: who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.
Koinōnos: who gave himself as a ransom for all — the testimony rendered at the proper time.

1TI 2:7

KJV: Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
BSB: For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.
Koinōnos: For this I was appointed as herald and apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

1TI 2:8

KJV: I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
BSB: Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.
Koinōnos: I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without anger and disputing.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

1TI 2:1

entreaties,:The word translated 'entreaties' refers to a specific request or petition, often born out of a sense of need or want, highlighting a direct appeal for something desired.
intercessions,:The term used here for 'intercessions' implies a direct, personal encounter or conversation with God on behalf of others, often with a sense of boldness or confidence.

1TI 2:2

godliness:The word translated 'godliness' describes a deep reverence and respect shown towards God, often manifesting in actions and a way of life that honors Him.
in [all] dignity.:The word translated 'dignity' conveys a sense of solemnity, seriousness, and honorable conduct, suggesting a demeanor that commands respect.