I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1 TIMOTHY 2:1KJV
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1 Timothy 2:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 2:1 mean?

1 Timothy 2:1 means that Paul is strongly urging Timothy to make it a priority for the church to pray for all people, using different kinds of prayers and thankfulness. Paul is emphasizing that prayer for others should come first in the life of the Christian community.

Paul, writing to Timothy who is leading the church in Ephesus, is giving practical instructions about worship and church life. Paul uses several words for prayer to show that all types—requests, general prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings—should be offered for everyone, not just for believers or a select group.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 2:1

  • "exhort" (παρακαλῶ, parakalō): This word means to urge, encourage, or strongly appeal. Paul is not making a casual suggestion but is pressing Timothy to take this seriously.
  • "supplications" (δεήσεις, deēseis): This refers to specific requests or petitions, often for particular needs. Paul wants the church to bring real, concrete needs before God.
  • "intercessions" (ἐντεύξεις, enteuxeis): This word often means approaching God on behalf of others, highlighting the idea of praying for people who may not be praying for themselves.
  • "thanks" (εὐχαριστίας, eucharistias): This is the word for giving thanks, reminding the church that gratitude should be part of their prayers, not just requests.

Why 1 Timothy 2:1 matters

  • 1 Timothy 2:1 clarifies that prayer in the church is not limited to personal needs or only for believers; it is meant for all people, showing the church’s concern for the whole world.
  • The verse sets the tone for the following instructions, connecting prayer for all with God’s desire for everyone to be saved (as seen in the next verses).
  • By listing different types of prayer, Paul highlights the richness and variety of Christian prayer, encouraging believers to approach God in multiple ways.

Where else these words appear

“intercessions” Greek G1783 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 4:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

“thanks” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

“supplications” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
  • Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

“prayers” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
  • Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;