King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:1 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:1 in the King James Version says “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; exhort: or, desire”

1 Timothy 2:1 · KJV

Context

1

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; exhort: or, desire

2

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. authority: or, eminent place

3

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; Paul transitions to corporate worship instructions with "I exhort" (parakaleō, παρακαλέω)—strongly urge or appeal. The word "therefore" connects these instructions to preceding themes: sound doctrine should produce godly practice, including proper prayer. "First of all" (prōton pantōn, πρῶτον πάντων) indicates priority, not necessarily chronological order—prayer holds primary importance in church gatherings.

Paul lists four types of prayer: (1) "Supplications" (deēseis, δεήσεις)—requests for specific needs; (2) "Prayers" (proseuchas, προσευχάς)—general worship and devotion to God; (3) "Intercessions" (enteuxeis, ἐντεύξεις)—petitions on behalf of others, especially approaching a superior for favor; (4) "Giving of thanks" (eucharistias, εὐχαριστίας)—gratitude for blessings received. Together these cover the full range of prayer—petition, worship, intercession, and thanksgiving.

Remarkably, these prayers are to be "for all men" (hyper pantōn anthrōpōn, ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων)—not merely fellow believers but all humanity. This universal scope reflects God's universal love (John 3:16) and His desire that all be saved (2:4). Christians pray for enemies, persecutors, unbelievers, and those in authority, demonstrating kingdom values that transcend natural human divisions and animosities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish prayer tradition included specific prayers for rulers and civil authorities, recognizing that stable government enabled peaceful practice of religion. Jesus commanded His followers to pray for enemies and persecutors (Matthew 5:44), radically expanding prayer's scope beyond those naturally loved. The early church continued this practice, praying even for Roman emperors who increasingly persecuted Christians.

The variety of prayer types Paul lists likely reflects established worship patterns in early churches. These weren't merely spontaneous, individual prayers but structured corporate worship including petition, praise, intercession, and thanksgiving. The emphasis on prayer "first of all" indicates its priority in church gatherings—not merely preliminary routine but central activity.

In Ephesus, a cosmopolitan city with diverse populations and religions, the call to pray for "all men" would have clear application. Christians were to pray not only for fellow believers but for pagan neighbors, governing authorities, business associates, and even those hostile to the faith. This demonstrated Christianity's universal scope and loving character, contradicting accusations that it was a narrow, exclusive sect.

Reflection Questions

  1. What proportion of your church's corporate gatherings is devoted to prayer, and does this reflect prayer's "first of all" priority?
  2. How regularly do you pray for those outside your natural affinity groups—political opponents, religious skeptics, cultural enemies?
  3. How balanced is your prayer life across supplication, worship, intercession, and thanksgiving rather than focusing primarily on requests?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Παρακαλῶ1 of 12

“I exhort”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

οὖν2 of 12

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πρῶτον3 of 12

“that first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

πάντων4 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ποιεῖσθαι5 of 12

“be made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

δεήσεις6 of 12

“supplications”

G1162

a petition

προσευχάς7 of 12

“prayers”

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

ἐντεύξεις8 of 12

“intercessions”

G1783

an interview, i.e., (specially) supplication

εὐχαριστίας9 of 12

“and giving of thanks”

G2169

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

ὑπὲρ10 of 12

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

πάντων11 of 12

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπων12 of 12

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 2:1 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 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 1:3Matthew 6:9-10James 5:16Psalms 67:1-41 Timothy 2:4Ephesians 5:20

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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