1 Timothy 2:7
What does 1 Timothy 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 2:7 means
Paul defends his divine commission: God appointed him a herald and an apostle—he speaks the truth, not exaggerating—especially as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. This matches the chapter’s universal horizon: if the ransom is for all and God desires all to be saved, then the gospel must go to the nations. Paul’s ministry models the church’s calling to announce Christ with integrity (truth) and to call for trust (faith). His parenthetical oath underscores the authority behind his instruction, preparing readers to receive the practical directives that follow regarding prayer and conduct in the congregation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And of this I became a preacher and an Apostle (what I say is true, not false,) and a teacher of the Gentiles in the true faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in regard to which I was set a preacher and apostle--truth I say in Christ, I do not lie--a teacher of nations, in faith and truth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle (I say the truth, I lie not), a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to which I have been appointed a herald and apostle, (I speak [the] truth, I do not lie,) a teacher of [the] nations in faith and truth.
Context
Having stated the gospel’s universality and exclusivity, Paul identifies his role in spreading that message, particularly among Gentiles. This personal note bridges theology and practice. With his authority established, he moves in verse 8 to regulate public prayer, beginning with men’s demeanor, and then in verses 9–15 to address women’s adornment and learning. The flow shows that apostolic doctrine carries apostolic order for the church’s life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 3:9
So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
- Acts 26:20
but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
- Ecclesiastes 1:1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
- Ecclesiastes 7:27
Behold, this have I found, saith the Preacher, laying one thing to another, to find out the account;
- 1 Timothy 1:11
according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- Galatians 2:9
and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;
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