King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:4 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:4 in the King James Version says “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 2:4 · KJV

SalvationTruth

Context

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;

6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. to: or, a testimony

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. This verse explains why praying for all people is acceptable to God: He "will have" (thelei, θέλει)—desires or wishes—"all men to be saved" (pantas anthrōpous sōthēnai, πάντας ἀνθρώπους σωθῆναι). The word "all" is comprehensive—God's saving desire extends to all humanity without exception, not merely to some preferred group. "To be saved" encompasses full salvation—deliverance from sin's guilt, power, and eventual penalty, reconciliation to God, and eternal life.

Salvation involves coming "unto the knowledge of the truth" (eis epignōsin alētheias elthein, εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν). The compound epignōsis (ἐπίγνωσις) means full, precise knowledge or recognition—not merely intellectual awareness but personal acquaintance and experiential understanding. "The truth" (alētheia, ἀλήθεια) refers to gospel truth revealed in Christ (John 14:6; 18:37), contrasted with the false teaching Timothy was combating.

This verse raises theological questions about divine will and human salvation. God genuinely desires all people's salvation, yet not all are saved. This apparent tension is resolved by distinguishing God's revealed will (what He commands and desires) from His decretive will (what He sovereignly ordains). God desires all to be saved in the sense that He finds no pleasure in the wicked's death (Ezekiel 33:11) and offers salvation freely to all. Yet in His mysterious sovereignty, He has chosen to save some through electing grace while leaving others to their chosen rebellion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse directly counters any notion that God's saving purposes are limited to a particular nation, ethnicity, or class. Against Jewish exclusivism that saw salvation as primarily or exclusively for Israel, Paul affirms God's universal saving will. Against Gnostic tendencies that viewed salvation as esoteric knowledge for spiritual elite, Paul declares God desires all to know truth. The gospel is universal in scope and offer.

The connection between salvation and knowing truth reflects biblical epistemology: salvation isn't merely forgiveness of sins but transformative knowledge of God through Christ. This knowledge is personal and relational (knowing God, not merely facts about Him), experiential (tasting and seeing that the Lord is good), and transformative (knowing truth sanctifies, John 17:17). False religion substitutes human speculation for divine revelation; true religion receives God's self-disclosure in Christ.

In Timothy's context, where false teachers promoted speculative myths and genealogies rather than gospel truth, Paul's emphasis on "knowledge of the truth" had immediate application. Salvation requires true gospel content, not any sincere religious conviction. This exclusivity isn't narrow-minded bigotry but recognition that truth is objective—there is one gospel, one mediator, one way of salvation (v. 5; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's desire for all to be saved affect your prayer life, evangelistic efforts, and support for missions?
  2. In what ways do you ensure your gospel presentations communicate true biblical content rather than generic spirituality?
  3. How do you balance urgency in evangelism with humble recognition that God alone grants salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ὃς1 of 10

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πάντας2 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπους3 of 10

“men”

G444

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

θέλει4 of 10

“will have”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

σωθῆναι5 of 10

“to be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

εἰς7 of 10

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐπίγνωσιν8 of 10

“the knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

ἀληθείας9 of 10

“of the truth”

G225

truth

ἐλθεῖν10 of 10

“to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 18:322 Peter 3:9Ezekiel 18:23Titus 2:11John 3:15-17Ezekiel 33:11

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