1 Timothy 1:9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

Knowing {G1492} this {G5124}, that {G3754} the law {G3551} is {G2749} not {G3756} made {G2749} for a righteous man {G1342}, but {G1161} for the lawless {G459} and {G2532} disobedient {G506}, for the ungodly {G765} and {G2532} for sinners {G268}, for unholy {G462} and {G2532} profane {G952}, for murderers of fathers {G3964} and {G2532} murderers of mothers {G3389}, for manslayers {G409},

We are aware that Torah is not for a person who is righteous, but for those who are heedless of Torah and rebellious, ungodly and sinful, wicked and worldly, for people who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers,

We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,

as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, addresses the proper understanding and use of the Mosaic Law. This verse, 1 Timothy 1:9, is crucial for grasping Paul's perspective on the Law's true function, particularly in contrast to false teachers who were misinterpreting it.

Context

Paul is guiding Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, on how to lead the church and combat erroneous doctrines. Earlier in the chapter (1 Timothy 1:3-7), Paul warns against those who desire to be teachers of the Law but understand neither what they say nor the things about which they make confident assertions. Verse 9 serves as a clear statement about the Law's intended purpose, clarifying that it was not given to condemn those already living righteously by faith, but to expose and restrain the unrighteous.

Key Themes

  • The Purpose of the Law: This verse asserts that the Law's primary function is not to justify the righteous, but to expose and condemn sin. It acts as a standard for those who are "lawless and disobedient," revealing their transgression and highlighting the need for divine grace.
  • Distinction Between Righteous and Unrighteous: Paul draws a sharp contrast between the "righteous man"—one who lives by faith and seeks to please God—and the various categories of sinners listed. For the righteous, the Law does not serve as a burden or a means of condemnation, as their righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by perfect adherence to the Law. As Paul states elsewhere, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.
  • The Law as a Restraint and Revealer of Sin: The extensive list of transgressors—from the "ungodly and profane" to "murderers"—underscores the Law's role in identifying and punishing severe moral evils. It sets boundaries for societal order and reveals the extent of human depravity, thus pointing to the need for a Savior.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses terms like "lawless" (Greek: anomos) and "disobedient" (Greek: anupotaktos), emphasizing those who are without law or refuse to submit to authority. The progression of terms from general sinfulness ("ungodly and sinners") to specific, heinous acts ("murderers of fathers and mothers, for manslayers") highlights the comprehensive nature of the Law's reach over all forms of human transgression. The term "profane" (Greek: bebelos) refers to that which is unhallowed or defiled, further emphasizing a lack of reverence for sacred things.

Practical Application

For believers today, this verse reminds us that the Law primarily serves to show us our need for Christ. It reveals the sinfulness of humanity and our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts. Rather than being under the Law as a means of salvation, believers are called to live by faith, empowered by the Spirit, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. For society, the Law provides essential moral guidelines and a basis for justice, restraining evil and promoting order. It is a mirror that shows us our spiritual condition, leading us to seek the transformative grace found in Jesus Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Galatians 3:19

    ¶ Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

  • 1 Peter 4:18

    And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

  • Romans 5:20

    Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

  • Galatians 3:10

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • Galatians 3:14

    That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Galatians 5:23

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

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