1 Timothy 2
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedPaul asks that prayers and giving of thanks "be made for all men," including kings and those in authority, because God "will have all men to be saved." There is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all." Paul then gives instructions for how men should pray and how women should adorn themselves and learn. 1 Timothy 2:11 Timothy 2:21 Timothy 2:41 Timothy 2:51 Timothy 2:61 Timothy 2:81 Timothy 2:91 Timothy 2:11
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul writes to Timothy, calling himself "a preacher, and an apostle... a teacher of the Gentiles." The instructions concern the believers: men praying "every where," and women "professing godliness." 1 Timothy 2:71 Timothy 2:81 Timothy 2:101 Timothy overview
Where
The instructions are for the church at Ephesus, where Timothy was leading. 1 Timothy overview
When
Traditionally written about AD 62-64. Many critical scholars date the letter later, around AD 80-110. 1 Timothy overview
How it fits
After the charge against false teaching in chapter 1, Paul begins "I exhort therefore" with prayer for all men. Chapter 3 moves on to the qualifications of a bishop. 1 Timothy 2:11 Timothy 3:11 Timothy overview
Key verses
- Verse 4
God "will have all men to be saved," which is why prayer is made for all men. Peter says the same: the Lord is "not willing that any should perish." 1 Timothy 2:11 Timothy 2:42 Peter 3:9Ezekiel 18:32
- Verse 5
"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," who "gave himself a ransom for all." Matthew 20:28 says the Son of man came "to give his life a ransom for many." 1 Timothy 2:51 Timothy 2:6Matthew 20:28
- Verse 12
Paul says, "I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man," and gives two reasons from Genesis: "For Adam was first formed, then Eve," and "the woman being deceived was in the transgression." 1 Timothy 2:121 Timothy 2:131 Timothy 2:14Genesis 2:18Genesis 3:6
Takeaway
Pray for everyone, rulers included, since God wants all to be saved through the one mediator, Christ Jesus. Let worship be marked by holy hands "without wrath and doubting" and by good works rather than costly display. 1 Timothy 2:11 Timothy 2:41 Timothy 2:51 Timothy 2:81 Timothy 2:10
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-28.
Pray for all men
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto 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.
How men should pray
8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
How women should adorn themselves and learn
9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.