Devine Scripture

1 Timothy 2:8

What does 1 Timothy 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Timothy 2:8 means

Paul wants the men to take the lead in public prayer “in every place,” indicating all the congregations, not just a central sanctuary. The lifted hands reflect a common posture of earnest appeal; calling them “holy” points to lives cleansed and set apart. Prayer must rise from hearts free of anger and argumentative spirits. Quarreling and resentment short-circuit worship and undermine unity. The emphasis is on character and relationships: men are to be peacemakers whose conduct matches their petitions. A pure life and reconciled fellowship are as necessary for acceptable prayer as the words themselves; holiness is the appropriate garment for lifted hands.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

It is my desire, then, that in every place men may give themselves to prayer, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or argument.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I wish, therefore, that men pray in every place, lifting up kind hands, apart from anger and reasoning;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I will therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up pious hands, without wrath or reasoning.

Context

With apostolic authority established, Paul turns to practical order in worship. He begins with men, focusing on the spirit and purity that should mark their praying. Next, in verses 9–10, he will address women’s adornment, shifting from men’s temper to women’s modesty, and then in verses 11–12 to their learning and teaching roles. The section balances demeanor (v. 8–10) with role distinctions (v. 11–12), grounded later in creation (v. 13–14).

v.7whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

v.8This passage

v.9In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 26:6

    I will wash my hands in innocency: So will I compass thine altar, O Jehovah;

  • Psalms 24:4

    He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, And hath not sworn deceitfully.

  • Luke 24:50

    And he led them out untilthey were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

  • Malachi 1:9

    And now, I pray you, entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he accept any of your persons? saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Acts 10:31

    and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

  • Acts 10:2

    a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

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