King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 2:6 Mean?

1 Timothy 2:6 in the King James Version says “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. to: or, a testimony” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 2:6 · KJV

Context

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

7

Whereunto 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.

8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Read 1 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Paul describes Christ's mediatorial work: He "gave himself" (dous heauton, δοὺς ἑαυτόν)—voluntary self-sacrifice. No one took Christ's life; He laid it down willingly (John 10:18). This self-giving was "a ransom" (antilytron, ἀντίλυτρον), a compound word intensifying lytron (λύτρον, ransom or redemption price). The prefix anti suggests substitution—Christ as substitute ransom, dying in sinners' place.

This ransom was "for all" (hyper pantōn, ὑπὲρ πάντων). The preposition hyper can mean "on behalf of" or "in place of." Christ's death has sufficient value for all humanity—it can save anyone who believes. This doesn't mean all are saved (universalism) but that Christ's atonement has universal sufficiency, though particular application to those who believe. The gospel offer extends to all; Christ died for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9).

This truth is "to be testified in due time" (martyrion kairois idiois, μαρτύριον καιροῖς ἰδίοις)—witnessed or proclaimed at the proper times. "Due time" refers to God's appointed seasons for gospel proclamation. The verb martyreō (μαρτυρέω) means to bear witness or testify, implying both the gospel's truth and the responsibility to proclaim it. Christ's ransom must be announced so people can believe and be saved.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ransom language derives from the slave market and prisoner redemption. A ransom was the price paid to free slaves or captives. Christ's death paid the price to free sinners from slavery to sin and Satan (Mark 10:45). This wasn't payment to Satan (who has no legitimate claim on humans) but satisfaction of divine justice—sin's penalty must be paid, and Christ paid it for those who believe.

The phrase "for all" must be understood within Paul's consistent theology. He taught that Christ died for "the church" (Ephesians 5:25), "His people" (Matthew 1:21), and "the sheep" (John 10:11, 15)—specific individuals God chose for salvation. Yet Christ's death has universal sufficiency and the gospel offer extends to all. These truths aren't contradictory but complementary: Christ's death fully accomplishes salvation for the elect while being sufficiently valuable for all who believe.

"In due time" may refer to the inauguration of gospel age after Christ's resurrection and ascension, when apostles proclaimed His work globally. It may also suggest continuing testimony throughout church history until Christ returns. God's timing is perfect—Christ came at the right time (Galatians 4:4), and gospel proclamation unfolds according to divine schedule as churches faithfully witness to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways does your life reflect Christ's self-giving pattern rather than self-centered living?
  2. How does understanding the universal sufficiency of Christ's ransom affect your evangelistic confidence and efforts?
  3. What opportunities has God given you to testify about Christ's ransoming death, and how faithfully do you use them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τὸ1 of 10

“Who”

G3588

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

δοὺς2 of 10

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἑαυτὸν3 of 10

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀντίλυτρον4 of 10

“a ransom”

G487

a redemption-price

ὑπὲρ5 of 10

“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

πάντων6 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ7 of 10

“Who”

G3588

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

μαρτύριον8 of 10

“to be testified”

G3142

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

καιροῖς9 of 10

“time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἰδίοις10 of 10

“in due”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 20:281 Peter 3:181 John 2:1-2Galatians 4:41 John 4:10Revelation 1:5

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