2 Timothy 1:9
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
Who
G3588
τὴν
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώσαντος
hath saved
G4982
σώσαντος
hath saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
2 of 27
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καλέσαντος
called
G2564
καλέσαντος
called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
5 of 27
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
ἁγίᾳ
us with an holy
G40
ἁγίᾳ
us with an holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
7 of 27
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
κατ'
according to
G2596
κατ'
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 27
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
Who
G3588
τὴν
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 27
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
κατ'
according to
G2596
κατ'
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
14 of 27
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἰδίαν
his own
G2398
ἰδίαν
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
15 of 27
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
πρόθεσιν
purpose
G4286
πρόθεσιν
purpose
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
16 of 27
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χάριν
grace
G5485
χάριν
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
18 of 27
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τὴν
Who
G3588
τὴν
Who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοθεῖσαν
was given
G1325
δοθεῖσαν
was given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
20 of 27
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
24 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
25 of 27
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
Cross References
Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Romans 16:25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Romans 9:11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:John 17:9I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.1 Peter 1:20Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Hebrews 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Historical Context
The doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone was revolutionary in the ancient world. Jewish legalism taught salvation through Torah obedience plus faith. Greek philosophy promoted salvation through knowledge (gnosis) or moral self-improvement. Roman religion was transactional—perform rituals, receive divine favor. Christianity's proclamation that God saves helpless sinners by grace alone through Christ's finished work, apart from works, contradicted all human religious instinct. This doctrine faced opposition from Judaizers requiring circumcision and Torah observance (Galatians) and from proto-Gnostics promoting special knowledge (Colossians).
Questions for Reflection
- How do subtle forms of works-righteousness—earning God's favor through religious activity, good behavior, or ministry—creep into your thinking and motivation?
- How does remembering that God purposed your salvation "before the world began" affect your assurance, especially when struggling with sin or facing trials?
- In what practical ways can meditating on God's sovereign grace and eternal purpose embolden you to suffer for Christ without fear of losing salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. This verse unpacks the gospel foundation for courageous suffering. "Saved" (sōsantos, σώσαντος) is aorist participle indicating completed action—salvation is accomplished fact, not uncertain process. God has definitively rescued believers from sin's penalty, power, and ultimately presence. "Called" (kalesantos, καλέσαντος) refers to effectual calling—God's sovereign summoning that creates faith and brings the elect to salvation (Romans 8:30).
The "holy calling" (klēsei hagia, κλήσει ἁγίᾳ) emphasizes both the source (God's holiness) and goal (our holiness) of divine calling. This calling is "not according to our works" (ou kata ta erga hēmōn, οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν)—emphatically denying works-righteousness. Salvation doesn't depend on human merit, religious performance, or moral achievement but solely on "his own purpose and grace" (idian prothesin kai charin, ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν). God's eternal purpose and unmerited favor are salvation's exclusive foundation.
This grace "was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (pro chronōn aiōniōn, πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων)—literally "before eternal times." Before creation, God purposed to save an elect people through Christ. This affirms unconditional election, eternal security, and God's sovereign grace. If salvation depends on God's eternal purpose, not our works, then suffering for Christ cannot jeopardize our standing.