1 Timothy 1:16
What does 1 Timothy 1:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:16 means
Paul explains why he received mercy: so that in him, the foremost sinner, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example for all who would later believe and receive eternal life. Paul’s conversion is not an exception but a pattern. If Christ could endure and save him, no one should despair. Divine patience is not leniency toward sin but longsuffering that leads sinners to repentance and life. The goal is eternal life for those who believe in Christ. Paul’s story becomes a pastoral tool to encourage faith in the hardest cases and to magnify the Savior’s mercy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But for this reason I was given mercy, so that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might make clear all his mercy, as an example to those who in the future would have faith in him to eternal life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but because of this I found kindness, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern of those about to believe on him to life age-during:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But for this cause have I obtained mercy: that in me first Christ Jesus might shew forth all patience, for the information of them that shall believe in him unto life everlasting.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But for this reason mercy was shewn me, that in me, [the] first, Jesus Christ might display the whole long-suffering, for a delineation of those about to believe on him to life eternal.
Context
This verse applies the gospel statement of verse 15 to Paul’s own case, giving it a missional purpose. It reinforces Timothy’s confidence that the message he defends truly saves. The sequence leads naturally to worship in verse 17, as contemplation of mercy fuels adoration. After the doxology, Paul will return to the practical charge for Timothy to wage good warfare (v. 18), showing that praise and perseverance belong together in ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:13
But the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God, be thou merciful to me a sinner.
- Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
- Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 1 Peter 3:20
that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:
- Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
- Ephesians 2:7
that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus:
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