1 Timothy 2:8
New International Version
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

New Living Translation
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

English Standard Version
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I desire the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, apart from anger and dissension.

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

New King James Version
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

New American Standard Bible
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute.

NASB 1995
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

NASB 1977
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Amplified Bible
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind].

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.

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

Contemporary English Version
I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray, without being angry or arguing with each other.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I want men to offer prayers everywhere. They should raise their hands in prayer after putting aside their anger and any quarrels they have with anyone.

Good News Translation
In every church service I want the men to pray, men who are dedicated to God and can lift up their hands in prayer without anger or argument.

International Standard Version
Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without being angry or argumentative.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

NET Bible
So I want the men to pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.

New Heart English Bible
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.

Webster's Bible Translation
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Weymouth New Testament
So then I would have the men everywhere pray, lifting to God holy hands which are unstained with anger or strife;

World English Bible
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I intend, therefore, that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, apart from anger and deliberation;

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore I desire the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, apart from anger and dissension.

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

Smith's Literal Translation
I will therefore men shall pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without anger and reasoning.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, I want men to pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger or dissension.

New American Bible
It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.

New Revised Standard Version
I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I wish, therefore, that men pray everywhere, lifting up their holy hands, without anger and doubting thoughts.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
I desire, therefore, that men would pray in every place, lifting their hands in purity without rage and without scheming;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I will, therefore, that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and disputation.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore I wish that men in every place would all pray, holding up holy hands, without wrath and doubting:

Haweis New Testament
I will then that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting:

Mace New Testament
I direct therefore that the men pray in publick and private, lifting up their hands to heaven with innocence, charity, and composure.

Weymouth New Testament
So then I would have the men everywhere pray, lifting to God holy hands which are unstained with anger or strife;

Worrell New Testament
I desire, therefore, that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing;

Worsley New Testament
I direct therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands without wrath and debate:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Prayer
7For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything. 8Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension. 9Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,…

Cross References
James 5:16
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.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Mark 11:25
And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.”

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:

Ephesians 6:18
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.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.

Psalm 24:3-4
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? / He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.

Isaiah 1:15-16
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. / Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!

Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.


Treasury of Scripture

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

I will.

1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

pray.

2 Chronicles 33:11,12
Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon…

Psalm 130:1,2
A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD…

Lamentations 3:55,56
I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon…

lifting.

Job 16:17
Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.

Psalm 26:6
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

Psalm 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

without.

1 Kings 3:11
And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;

Psalm 35:13
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Matthew 5:22-24,44
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire…

and.

Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mark 11:23,24
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith…

James 1:6-8
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed…

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Anger Apart Desire Disputing Dissension Doubting Everywhere Hands Holy Kind Lifting Pious Prayer Quarreling Reasoning Strife Themselves Unstained Want Wish Wrath
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Anger Apart Desire Disputing Dissension Doubting Everywhere Hands Holy Kind Lifting Pious Prayer Quarreling Reasoning Strife Themselves Unstained Want Wish Wrath
1 Timothy 2
1. Instruction to pray and give thanks.
9. How women should be attired.
12. They are not permitted to teach.
15. They shall be saved if they continue in faith.














Therefore I want
The word "Therefore" connects this verse to the preceding instructions, indicating a continuation of thought. Paul, the apostle, is expressing his desire or will, which is not merely personal but inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "want" (θέλω, thelō) implies a strong desire or intention, reflecting Paul's authoritative guidance for the church.

the men everywhere
The term "men" (ἄνδρας, andras) specifically refers to males, distinguishing this instruction from those directed at women later in the chapter. "Everywhere" (πανταχοῦ, pantachou) emphasizes the universality of the instruction, indicating that this is not limited to a specific congregation but is applicable to all Christian men across different locations and cultures.

to pray
Prayer is a central theme in Christian life, and here it is presented as an essential duty for men. The Greek word for "pray" (προσεύχομαι, proseuchomai) encompasses various forms of prayer, including supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving. This highlights the importance of maintaining a constant and sincere communication with God.

lifting up holy hands
"Lifting up" (ἐπαίρω, epairō) is a physical gesture of prayer, symbolizing surrender and openness to God. "Holy hands" (ὁσίους χεῖρας, hosious cheiras) signifies purity and righteousness. In the Jewish tradition, hands were often lifted in prayer, and the emphasis on holiness underscores the need for moral integrity and a clean heart when approaching God.

without anger or dissension
"Without anger" (χωρὶς ὀργῆς, chōris orgēs) and "dissension" (διαλογισμοῦ, dialogismou) addresses the internal and communal attitudes of those praying. Anger (ὀργή, orgē) can disrupt one's relationship with God and others, while dissension (διαλογισμός, dialogismos) refers to disputes or arguments that can cause division within the church. Paul emphasizes the need for unity and peace, reflecting Jesus' teachings on reconciliation and love among believers.

(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--Compare Psalm 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;" see Psalm 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 by disputing. 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 ψυχῆς ἁγνὰς καὶ ἀμιάντους χεῖρας αἴρουντες πρὸς αὐτόν (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
Therefore
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

I want
Βούλομαι (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.

the
τοὺς (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.

men
ἄνδρας (andras)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

everywhere
τόπῳ (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 up
ἐπαίροντας (epairontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1869: To raise, lift up. From epi and airo; to raise up.

holy
ὁσίους (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.

without
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

anger
ὀργῆς (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)
1 Timothy 2:7
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