1 Timothy 2:6

KJV

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3588} gave {G1325} himself {G1438} a ransom {G487} for {G5228} all {G3956}, to be testified {G3142} in due {G2398} time {G2540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who gave himself as a ransom on behalf of all, thus providing testimony to God’s purpose at just the right time.

Berean Standard Bible

who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

American Standard Version

who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 2:6 powerfully encapsulates the core of the Christian gospel, declaring that Christ Jesus voluntarily offered Himself as a complete and sufficient ransom for all humanity. This profound act of substitutionary atonement, orchestrated according to God's perfect timing, serves as the foundational truth to be proclaimed universally, underscoring both the boundless scope of God's redemptive purpose and the unique efficacy of Christ's sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's pastoral instructions to Timothy concerning proper church order and sound doctrine in Ephesus. It immediately follows the declaration of God's universal desire for salvation in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to be Saved")—"Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." Verse 6 then provides the theological bedrock for this universal aspiration, building directly upon [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator") which states, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Thus, [1 Timothy 2:6](/1_timothy/2-6 "1 Timothy 2:6 - Christ, the Ransom for All") explains *how* Christ functions as this unique Mediator: by giving Himself as a ransom, thereby making salvation accessible to all and fulfilling God's redemptive will. The passage transitions from the necessity of prayer for all people (vv. 1-4) to the theological basis for such universal concern, culminating in the foundational truth of Christ's atoning work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to Timothy, who is leading the church in Ephesus, a bustling Roman provincial capital known for its diverse religious landscape, including the prominent cult of Artemis and various philosophical schools. The concept of "ransom" (ἀντίλυτρον) would have been readily understood in the Greco-Roman world, where slavery was common, and a payment (λύτρον) could be made to secure a person's freedom. This background gives vivid meaning to Christ's act: He pays the ultimate price to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin, death, and the law. Furthermore, the emphasis on "one God" and "one mediator" directly challenged the polytheistic tendencies and multiple intercessors prevalent in the surrounding culture, asserting the exclusive and singular path to reconciliation with God through Christ. The "due time" also reflects the historical unfolding of God's redemptive plan, from Old Testament prophecies to Christ's advent and the subsequent global proclamation of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 2:6](/1_timothy/2-6 "1 Timothy 2:6 - Christ, the Ransom for All") contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book of 1 Timothy and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Substitutionary Atonement**, where Christ's death is understood as a vicarious sacrifice, a payment made in place of humanity to satisfy divine justice and secure redemption. This concept is central to the Gospel message, as seen in passages like [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Give His Life as a Ransom"). Another crucial theme is the **Universality of God's Salvific Will**, emphasizing that Christ's atoning work is sufficient for "all," reflecting God's desire for all people to be saved, as articulated in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to be Saved"). This underscores the boundless nature of God's love and the unrestricted offer of grace. Finally, the phrase "to be testified in due time" highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Proclamation**, indicating that God has a specific, appointed time for the revelation and widespread declaration of this saving truth. This mandates the ongoing mission of the church to bear witness to Christ's redeeming work, echoing the Great Commission found in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, voluntary act of bestowal or delivery. In the context of Christ, it emphasizes His active agency and self-sacrifice, rather than a passive offering. He was not coerced but willingly "gave himself," indicating a profound act of love and obedience. The term implies a complete surrender and transfer of something precious.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun underscores the personal and complete nature of the offering. Christ did not offer something external or a mere substitute; He offered His very being, His life, His divine and human person. This highlights the unparalleled intimacy and totality of His sacrifice.
* **ransom (Greek, _antílytron'_):** This is a strong and specific term, meaning "a redemption-price" or "that which is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption." The prefix "anti-" (ἀντί) signifies "in place of" or "instead of," powerfully conveying the idea of a substitutionary payment. It is the price paid to free someone from bondage, debt, or captivity, signifying Christ's payment for humanity's freedom from sin and its consequences.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word denotes totality, encompassing "all," "every," or "the whole." Its inclusion here is crucial, emphasizing the universal scope and sufficiency of Christ's ransom. It indicates that His sacrifice is not limited to a select few but is applicable and available to the entire human race, demonstrating God's boundless love and inclusive salvific intent.
* **due (Greek, _ídios'_):** While "ídios" often means "one's own" or "private," in this context, when combined with "time" (kairós), it refers to a specific, appropriate, or appointed time. It implies a divinely ordained moment, a proper season, rather than an arbitrary or random occurrence.
* **time (Greek, _kairós'_):** This word refers to a specific, opportune, or appointed season or moment, as opposed to "chronos" (χρόνος), which denotes chronological duration. "Kairós" here signifies God's sovereignly determined and perfect timing for the revelation and proclamation of the gospel truth concerning Christ's ransom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who gave himself":** This clause highlights the active, voluntary, and personal nature of Christ's sacrifice. It was not a passive event but a deliberate act of self-giving, demonstrating profound love and obedience to the Father's will. The subject "Who" refers back to "the man Christ Jesus" in the preceding verse, emphasizing His unique identity as both fully God and fully man, capable of such a singular act.
* **"a ransom for all":** This is the heart of the verse, articulating the purpose and scope of Christ's self-giving. "Ransom" (ἀντίλυτρον) signifies a payment made to secure release from bondage, debt, or penalty. The preposition "for" (ὑπέρ) means "on behalf of" or "instead of," clearly indicating a substitutionary act. Christ's life was given in exchange for ours, to liberate us from the enslavement of sin and its just penalty. The crucial addition "for all" underscores the universal applicability and sufficiency of this ransom, demonstrating God's desire for the salvation of all humanity.
* **"to be testified in due time":** This final clause speaks to the divine plan for the proclamation of this saving truth. "To be testified" (μαρτύριον) implies a witness or evidence, signifying that the truth of Christ's ransom is a fact to be declared and attested to. "In due time" (καιρῷ ἰδίῳ) indicates God's perfect, appointed timing for this testimony to be revealed and spread throughout the world. It points to the historical unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ's advent and the subsequent mission of the church to proclaim the Gospel to all nations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Metaphor of Ransom/Redemption**. Christ's self-giving is likened to a payment made to free captives, vividly illustrating humanity's bondage to sin and the cost required for liberation. This metaphor is deeply rooted in both Old Testament sacrificial language and the socio-economic realities of the ancient world. Furthermore, the statement functions as a **Theological Assertion** or **Declarative Statement**, presenting a foundational truth about Christ's identity and work with concise authority. The phrase "to be testified" implies a **Divine Passive**, suggesting that the proclamation of this truth is not merely a human endeavor but is divinely ordained and empowered, unfolding according to God's sovereign **Timing** (kairos). The succinctness of the verse, particularly the pairing of "gave himself" with "ransom," creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** that emphasizes the active, personal nature of Christ's sacrifice in contrast to the passive state of those being ransomed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Timothy 2:6 stands as a profound theological cornerstone, articulating the very essence of the Christian doctrine of atonement. It reveals God's boundless love and His sovereign plan to reconcile humanity to Himself through the singular, substitutionary sacrifice of His Son. This verse underscores that Christ's death was not merely a tragic event but a deliberate, purposeful act—a divine transaction where His life was given as the ultimate price to redeem all who believe from the bondage and penalty of sin. It is the theological bedrock for the universal call to salvation, confirming that God's desire for "all men to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4) is grounded in the infinite sufficiency of Christ's blood. This truth compels believers to live lives of gratitude and to participate actively in the "testimony" of this gospel, knowing that God's "due time" for its proclamation is now.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Give His Life as a Ransom")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 1 Timothy 2:6 calls for a deep and transformative reflection on the nature of God's love and the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice. To truly grasp that the Creator of the universe "gave himself a ransom for all" should evoke overwhelming gratitude and humility. It assures us that our salvation is not based on our merit or efforts, but solely on the finished work of Christ—a complete and sufficient payment for our sins, offering true freedom and peace. This understanding should dismantle any lingering doubts about God's willingness to forgive and embrace us. Furthermore, the universal scope ("for all") compels us beyond personal assurance to a fervent passion for evangelism. If Christ died for "all," then our mission is to testify to this truth to everyone, recognizing that we are living in the "due time" for its proclamation. This verse empowers us to share the Gospel with boldness, knowing that the foundation for salvation has already been laid, and the invitation is open to all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's sacrifice as a "ransom" deepen your appreciation for His love and the cost of your salvation?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "for all" challenge any exclusive or limited views you might hold about God's redemptive plan?**
* **Considering that we are in the "due time" for this truth to be testified, what practical steps can you take to share the message of Christ's ransom with others?**
* **How does the voluntary nature of Christ giving "himself" (not just something) impact your understanding of His commitment to humanity?**

### FAQ

**What does "ransom" specifically mean in this verse?**

Answer: In 1 Timothy 2:6, "ransom" translates the Greek word *antilutron* (ἀντίλυτρον). This is a very strong and precise term. It means "a price of redemption," or more specifically, "that which is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption." The prefix *anti-* means "in place of" or "instead of." Therefore, when the verse states that Christ "gave himself a ransom for all," it means He offered His very life as a substitutionary payment to free humanity from the bondage of sin, its penalty, and its power. It signifies a complete and sufficient payment made on our behalf to secure our liberation and reconciliation with God. This concept is echoed in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Give His Life as a Ransom"), where Jesus states He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

**Does "for all" mean everyone will be saved?**

Answer: The phrase "for all" (Greek: *pas*) indicates the universal scope and *sufficiency* of Christ's atoning work, not necessarily the universal *efficacy* for every individual without their response. It means Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for the entire human race, demonstrating God's boundless love and desire for all people to find salvation. As stated in [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to be Saved"), God "will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." While the *offer* of salvation through Christ's ransom is open to all, the *reception* of that salvation requires a personal response of faith and repentance. The "all" here emphasizes that no one is excluded from the *opportunity* for salvation based on Christ's provision.

**What is the significance of "in due time"?**

Answer: "In due time" translates the Greek phrase *kairō idiō*, referring to God's specific, appointed, or opportune time. It signifies that the revelation and proclamation of the truth about Christ's ransom were not random but part of God's sovereign, unfolding plan throughout history. This "due time" refers to the historical advent of Christ, His crucifixion, resurrection, and the subsequent commission of the church to spread the Gospel message globally. It implies that God orchestrates history to bring about His redemptive purposes, and now, in the New Covenant era, is the appointed time for this saving truth to be testified to all nations. This divine timing underscores the urgency and privilege of the church's mission to bear witness to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 2:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the pre-existent Son of God, who, in the fullness of time, willingly "gave himself"—an act of unparalleled love and obedience—to become the very "ransom for all." This verse points directly to His unique role as the [one Mediator between God and men](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator"), a role He could only fulfill by offering His perfect, sinless life as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. Unlike the temporary and insufficient animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ's self-giving was a once-for-all act, providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His death on the cross was not a defeat but the triumphant payment of the *antilutron*, securing freedom from the dominion of sin and death for all who believe ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The "due time" for this truth to be "testified" began with His resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, commissioning His followers to proclaim this good news to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")). Thus, Christ is not merely the subject of the ransom; He *is* the Ransom, the Giver, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's universal plan of salvation, revealing the Father's heart to reconcile a lost world to Himself through His Son ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Was Reconciling the World to Himself")).

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

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 John 2:1

¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,