1 Timothy 2:5
What does 1 Timothy 2:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:5 means
There is one God, and there is only one way to him: the Mediator who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity—himself man, Christ Jesus. By emphasizing Christ’s true humanity, Paul shows that our representative shares our nature and can stand in our place. By naming him the sole Mediator, Paul shuts the door on competing saviors or spiritual brokers. The way to God is not through many intermediaries but through the one appointed by God. This exclusivity does not contradict the universality of verse 4; rather, it defines it. Salvation is offered to all, through one Savior.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
KJV
King James Version · 1611For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For there is one God and one peacemaker between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for one <FI>is<Fi> God, one also <FI>is<Fi> mediator of God and of men, the man Christ Jesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For there is one God: and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890ForGod is one, and [the] mediator ofGod and men one, [the] man Christ Jesus,
Context
After stating God’s desire to save all, Paul clarifies the means: not many paths, but one Mediator. Verse 6 will explain what this Mediator did—give himself as a ransom. Verse 7 will then connect this truth to Paul’s commission to preach to the Gentiles. Thus, the chapter’s call to prayer is grounded in the unique person and work of Christ, who alone reconciles God and men.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 3:29
Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:
- Matthew 1:23
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.
- 1 Corinthians 15:45
So also it is written, The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4
Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6
yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
- Hebrews 2:6
But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
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