Bible Strands
1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy for the assembly at Ephesus, positioning this instruction between his own apostolic authority (v. 7) and his directive for women's appearance (v. 9).
The words — Boulomai (I desire) marks a deliberate wish rather than a blunt command, and proseuchesthai (to pray) carries the prefix pro- (toward), indicating prayer directed toward God.
The thread — Hand-lifting appears in Psalms 134:2 and 63:4 as a posture of blessing and devotion. Hebrews 10:22 pairs drawing near with a cleansed heart, echoing the "without anger" constraint here.
Why it lands — The verse constrains the disposition of the one praying, not just the content: anger and dissension are named as disqualifying conditions. It asks the reader to examine whether their prayers are offered in settled relationship or in the grip of unresolved conflict.
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
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Cross-references
- Psalms 134:2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD!
- Psalms 63:4 So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.
- Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
- Titus 3:8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
- Luke 24:50 When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
- James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
- Isaiah 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
- Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
- John 4:23 But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him.
- 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.