For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1 TIMOTHY 2:3KJV
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1 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 2:3 mean?

1 Timothy 2:3 states that what Paul has just described—praying for all people, including those in authority—is both good and pleasing to God, who is described as our Savior. The verse emphasizes that such actions align with what God values and approves.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus, giving instructions on how believers should conduct themselves, especially in public worship. In the verses just before this, Paul urges prayers for everyone, not just for fellow believers. By calling this practice "good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour," Paul highlights that God desires broad concern and care for all people, reflecting God's own saving character.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 2:3

  • καλόν (kalon, "good"): This word means something that is not just morally right, but also attractive or noble. Paul is saying that praying for all people is not only correct, but also beautiful in God's eyes.
  • ἀπόδεκτον (apodekton, "acceptable"): This word carries the sense of something that is fully welcomed or pleasing. Paul is emphasizing that such prayers are not just tolerated by God, but are actually welcomed and valued by Him.
  • σωτῆρος (sōtēros, "Saviour"): By calling God "our Saviour," Paul reminds Timothy and the church that God's character is to save, which fits with the idea of praying for all people, since God's saving concern is wide.

Why 1 Timothy 2:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God is pleased not just by private devotion, but by prayers that reach out for the good of all people, including those outside the church.
  • It connects the act of prayer for others directly to God's own character as Savior, showing that such prayers reflect God's heart.
  • The verse helps correct any narrowness in prayer or concern, reminding believers that God's approval rests on a broad, generous outlook toward others.

Where else these words appear

“acceptable” Greek G587 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

“Saviour” Greek G4990 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
  • 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
  • Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

“sight” Greek G1799 · used in 89 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • 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.
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

“good” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
  • 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;