1 Timothy 1:13
What does 1 Timothy 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:13 means
Paul recalls his former life as a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man. He does not minimize his guilt, yet he notes he received mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief. This is not a claim of innocence but an explanation of God’s patience toward a man who was sincerely wrong. Mercy met him where he was and changed him. The contrast between who he was and what he became magnifies divine grace. By confessing his past plainly, Paul models humble honesty and shows that Christ’s mercy is for real sinners, not for those who think they have little to forgive.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did <FI>it<Fi> in unbelief,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who before was a blasphemer and a persecutor and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who before was a blasphemer and persecutor, and an insolent overbearing [man]: but mercy was shewn me because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief.
Context
This verse continues Paul’s thanksgiving by detailing his unworthiness to be in ministry. It prepares for the stronger affirmation of grace in verse 14. The flow underscores that the gospel Paul guards (vv. 9–11) has transformed its messenger. Verse 13 sets up the logic of mercy leading to mission: if God can redeem and use a former persecutor, no one is beyond His reach. The next verses will highlight the superabundance of grace (v. 14) and the core mission of Christ to save sinners (v. 15).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:4
and I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
- Romans 5:20
And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:
- Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
- 1 Peter 2:10
who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
- Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Eternity of God
God’s endless existence, without beginning or end, assures His faithfulness and unchanging nature through all generations.
Topic
Bible Verses About Guilt
Guilt is a natural human emotion, but the Bible offers a path to freedom through confession, repentance, and God's forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…