Bible Strands
1 Timothy 2:4
who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, framing God’s desire for universal salvation as the basis for prayers offered to the one mediator, Christ Jesus.
The words — θελεῖ (thelei) translates literally as "desires" or "wills," while πᾶντας ἀνθρώπους (pantas anthrōpous) means "all men" or "all people."
The thread — This explicit divine preference for repentance over judgment runs through Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 18:32, and 2 Peter 3:9.
Why it lands — The text declares God's desire for universal salvation and truth before any inference about human response or divine decree is drawn. It requires readers to direct their prayers and teaching toward the full scope of God's stated will without narrowing it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
- Ezekiel 18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.
- Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
- John 3:15 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.
- 2 Timothy 2:25 He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
- Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,
- Isaiah 45:22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
- 1 Timothy 4:10 To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.