Therefore I want the men everywhere to prayThis phrase emphasizes the apostle Paul's desire for men to engage in prayer universally. The use of "therefore" connects this instruction to the preceding verses, where Paul discusses the importance of prayer for all people, including those in authority. The call for men to pray "everywhere" suggests a universal application, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. In the early church, prayer was a central practice, often conducted in homes, synagogues, and public gatherings. This directive aligns with other scriptural exhortations to pray continually (
1 Thessalonians 5:17) and reflects the early Christian emphasis on communal and individual prayer as a means of maintaining a relationship with God.
lifting up holy hands
The act of lifting hands in prayer is a gesture of surrender and supplication, rooted in Jewish worship practices (Psalm 63:4,Psalm 134:2). "Holy hands" implies a state of purity and righteousness, suggesting that those who pray should do so with a clean heart and conscience. This reflects the biblical principle that God desires worship from those who live in obedience to His commands (Psalm 24:3-4). The physical posture of lifting hands symbolizes an open and humble approach to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His favor.
without anger or dissension
Paul's instruction to pray without anger or dissension highlights the importance of unity and peace within the Christian community. Anger and conflict can hinder effective prayer and disrupt the fellowship of believers (James 1:20,Matthew 5:23-24). This call for harmony is consistent with the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and love among believers (Ephesians 4:31-32). By addressing these attitudes, Paul underscores the need for a heart aligned with God's will, free from bitterness and division, to ensure that prayers are heard and answered.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, providing guidance to Timothy on church conduct and leadership.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, receiving instructions on how to lead the church in Ephesus.
3.
EphesusThe city where Timothy was stationed, known for its diverse population and the Temple of Artemis.
4.
Men in the ChurchThe specific group Paul addresses in this verse, emphasizing their role in prayer and unity.
5.
Prayer GatheringThe context in which Paul instructs men to pray, highlighting the importance of communal worship.
Teaching Points
The Importance of PrayerPrayer is a foundational practice for believers, and Paul emphasizes its importance by instructing men to pray everywhere.
Purity in Worship"Lifting up holy hands" signifies purity and righteousness. Believers are called to approach God with clean hearts and lives.
Unity and HarmonyPraying "without anger or dissension" highlights the need for unity among believers. Discord can hinder effective prayer and worship.
Role of Men in Spiritual LeadershipPaul specifically addresses men, indicating their responsibility in leading prayer and setting a spiritual example in the community.
Practical Expression of FaithThe physical act of lifting hands in prayer is a demonstration of surrender and reverence to God, encouraging believers to express their faith outwardly.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:8?
2.How can we "pray, lifting up holy hands" in our daily prayer life?
3.What does "without anger or dissension" teach about resolving conflicts among believers?
4.How does 1 Timothy 2:8 relate to Jesus' teachings on prayer?
5.Why is it important for men to lead in prayer according to this verse?
6.How can we encourage others to embrace the call to prayer in 1 Timothy 2:8?
7.What does 1 Timothy 2:8 mean by "lifting up holy hands" in prayer?
8.How does 1 Timothy 2:8 address the role of men in worship?
9.Why does 1 Timothy 2:8 emphasize prayer without anger or dissension?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 2?
11.What does the Bible say about raising hands in worship?
12.Can you pray in every location?
13.How can Moses’s raised hands alone affect the outcome of a battle (Exodus 17:11)?
14.Can you pray in every location?What Does 1 Timothy 2:8 Mean
Therefore• The very first word ties verse 8 to the flow of Paul’s teaching in1 Timothy 2:1-7, where he says, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone”.
• Because God “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:4), believers must respond in obedient prayer.
• Similar connective “therefores” show the same pattern elsewhere:Romans 12:1 moves from doctrine to duty;Ephesians 4:1 does the same. Paul expects us to act immediately on revealed truth.
I want• “I want” carries apostolic authority; it is more than a polite suggestion. Compare1 Corinthians 7:10 “not I, but the Lord,” highlighting that the apostle’s desire aligns with Christ’s command.
• This wording reveals the heart of a shepherd who longs to see God’s people walk in obedience (Philippians 2:12-13).
the men everywhere• Paul addresses males specifically (“the men”) because, in the gathered church, they are to lead in public prayer (see1 Corinthians 14:34-35 for parallel order within worship).
• “Everywhere” (literally “in every place”) removes regional or cultural limits; the directive spans every congregation and generation, echoing Jesus’ words inMatthew 28:20, “I am with you always.”
• While women also pray (Acts 1:14;1 Corinthians 11:5), Paul here corrects a particular shortcoming among men at Ephesus who may have been passive or quarrelsome.
to pray• Prayer is the primary activity, not optional filler.1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”
• Public prayer points the church God-ward, shaping hearts and inviting divine intervention (James 5:16).
• Paul has just listed four facets—petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings (2:1)—and they all remain in view.
lifting up holy hands• In Scripture, bodily posture often accompanies prayer: Solomon spread out his hands toward heaven (1 Kings 8:22); Ezra bowed with hands lifted (Nehemiah 8:6).
• “Holy hands” stresses moral purity more than physical gesture.Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart”.
• The raised hands symbolize surrender, dependence, and worship, similar toExodus 17:11 when Moses’ upheld hands brought victory.
without anger or dissension• Inner attitudes can nullify outward worship. Jesus teaches reconciliation before offering gifts (Matthew 5:23-24).
• Anger (harboring resentment) and dissension (arguing, divisiveness) grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-32) and hinder prayers (1 Peter 3:7).
• The call is to cultivate unity, for “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Where there is peace among believers, their prayers ascend unhindered (Psalm 133:1-3).
summaryPaul commands men in every congregation to take the lead in public prayer. Their praying must flow from holy lives—hands clean from sin, hearts free of anger and conflict. Such prayer, offered in unity and purity, aligns with God’s universal desire to save and displays His order in the church.
(8)
I will therefore.--The Apostle here again turns to the subject of "public prayer," now giving directions respecting the persons who should offer their prayers, and also telling them how these public requests to God should be made. "I will therefore" expresses on St. Paul's part no mere wish or desire, but it is the expression of his solemn apostolical authority. It might be rendered,
I desire therefore.That men pray every where . . .--Better rendered,in every place. The greater liberty which women, under the teaching of Christ, had enjoyed; the new position they occupied in the Christian commonwealth; the distinguished services many of them had been permitted to accomplish in the Master's service--in such instances as the Marys, Dorcas, Priscilla, Lydia, and others--had no doubt contributed to a certain self-assertion on the part of female converts in the Ephesian congregations, which threatened grave disorders in the conduct of divine worship. St. Paul, in his directions respecting divine service in the Christian assemblies, follows the custom here of the Jewish synagogue, where women were forbidden to speak. Men, said St. Paul, in every place where a congregation in the name of Christ was gathered together, were to be the offerers of prayer. The word "everywhere" seems a memory of the Lord's words to the woman of Samaria, "Believe me, the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father."
Lifting up holy hands.--It was the Jewish practice, not only in taking a solemn oath--or in blessing--but also in prayer, to lift up the hands--ComparePsalm 28:2;Psalm 63:4. This seems to have been generally adopted by the early Christians as the attitude in prayer. See Clem. Rom.,To the Corinthians,chap. 29 "Holy hands;" seePsalm 24:4;Psalm 26:6; "holy"--that is, unstained with wanton sins.
Without wrath and doubting.--Here allusion is doubtless made to religious disputes and contentions among the believers themselves--"doubting" is better translated bydisputing. These angry feelings can have no place in the heart of one who really prays, whether in public or in private. . . .
Verse 8. -
Desire for
will, A.V.;
the men for
men, A.V.;
in every place for
everywhere, A.V.;
disputing for
doubting, A.V.
I desire, etc. He takes up the subject again which he had opened in ver. 1, but had somewhat digressed from in vers. 4-7, and gives further directions as to the persons who are to make the prayers spoken of in ver. 1, viz. men (
τοὺς ἄνδρας), not women, as it follows more at large in vers. 9-15. The stress is clearly upon "men" (or, "the men" - it makes no difference); and there is no force in Alford's remark that in that case it would have been
τοὺς ἄνδρας προσεύχεσθαι. The prayers had been already ordered in ver. 1; the additional detail, that they were to be offered by men, is now added.
In every place; not, as Chrysostom thinks, in contrast to the Jewish worship, which was confined to the temple at Jerusalem, but merely meaning wherever a Christian congregation is assembled.
Lifting up holy hands. Alford quotes Clem. Ram. 'To the Corinthians,' Ep. 1. 1 Timothy 29:
Προσέλθωμεν...
ἐν ὁσιότητι ψυχῆςἁγνὰς καὶ ἀμιάντους χεῖρας αἴρουντες πρὸςαὐτόν (camp.
Psalm 26:6;
Psalm 28:2; 43:20; 63:4;
2 Chronicles 6:12, 13).
Without wrath. It appears from several passages in Chrysostom that the habit of praying angry prayers was not unknown in his day. "
Do you pray against your brother? But your prayer is not against him, but against yourself. You provoke God by uttering those impious words, 'Show him the same;' 'So do to him;' 'Smite him;' 'Recompense him;' and much more to the same effect" ('Hom.' 6.). In 'Hom.' 8. his comment on this passage is: "Without bearing malice.... Let no one approach each God in enmity, or in an unsalable temper."
And disputing (
διαλογισμοῦ). The exact meaning of
διαλογισμός is perhaps best seen in
Luke 5:21, 22, where both the verb and the substantive are used. The
διαλογισμοὶ are
carillings,
questionings proceeding from a captious, unbelieving spirit. They are
διαλογισμοὶ πονηροὶ (
Matthew 15:19). The word is always used in a bad sense in the New Testament. Forms of prayer were not yet established in the Church, but these cautious show the need of them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Thereforeοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.I wantΒούλομαι(Boulomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1014:To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.menἄνδρας(andras)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435:A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.everywhereτόπῳ(topō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5117:Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.to pray,προσεύχεσθαι(proseuchesthai)Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4336:To pray, pray for, offer prayer. From pros and euchomai; to pray to God, i.e. Supplicate, worship.lifting upἐπαίροντας(epairontas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1869:To raise, lift up. From epi and airo; to raise up.holyὁσίους(hosious)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3741:Holy, pious, godly, beloved of God. Of uncertain affinity; properly, right, i.e. Hallowed.hands,χεῖρας(cheiras)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5495:A hand.withoutχωρὶς(chōris)Preposition
Strong's 5565:Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.angerὀργῆς(orgēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3709:From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.[or]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.dissension.διαλογισμοῦ(dialogismou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1261:From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.
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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) 
