1 Timothy 2:4

KJV

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739} will have {G2309} all {G3956} men {G444} to be saved {G4982}, and {G2532} to come {G2064} unto {G1519} the knowledge {G1922} of the truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

American Standard Version

who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 2:4 articulates God's profound and benevolent desire for the salvation of all humanity. It reveals that God's will is not only for people to be delivered from sin and its consequences but also for them to arrive at a full, accurate, and transformative understanding of the truth, which is intrinsically linked to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement for the universal scope of Christian prayer and evangelism, emphasizing God's loving disposition towards every individual.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning public worship and church order in Ephesus. The immediate preceding verses, [1 Timothy 2:1-3](/1_timothy/2-1-3 "1 Timothy 2:1-3 - Exhortation to Prayer for All"), strongly exhort believers to pray for "all people," specifically mentioning "kings and all who are in high positions," so that the church might "lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved") then provides the theological rationale for such broad and inclusive prayer: it is in alignment with God's own character and redemptive purpose. The subsequent verses, [1 Timothy 2:5-6](/1_timothy/2-5-6 "1 Timothy 2:5-6 - The One Mediator and Ransom for All"), further elaborate on this universal desire by pointing to the singular mediation of Christ, who "gave himself as a ransom for all." Thus, the passage moves from the practical command of prayer to its divine motivation and Christological foundation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy, his protégé, who was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city in Asia Minor. Ephesus was a diverse metropolitan center, home to various religious cults (including the widespread worship of Artemis) and philosophical schools. The early Christian church in Ephesus, like many nascent communities, faced challenges related to false teaching, internal disputes, and the need for proper leadership and conduct. In this context, Paul's emphasis on praying for "all men," including political rulers, was significant. Roman emperors and officials often persecuted Christians, making the call to pray for them a radical act of faith and submission to God's broader redemptive plan, rather than a mere political endorsement. It underscored the church's mission to all people, regardless of their societal standing or opposition to the faith, reflecting a counter-cultural posture of love and evangelistic concern.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Universal Desire for Salvation") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Timothy and Pauline theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Universal Redemptive Will**, emphasizing that God's desire for salvation extends to all humanity, not just a select few. This theme provides the theological bedrock for the church's mission and evangelism, as seen in the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Another crucial theme is the **Centrality of Truth and Sound Doctrine**. Salvation is linked to "the knowledge of the truth," highlighting that genuine faith is not based on mere emotion or superstition but on an accurate understanding of God's revealed will and the Gospel. This aligns with Paul's consistent warnings against false teachers and his exhortations to Timothy to "guard the good deposit" ([1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Good Deposit")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Importance of Prayer and Intercession**, particularly for those in authority, as a means of living out God's universal desire for peace and salvation ([1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will have (Greek, _thélō'_):** This verb (G2309) signifies a strong desire, wish, or intention stemming from an active choice or subjective impulse. It points to God's sincere disposition and benevolent will, indicating His genuine longing and preference for all humanity to be saved. It expresses His heart's desire, rather than an irresistible decree that compels salvation upon every individual regardless of their will. This term contrasts with other Greek words for "will" that might imply a more deterministic or passive acquiescence.
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "safe" (G4982), this term encompasses deliverance, preservation, and making whole. In a spiritual context, it refers to the comprehensive deliverance from the power, guilt, and eternal consequences of sin, leading to reconciliation with God and the restoration of a right relationship with Him. It implies rescue from spiritual peril and entry into eternal life through Christ.
* **knowledge (Greek, _epígnōsis'_):** This noun (G1922) denotes a full, accurate, or complete knowledge, implying a deeper, more profound discernment than mere acquaintance. It suggests an experiential and transformative understanding, rather than just intellectual assent. When paired with "truth" (G225, _alḗtheia_), it refers to a comprehensive and saving apprehension of God's divine revelation, particularly as it is embodied in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This "knowledge of the truth" is essential for salvation, as it involves recognizing and embracing the reality of God's plan for redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who will have all men to be saved":** This clause reveals the universal scope of God's benevolent will. The antecedent "Who" refers to God, as established in the preceding context. "Will have" (G2309, _thélō_) indicates God's earnest desire and intention for humanity's salvation. The phrase "all men" (G3956, _pâs_ and G444, _ánthrōpos_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this desire, encompassing every human being without exception, irrespective of their background, status, or nationality. God's heart is for the redemption of the entire human race, demonstrating His boundless love and grace.
* **"and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.":** This second clause specifies the means or the accompanying condition for salvation. Salvation is not a blind or passive process but is intrinsically linked to "coming unto" (G2064, _érchomai_ and G1519, _eis_, indicating motion towards a point) "the knowledge of the truth." The "knowledge" (G1922, _epígnōsis_) here is not superficial but a full, accurate, and transformative discernment. "The truth" (G225, _alḗtheia_) refers to the divine reality revealed in the Gospel, particularly concerning Jesus Christ as the unique path to salvation. Thus, God desires that all people not only be saved but also actively apprehend and embrace the saving truth of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Declarative Statement** to convey a profound theological truth about God's character and will. The structure is direct and unambiguous, asserting God's universal desire. There is also a subtle form of **Parallelism** or **Complementary Clauses**, where "to be saved" is paired with "to come unto the knowledge of the truth." These two phrases are not identical but are intimately connected, with the latter often being the means or prerequisite for the former, highlighting that genuine salvation involves an informed and volitional embrace of divine truth. The use of "all men" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Universal Scope**, emphasizing the breadth of God's desire without necessarily implying a universalist outcome (i.e., that every single person *will* be saved), but rather the *intent* and *provision* for all.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 2:4 stands as a cornerstone verse affirming God's universal redemptive desire for humanity. It powerfully communicates that God is not selective in His love or arbitrary in His offer of salvation; rather, His heart genuinely yearns for all people to turn to Him, be delivered from sin, and embrace the saving truth found in Jesus Christ. This divine disposition forms the theological basis for the church's global mission and the imperative to preach the gospel to every creature. It underscores the profound benevolence of God, who actively provides the means for salvation and invites all to partake in it, while respecting human freedom to respond or reject.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for All to Repent")
* [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Takes No Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound declaration of God's universal desire for salvation should ignite a fervent passion within believers for evangelism and intercessory prayer. If God's heart is for "all men" to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, then our hearts, as His representatives, should beat with the same rhythm. This verse challenges any narrow or exclusive view of God's grace, compelling us to extend compassion and the message of hope to every person we encounter, regardless of their background, beliefs, or perceived worthiness. It reminds us that our mission is not to judge who is worthy of God's love, but to faithfully proclaim that God's love and salvation are offered to all. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of truth in the journey of faith; salvation is not a vague sentiment but a transformative encounter with the objective reality of God's revelation in Christ. We are called not only to share the message but to ensure it is the unadulterated "knowledge of the truth."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's desire for "all men to be saved" impact my personal prayer life and my commitment to evangelism?**
* **In what ways might I be limiting God's desire for salvation by pre-judging who is "reachable" or "worthy" of the Gospel?**
* **What does it mean for me to "come unto the knowledge of the truth" in a deeper, more transformative way?**
* **How can my church community better reflect God's universal desire for salvation in its outreach and discipleship efforts?**

### FAQ

**Does "all men" in 1 Timothy 2:4 mean that everyone will ultimately be saved (universalism)?**

Answer: While the verse clearly states God's desire for "all men to be saved," it does not teach universalism, which is the doctrine that everyone will eventually be saved regardless of their faith or response. The Greek word "pâs" (all) here refers to "all sorts of people" or "people from every group," emphasizing the universal scope of God's offer and intention, not a deterministic outcome for every single individual. Other scriptures consistently affirm the necessity of faith and repentance for salvation (e.g., [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes Is Not Condemned"), [Acts 17:30](/acts/17-30 "Acts 17:30 - God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")). God's desire is genuine, His provision is sufficient for all, but human free will and response remain crucial. The verse highlights God's benevolent character and the church's universal mission, not a guaranteed salvation for every person irrespective of their choice.

**What is meant by "the knowledge of the truth"?**

Answer: "The knowledge of the truth" (Greek: _epígnōsis alētheias_) refers to a full, accurate, and transformative understanding of God's revealed truth, particularly as it pertains to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's not merely intellectual assent to facts, but a deep, experiential, and saving discernment of who God is, what He has done through Christ, and what He requires of humanity. This truth includes understanding humanity's sinfulness, God's holiness, the atoning work of Jesus on the cross, His resurrection, and the call to repentance and faith. This "truth" is embodied in Jesus Himself, who declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Coming to this knowledge implies a personal acceptance and commitment to living according to that truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 2:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "truth" that all men are called to know, for He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). God's desire for "all men to be saved" is perfectly expressed and made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. As the very next verse declares, "there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all" ([1 Timothy 2:5-6](/1_timothy/2-5-6 "1 Timothy 2:5-6 - The One Mediator and Ransom for All")). Jesus' death on the cross was a propitiation for the sins of the whole world ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ's Atonement for the World")), demonstrating God's universal provision for salvation. He is the light that came into the world to enlighten everyone ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")), and His resurrection power offers new life to all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, God's universal desire is not a mere wish, but a redemptive purpose fully realized and offered through His Son, Jesus, who invites all to come to Him for salvation and the transformative knowledge of God's truth.

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

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn [yourselves], and live ye.

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Ezekiel 18:23

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: [and] not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Titus 2:11

¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?