1 Timothy 1:9
What does 1 Timothy 1:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:9 means
Paul explains that the law is not aimed at the righteous but at the lawless and rebellious. He lists categories of open sin—ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, even those who assault parents and commit murder—to show the law’s function in naming and condemning evil. The law addresses those whose lives contradict God’s character and commands. It exposes wrongdoing and restrains society’s worst impulses. This is not to say believers ignore the law’s moral wisdom, but rather that its condemning edge targets sin. The catalog shifts the discussion from abstract argument to the concrete realities that sound teaching must confront.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949With the knowledge that the law is made, not for the upright man, but for those who have no respect for law and order, for evil men and sinners, for the unholy and those who have no religion, for those who put their fathers or mothers to death, for takers of life,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having known this, that for a righteous man law is not set, but for lawless and insubordinate persons, ungodly and sinners, impious and profane, parricides and matricides, men-slayers,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Knowing this: That the law is not made for the just man but for the unjust and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the wicked and defiled, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890knowing this, that law has not its application to a righteous person, but to [the] lawless and insubordinate, to [the] impious and sinful, to [the] unholy and profane, to smiters of fathers and smiters of mothers; to murderers,
Context
This verse begins a vice list that continues into verse 10, illustrating the kinds of behavior the law addresses. It clarifies what lawful use looks like: applying the law’s standard to real sins, not to speculative myths. The flow moves from the law’s goodness (v. 8) to its purpose (v. 9–10), then to the broader frame of sound doctrine aligned with the gospel (v. 11). This progression keeps Timothy focused on pastoral application rather than theoretical wrangling.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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:
- Matthew 10:21
And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
- Proverbs 30:11
There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother.
- Deuteronomy 21:6
And all the elders of that city, who are nearest unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley;
- 2 Samuel 17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:8
And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming;
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…