King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:3 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:3 in the King James Version says “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 2:3 · KJV

Salvation

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;

4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

5

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

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Paul grounds the command to pray for all people in God's character and will. "This" refers to the practice of praying for all people, including governing authorities. Such prayer is "good" (kalon, καλόν)—intrinsically right, noble, and beautiful. It is also "acceptable" (apodekton, ἀπόδεκτον)—pleasing or welcomed by God. The phrase "in the sight of God" (enōpion tou theou, ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ) emphasizes divine perspective—what ultimately matters is God's approval, not human opinion.

God is identified as "our Saviour" (tou sōtēros hēmōn, τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν), a title Paul uses frequently in the Pastoral Epistles for both God the Father and Christ. Here it refers to the Father as the source and initiator of salvation, whose saving will extends to all humanity (v. 4). God's character as Savior explains why He desires universal prayer—He loves all people and desires all to be saved, making it appropriate for His people to pray accordingly.

This verse establishes a crucial theological principle: Christian practice must align with God's character and will. We pray for all people because God loves all people. We seek others' salvation because God seeks others' salvation. Our prayers, desires, and actions should reflect and express God's revealed character and purposes. Theology shapes practice; knowing God's nature directs our behavior.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The description of God as "Savior" would resonate distinctly in the Roman world where emperors were acclaimed as "saviors" bringing peace and prosperity. Christians' counter-claim that God alone is Savior, accomplishing true salvation through Christ, represented both theological truth and subtle political statement. Caesar might maintain civil order, but only God saves from sin, death, and judgment.

Jewish theology emphasized God as Israel's Savior, delivering them from Egypt and establishing covenant relationship. Early Christian theology expanded this understanding: God's saving purposes extend beyond Israel to all nations. The universal scope of prayer (for all people, including Gentile rulers) reflects this broadened understanding of God's saving will, grounded in Christ's work for the world (John 3:16).

The concept that human practices should be "acceptable" to God pervades biblical religion. Old Testament sacrifices had to meet specific requirements to be acceptable (Leviticus 1:3-4; 22:19-25). New Testament Christians offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Prayer, like all worship, must conform to God's revealed will to be truly acceptable. Sincerity alone doesn't suffice; our worship must align with God's character and commands.

Reflection Questions

  1. How consistently do you evaluate practices and decisions by whether they please God rather than merely what benefits you?
  2. In what ways does understanding God as "our Savior" shape your identity, priorities, and relationships?
  3. How do you guard against people-pleasing while maintaining appropriate concern for Christian witness and others' welfare?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦτο1 of 10

“this”

G5124

that thing

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καλὸν3 of 10

“is good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

καὶ4 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ἀπόδεκτον5 of 10

“acceptable”

G587

accepted, i.e., agreeable

ἐνώπιον6 of 10

“in the sight”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σωτῆρος8 of 10

“Saviour”

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ἡμῶν9 of 10

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

θεοῦ10 of 10

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:161 Peter 2:201 Timothy 1:1Romans 14:181 Peter 2:5Colossians 1:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Timothy 2 with CommentaryAll 1 Timothy ChaptersComplete 1 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes