1 Timothy 2:3
What does 1 Timothy 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:3 means
Praying widely, even for rulers, is not merely pragmatic; it is morally beautiful and divinely approved. It is “good and acceptable” before God our Saviour. This title stresses God’s disposition to rescue, not only to rule. When the church intercedes with generosity and gratitude, it reflects God’s own heart toward a lost world. Such prayer pleases him because it aligns with his redemptive purpose. It trains believers to love enemies, to trust God’s providence, and to seek the welfare of the places where they live. Worship that includes broad intercession is not a distraction from the gospel; it displays the gospel’s wideness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is good and pleasing in the eyes of God our Saviour;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for this <FI>is<Fi> right and acceptable before God our Saviour,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for this is good and acceptable before our SaviourGod,
Context
Having stated the practical aim of peaceful, godly living, Paul now gives a theological approval: God delights in such prayer. The next verse (v. 4) unfolds why it pleases God—his desire for all to be saved and know the truth. Verses 5–6 will then ground this desire in the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ’s mediation. Thus prayer for all flows from the character of God and the way of salvation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 1:10
to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
- Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- 1 Peter 2:5
ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Timothy 5:4
But if any widow hath children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to requite their parents: for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
- Ephesians 5:9
(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
- Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
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