1 Timothy 1:9

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἰδὼς

G1492

Knowing

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοῦτο

G5124

this

that thing

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δικαίῳ

G1342

for a righteous man

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

νόμος

G3551

the law

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κεῖται

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

ἀνόμοις

G459

for the lawless

lawless, i.e., (negatively) not subject to (the jewish) law; (by implication, a gentile), or (positively) wicked

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἀνυποτάκτοις

G506

disobedient

unsubdued, i.e., insubordinate (in fact or temper)

#12

ἀσεβέσιν

G765

for the ungodly

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἁμαρτωλοῖς

G268

for sinners

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#15

ἀνοσίοις

G462

for unholy

wicked

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

βεβήλοις

G952

profane

accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked

#18

πατραλῴαις

G3964

for murderers of fathers

a parricide

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

μητραλῴαις

G3389

murderers of mothers

a mother-thresher, i.e., matricide

#21

ἀνδροφόνοις

G409

for manslayers

a murderer

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Timothy chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?