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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/54_1Ti_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 2:1 - A Call to Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone--" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm" title="1 Timothy 1:20">◄</a> 1 Timothy 2:1 <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm" title="1 Timothy 2:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/2.htm">New International Version</a> I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— <a href="/blb/1_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> First of all, therefore, I exhort entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, to be made on behalf of all men <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/2.htm">King James Bible</a> I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> First of all, then, I exhort that petitions and prayers, requests and thanksgivings, be made for all men, <a href="/amp/1_timothy/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, <a href="/csb/1_timothy/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, <a href="/asv/1_timothy/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; <a href="/cev/1_timothy/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; <a href="/isv/1_timothy/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> First of all, then, I urge you to offer to God petitions, prayers, intercessions, and expressions of thanks for all people, <a href="/msb/1_timothy/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone? <a href="/net/1_timothy/2.htm">NET Bible</a> First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, be made for all people: <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; <a href="/wey/1_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men; <a href="/web/1_timothy/2.htm">World English Bible</a> I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I exhort, then, first of all, there be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men— <a href="/blb/1_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> First of all, therefore, I exhort entreaties, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, to be made on behalf of all men <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I exhort, then, first of all, there be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, for all men: <a href="/slt/1_timothy/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I Beseech therefore, first of all, supplications to be made, prayers, entreaties, thanks, for all men;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men: <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so I beg you, first of all, to make supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings for all men, <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/2.htm">New American Bible</a> First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I BESEECH you, therefore, first of all to offer to God, petitions, prayers, supplications, and thanksgiving for all men, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Therefore, I beg of you that before all things, you will offer supplications to God, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving, for the sake of all people,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Moreover, first of all things, I exhort you, that prayers, supplications, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men; <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> I EXHORT therefore, first of all, that there be offered supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings for the whole race of mankind: <a href="/mace/1_timothy/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I exhort you therefore, above all things, to present supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for all men: <a href="/wey/1_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men; <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I exhort, therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This then I exhort thee first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings he made for all men; <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=200" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/2.htm">A Call to Prayer</a> 1<a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">First</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">of all,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/3870.htm" title="3870: Parakalō (V-PIA-1S) -- From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.">I urge that</a> <a href="/greek/1162.htm" title="1162: deēseis (N-AFP) -- Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.">petitions,</a> <a href="/greek/4335.htm" title="4335: proseuchas (N-AFP) -- From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.">prayers,</a> <a href="/greek/1783.htm" title="1783: enteuxeis (N-AFP) -- From entugchano; an interview, i.e. supplication.">intercessions,</a> <a href="/greek/2169.htm" title="2169: eucharistias (N-AFP) -- Thankfulness, gratitude; giving of thanks, thanksgiving. From eucharistos; gratitude; actively, grateful language.">and thanksgiving</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieisthai (V-PNM/P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">be offered</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everyone</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">—</a> 2for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a> Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a> Pray without ceasing. <a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a> Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a> Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: <a href="/acts/6-4.htm">Acts 6:4</a> and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a> Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a> Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. <a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a> For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14</a> And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. <a href="/jeremiah/29-7.htm">Jeremiah 29:7</a> Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;exhort.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-6.htm">2 Corinthians 8:6</a> Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.<a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Ephesians 3:13</a> Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.<a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm">Hebrews 6:11</a> And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:first.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3</a> For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;supplications.<a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-32</a> And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … <a href="/1_kings/8-41.htm">1 Kings 8:41-43</a> Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name's sake; … and.<a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Romans 1:8</a> First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.<a href="/romans/6-17.htm">Romans 6:17</a> But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.<a href="/ephesians/5-20.htm">Ephesians 5:20</a> Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;all men.<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a> Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.<a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a> And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:<a href="/1_thessalonians/3-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:12</a> And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/mark/5-23.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Givings</a> <a href="/romans/11-2.htm">Intercession</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Intercessions</a> <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-11.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-14.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Thanksgiving</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Thanksgivings</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Urge</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Entreaties</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-13.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Givings</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-5.htm">Intercession</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Intercessions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Requests</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">Supplications</a> <a href="/philemon/1-4.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Thanksgiving</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Thanksgivings</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Urge</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 2</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Instruction to pray and give thanks.</a> 9. <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">How women should be attired.</a> 12. <a href="/1_timothy/2-12.htm">They are not permitted to teach.</a> 15. <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">They shall be saved if they continue in faith.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>First of all, then, This phrase indicates the priority of prayer in the life of the church and the believer. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer as a foundational practice. In the context of the early church, prayer was central to worship and community life, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a>, where the early Christians devoted themselves to prayer. This priority reflects the belief that communication with God is essential for spiritual growth and guidance.I urge that Paul's use of "urge" conveys a strong encouragement or exhortation, highlighting the necessity and urgency of the action. This reflects Paul's pastoral concern for Timothy and the church in Ephesus, where Timothy was serving. The apostle's urging is not merely a suggestion but a call to action, emphasizing the importance of obedience to this instruction.petitions, Petitions refer to specific requests made to God, often for personal needs or the needs of others. This type of prayer acknowledges human dependence on God and His ability to provide. In the cultural context of the time, petitionary prayer was a common practice in both Jewish and Greco-Roman religious traditions, but Paul emphasizes its place within Christian worship.prayers, The term "prayers" is more general and encompasses all forms of communication with God. It includes adoration, confession, and supplication. This reflects the comprehensive nature of prayer in the believer's life, as seen in <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a>, where believers are encouraged to present their requests to God in every situation.intercessions, Intercessions involve praying on behalf of others, standing in the gap for their needs and concerns. This reflects the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>). Intercessory prayer is a demonstration of love and concern for others, aligning with Christ's own intercessory role (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>).and thanksgiving Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings and faithfulness. It is a vital component of prayer, as seen in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:18</a>, where believers are instructed to give thanks in all circumstances. Thanksgiving acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness, fostering a spirit of contentment and joy.be offered for everyone— The inclusivity of "everyone" underscores the universal scope of Christian prayer. This reflects the early church's mission to reach all people with the gospel, transcending cultural and social barriers. It aligns with God's desire for all people to be saved (<a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>) and reflects the inclusive nature of Christ's redemptive work. This call to pray for everyone includes leaders and authorities, as further elaborated in the following verses, emphasizing the church's role in seeking the welfare of society.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and significant pagan influences. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> The early Christian community to whom these instructions were indirectly addressed, emphasizing the importance of prayer in communal and individual life. 5. <a href="/topical/e/everyone.htm">Everyone</a> Refers to all people, indicating the universal scope of the prayers and intercessions Paul is urging.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_priority_of_prayer.htm">The Priority of Prayer</a> Paul begins with "First of all," indicating the foundational role of prayer in the life of the church and individual believers. Prayer should be a priority in our daily lives. <a href="/topical/v/variety_in_prayer.htm">Variety in Prayer</a> The use of different terms—petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving—suggests a multifaceted approach to prayer. Believers are encouraged to engage in various forms of communication with God. <a href="/topical/u/universal_scope.htm">Universal Scope</a> The instruction to pray for "everyone" challenges believers to expand their prayer focus beyond personal needs to include all people, reflecting God's love and concern for the world. <a href="/topical/t/thanksgiving_as_a_component_of_prayer.htm">Thanksgiving as a Component of Prayer</a> Thanksgiving is not just an add-on but an integral part of prayer, fostering a heart of gratitude and recognition of God's provision and sovereignty. <a href="/topical/i/intercessory_prayer.htm">Intercessory Prayer</a> Intercession involves standing in the gap for others, highlighting the communal aspect of prayer and the responsibility to pray for leaders, authorities, and all people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 2</a> <a href="/q/how_does_intercession_affect_god's_reply.htm">How does intercession influence God's response to prayers?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_prayer.htm">What does the Bible teach about learning to pray?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_five_finger_prayer_method.htm">What is the Five Finger Prayer method?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_pray_effectively_for_others.htm">How can we effectively pray for others' needs?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>II.(1) I exhort therefore.--Now Timothy was to begin to carry out his master St. Paul's great charge--the charge which bade him teach all men to put their entire, their perfect, trust in the Saviour of sinners--by instructing the Church of Ephesus, in the first place, to pray constantly for all sorts and conditions of men. The detailed injunctions how the charge was to be carried out are introduced by the Greek particle oun, translated in our version by "therefore;" it may be paraphrased thus: "In pursuance of my great charge, I proceed by special details; in the first place, let prayers for all be offered by the congregation."Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks.--Many attempts, some of them not very happy ones, have been made by grammarians and commentators to distinguish between these terms, each of which denotes prayer. On the whole, it may be assumed that the Greek word translated "supplications" signifies a request for particular benefits, and is a special form of the more general word rendered "prayers." The third expression in the English version translated "intercessions" suggests a closer and more intimate communion with God on the part of the one praying. It speaks of drawing near God, of entering into free, familiar speech with Him. The Greek word suggests prayer in its most individual, urgent form. The fourth term, "giving of thanks," expresses that which ought never to be absent from any of our devotions, gratitude for past mercies. Archbishop Trench remarks how this peculiar form of prayer will subsist in heaven when, in the very nature of things, all other forms of prayer will have ceased in the entire fruition of the things prayed for, for then only will the redeemed know how much they owe to their Lord. The word eucharist is derived from the Greek word used in this place--eucharistia--for in the Holy Communion the Church embodies its highest act of thanksgiving for the highest benefits received.For all men.--Professor Reynolds well comments on the hardness of the task set us here--"It is difficult for us always to love all men, to think of all men as equally dear to God, or to regard all men as equally capable of being blessed. Timothy, after reading this letter, probably walked along the marble colonnade of the great temple of Artemis, or heard the hum of some twenty thousand Asiatic Greeks crowded in the vast theatre to witness the gladiatorial fight, or encountered a procession of Bacchantes, or turned into the synagogue on the side of the Coresias and saw the averted looks, and felt the bitter hatred of some old friends. We, with some knowledge of the modern world, have to look into the 'hells' upon earth; to survey the gold-fields and battle-fields; the African slave-hunts; the throngs and saloons of Pekin, Calcutta, and Paris; the monasteries of Tibet; and make prayers, petitions, intercessions, and thanksgivings, too, on behalf of all men. In the beginning of the Gospel, Timothy received this quiet injunction from the Apostle Paul. Now the once whispered word peals like the voice of many waters and mighty thunderings over the whole Church of God."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - First of all, that for that, first of all, A.V.; thanksgivings for and giving of thanks. A.V. I exhort therefore. The insertion of the connecting particle "therefore" marks that this arrangement of Church prayers is a part - as the following words, first of all, mark that it is the first part - of that charge or administration which was now committed to Timothy. Supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings (see the Prayer for the Church Militant). The question naturally arises whether the first words here used - δεήσις προσευχάς, and ἐντεύξεις - have any distinctive meaning, or are merely accumulated, like synonyms m legal documents, or various phrases in rhetorical addresses, to ensure completeness and to add force. It is against the notion of any distinctive meaning attaching to them that no such distinction can be supported by actual use. In <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> two of the words (προσευχή and δέησις) are used in conjunction as here with εὐχαριστία, with no apparent difference, both being the way of making known their requests to God (so also <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a> and <a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5</a>). Again, in the ancient Liturgies, the words δεέσθαι and προσεύχεσθαι are constantly used of the same praying. It may, however, perhaps be said that every δέησις is a προσευχή, though every προσευχή is not a δέησις. The δέησις is a "petition" - a distinct asking something of God, which a προσευχή need not necessarily be. It may be merely an act of adoration, of confession, of recital of God's mercies, and so on. So as regards ἐντεύξεις, here rendered "intercessions." There is nothing in the etymology/ or in the use of this word, which only occurs elsewhere in the New Testament in <a href="/1_timothy/4-5.htm">1 Timothy 4:5</a>, to limit the meaning of it to "intercession." Nor has it this meaning in the passage where it occurs in the Liturgy of St. Clement, near the close, where God is addressed as Ὁ καὶ τῶν σιωπώντων ἐπιστάμενος τὰς ἐντεύξεις, "Who understandest the petitions even of those who are silent." In 2 Macc. 4:8 and Diod. Sic., 16:55 it seems to mean "a request preferred in a personal interview," which is an extension of its common meaning in classical Greek of "access," "an interview," "social intercourse," or the like. But when we turn to the use of the verb ἐντυγχάνω in the New Testament, we seem to get the idea of "intercession." Αντυγχάνειν is to go to someone to ask him to take action against or in favor of some third party (see <a href="/acts/25-24.htm">Acts 25:24</a>; <a href="/romans/11-2.htm">Romans 11:2</a>; <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27, 28, 34</a>; <a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>); and so Chrysostom (quoted in Steph., 'Thesaur.') explains ἐντυχία to be the action of one who applies to God to avenge him of those who have done him wrong. So that perhaps "intercessions" is, on the whole, the best rendering here, though an imperfect one; and would comprise the prayers for the emperor, for the Church, for the sick, travelers, slaves, captives, etc., for the bishops, clergy, and laity, etc., and such prayers as "Turn away from us every plot (ἐπιβουλήν) of wicked men" (Liturgy of St. Mark). <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>First πρῶτον (prōton) Adverb - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. of all, πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. then, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. I urge that Παρακαλῶ (Parakalō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke. petitions, δεήσεις (deēseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1162.htm">Strong's 1162: </a> Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition. prayers, προσευχάς (proseuchas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4335.htm">Strong's 4335: </a> From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory. intercessions, ἐντεύξεις (enteuxeis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1783.htm">Strong's 1783: </a> From entugchano; an interview, i.e. supplication. [and] thanksgiving εὐχαριστίας (eucharistias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2169.htm">Strong's 2169: </a> Thankfulness, gratitude; giving of thanks, thanksgiving. From eucharistos; gratitude; actively, grateful language. be offered ποιεῖσθαι (poieisthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. on behalf of ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. all πάντων (pantōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. men ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore first of all that (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 2:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>