King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 1:9 Mean?

1 Timothy 1:9 in the King James Version says “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,”

1 Timothy 1:9 · KJV

Context

7

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

8

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

11

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Read 1 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, Paul explains the law's proper purpose: it targets not the righteous but lawbreakers. The phrase "not made for" (ou keitai, οὐ κεῖται) literally means "is not laid down for" or "does not apply to." A "righteous man" (dikaiō, δικαίῳ)—one justified by faith and walking in the Spirit—isn't under law as a system of condemnation or justification.

Paul then catalogs those for whom law exists: six paired categories of wickedness. "Lawless and disobedient" (anomois kai anypotaktois, ἀνόμοις καὶ ἀνυποτάκτοις) describes those who reject divine authority. "Ungodly and sinners" (asebesi kai hamartōlois, ἀσεβέσι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς) depicts those who violate God's holiness. "Unholy and profane" (anosiois kai bebēlois, ἀνοσίοις καὶ βεβήλοις) characterizes those who treat sacred things with contempt.

The catalog then turns to specific violations: "murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers" (patrolōais kai mētrolōais, πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις)—those who kill their own parents, the ultimate violation of the fifth commandment. "Manslayers" (androphonois, ἀνδροφόνοις) are murderers generally. This section corresponds roughly to the latter half of the Ten Commandments, showing how law exposes and restrains human wickedness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's statement that law isn't made for the righteous but for lawbreakers reflects both Jewish and Greco-Roman legal understanding. Law exists to restrain evil and maintain social order among those who won't voluntarily do right. Those who naturally live righteously don't need external legal constraint—their internal character produces right behavior.

The catalog of vices Paul provides reflects both the Ten Commandments and the broader moral law revealed in Scripture and nature. Greco-Roman society, despite its philosophical sophistication, tolerated many behaviors Scripture condemns. Infanticide, sexual immorality, and various forms of injustice were common. The law's moral standards stood in stark contrast to pagan ethical norms.

For Jewish readers, this teaching required rethinking the law's purpose. Many saw law observance as the path to righteousness before God. Paul insists the law's purpose is different—exposing sin, restraining evil, and driving people to seek righteousness outside themselves through faith in Christ. This understanding revolutionized how early Christians related to Old Testament law.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that you're not "under law" but "under grace" affect your daily pursuit of holiness?
  2. In what ways might Christians wrongly use the law as a means of justification rather than trusting Christ alone?
  3. How can churches maintain biblical moral standards in a culture that increasingly rejects them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εἰδὼς1 of 21

“Knowing”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοῦτο2 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

ὅτι3 of 21

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δικαίῳ4 of 21

“for a righteous man”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

νόμος5 of 21

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

οὐ6 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κεῖται7 of 21

“is”

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

ἀνόμοις8 of 21

“for the lawless”

G459

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

δὲ9 of 21

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ10 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνυποτάκτοις11 of 21

“disobedient”

G506

unsubdued, i.e., insubordinate (in fact or temper)

ἀσεβέσιν12 of 21

“for the ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

καὶ13 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἁμαρτωλοῖς14 of 21

“for sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

ἀνοσίοις15 of 21

“for unholy”

G462

wicked

καὶ16 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βεβήλοις17 of 21

“profane”

G952

accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked

πατραλῴαις18 of 21

“for murderers of fathers”

G3964

a parricide

καὶ19 of 21

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μητραλῴαις20 of 21

“murderers of mothers”

G3389

a mother-thresher, i.e., matricide

ἀνδροφόνοις21 of 21

“for manslayers”

G409

a murderer

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:191 Peter 4:18Galatians 3:10-14Romans 5:20Galatians 5:23Titus 3:3

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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