1 Timothy 1:9

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Timothy 1:9, the Apostle Paul clarifies the true purpose of the Mosaic Law, asserting that its function is not to condemn those who are already righteous by faith, but rather to expose, restrain, and highlight the sinfulness of the "lawless and disobedient." This verse serves as a crucial corrective against false teachers who were misinterpreting and misapplying the Law, emphasizing its role as a revealer of transgression and a guide for societal order, rather than a means of salvation for the justified.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapter of Paul's First Letter to Timothy, a pastoral epistle intended to guide Timothy, a young leader, in overseeing the church in Ephesus. Immediately preceding this verse, in [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "Paul's Charge Against False Teachers"), Paul charges Timothy to instruct certain individuals not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than God’s work, which is by faith. Paul specifically warns against those who "desire to be teachers of the Law, though they understand neither what they are saying nor the things about which they make confident assertions." [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") directly addresses this misuse of the Law by articulating its proper, divinely intended function, thereby countering the legalistic or speculative interpretations that were causing division and hindering spiritual growth within the Ephesian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a significant city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious landscape, including a prominent Jewish community and various pagan cults (like the worship of Artemis). The "false teachers" Paul refers to likely had a Jewish background, possibly advocating a form of legalism or Gnosticism, which emphasized adherence to the Law or secret knowledge as a path to righteousness, rather than faith in Christ. Paul's teaching here challenges the prevailing cultural tendency to view law as a means of earning favor or achieving perfection. Instead, he positions the Law within the broader context of God's redemptive plan, where its primary role is to reveal sin and prepare humanity for the grace offered through Jesus Christ, rather than to provide a pathway to self-justification.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it clarifies **The Purpose of the Law**, asserting that it is not given to justify the righteous but to expose and condemn sin, acting as a standard for those who are "lawless and disobedient" and highlighting the universal need for divine grace. Secondly, it establishes a clear **Distinction Between the Righteous and the Unrighteous**, emphasizing that for those made righteous by faith in Christ, the Law does not serve as a burden or a means of condemnation. As Paul states in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin, Not Justifies"), "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight." Finally, the verse underscores **The Law as a Restraint and Revealer of Sin**, with its comprehensive list of transgressors—from general "ungodly" to specific "murderers"—demonstrating the Law's role in setting boundaries for societal order and revealing the depth of human depravity, ultimately pointing to the necessity of a Savior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This term refers to the Mosaic Law, the comprehensive body of divine commandments given to Israel through Moses. In this context, Paul is clarifying its specific function. It is not a means of attaining righteousness for those already justified by faith, but a standard that reveals and condemns transgression.
* **Righteous man (Greek, _díkaios'_):** Derived from the concept of justice or equity, this term describes someone who is just, innocent, or holy. In a theological sense, it refers to those who are declared righteous by God through faith in Christ, not by their own perfect adherence to the Law. For such individuals, the Law's condemnatory aspect is nullified by grace.
* **Lawless (Greek, _ánomos'_):** This word signifies being "without law" or, more strongly, "wicked" and "transgressing the law." It describes those who disregard God's moral standards, whether explicitly revealed in the Mosaic Law or implicitly known through conscience. This term highlights the very group for whom the Law's revealing and condemning power is intended.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man,"**: Paul begins by stating a fundamental truth ("Knowing this"). The Law's primary purpose is not for those who are already righteous in God's sight, which, in the New Covenant, refers to those justified by faith in Jesus Christ. For them, the Law's condemnatory power has been fulfilled in Christ, and they are no longer under its curse.
* **"but for the lawless and disobedient,"**: In stark contrast, the Law is intended for those who disregard divine and moral standards ("lawless") and those who refuse to submit to authority or divine commands ("disobedient"). These are individuals whose lives are characterized by rebellion against God's will.
* **"for the ungodly and for sinners,"**: The list continues with broader categories of moral failure. "Ungodly" refers to those who lack reverence for God or are impious, while "sinners" encompasses all who miss the mark of God's perfect standard, committing acts of transgression.
* **"for unholy and profane,"**: These terms describe those who are morally impure and defiled. "Unholy" denotes a lack of sacredness or purity, while "profane" refers to that which is common, unhallowed, or irreverent towards sacred things, indicating a disregard for spiritual distinction.
* **"for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,"**: The list culminates in specific, heinous crimes, demonstrating the Law's reach into the most severe forms of human depravity. "Murderers of fathers" (parricides) and "murderers of mothers" (matricides) highlight the breaking of fundamental family and societal bonds, while "manslayers" is a general term for murderers. This progression from general lawlessness to specific, abhorrent acts underscores the comprehensive nature of the Law's condemnation of human wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") to drive home his point. Foremost is **Antithesis**, as he sets up a clear contrast between the "righteous man" and the extensive list of transgressors. This sharp opposition highlights that the Law's application is not universal in its purpose, but specifically targeted at those who defy God's standards. Following this, Paul utilizes **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, providing a detailed list of various types of sinners: "lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers." This comprehensive catalog serves to illustrate the breadth and depth of human depravity for which the Law is necessary. The progression within this list also demonstrates a form of **Climax** or **Gradation**, moving from general terms like "lawless" and "ungodly" to increasingly specific and egregious offenses like "murderers of fathers and mothers," emphasizing the severity of the moral decay that the Law addresses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") is deeply rooted in his broader theological understanding of the Law, which he consistently taught was not given as a means of justification or salvation for humanity. Rather, its primary function is to reveal the depth of human sinfulness, to expose transgression, and to act as a moral standard that highlights humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts. The Law serves as a mirror, reflecting our spiritual condition and demonstrating our profound need for a Savior. It sets boundaries for societal order and justice, restraining evil, but ultimately, it leads us to understand that salvation comes not through perfect adherence to its dictates, but through God's grace, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ.

* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Law Reveals Sin, Not Justifies")
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor")
* [Romans 7:7](/romans/7-7 "Romans 7:7 - The Law Reveals Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that our standing before God is not based on our perfect adherence to a legal code, but on the imputed righteousness of Christ. For those who are in Christ, the Law no longer condemns, but its moral principles continue to guide us as an expression of God's character and will. This verse challenges any tendency towards legalism, where one might attempt to earn favor with God through works, while simultaneously affirming the seriousness of sin and the necessity of moral order. It calls us to a deeper appreciation of God's grace, which alone can transform the "lawless" heart into one that desires to obey out of love and gratitude. Furthermore, it informs our evangelism, as we understand that the Law can serve to convict individuals of their sin, thereby preparing their hearts to receive the good news of salvation through faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Law's purpose as revealed in 1 Timothy 1:9 deepen your appreciation for God's grace and the finished work of Christ?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, inadvertently misuse or misinterpret the Law in our own lives or in our interactions with others?**
* **How can the Law's role in revealing sin be used effectively in sharing the Gospel, without falling into legalism or condemnation?**

### FAQ

**Does this mean the Law has no relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Not at all. Paul's point in [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") is about the Law's *primary purpose* in relation to justification, not its ongoing relevance. For Christians, who are righteous by faith in Christ, the Law no longer serves as a means of salvation or condemnation. However, its moral principles (e.g., the Ten Commandments) still reflect God's holy character and provide guidance for righteous living, empowered by the Holy Spirit. It reveals what pleases God and helps us understand the nature of sin, even if we are no longer "under the law" as a system of earning righteousness ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")).

**What is the difference between being 'righteous' and 'lawless' in Paul's view?**

Answer: In Paul's theology, a "righteous man" ([díkaios](/1_timothy/1-9 "1 Timothy 1:9 - Righteous Man")) is one who has been declared just by God through faith in Jesus Christ, not by their own perfect obedience to the Law. Their righteousness is an imputed righteousness, a gift from God ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "lawless" ([ánomos](/1_timothy/1-9 "1 Timothy 1:9 - Lawless")) are those who disregard God's moral standards, living in rebellion against His commands, whether revealed in the Mosaic Law or through their conscience. For these, the Law serves to expose their sin and their need for a Savior. The contrast highlights that the Law's condemnatory power is directed at those outside of Christ's saving grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The truth articulated in [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "The Law's True Purpose") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Law, with its perfect demands and condemnatory power, was indeed "not made for a righteous man" because Christ Himself is the perfectly righteous man. He alone perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the Law, living a sinless life that humanity could not ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfilled the Law")). For the "lawless and disobedient" – which encompasses all humanity – the Law revealed their desperate condition and their inability to bridge the gap between their sin and God's holiness. Christ, however, became the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). He bore the curse of the Law for us, redeeming us from its condemnation so that we might receive the righteousness of God through faith in Him ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the Law's purpose to expose sin ultimately points to the glorious grace of Christ, who provides the perfect righteousness and complete forgiveness that the Law could only demand but never impart.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.