2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, 1 prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, 2 2:2 even for kings 3 and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 2:3 Such prayer for all 4 is good and welcomed before God our Savior, 2:4 since he wants 5 all people 6 to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 2:5 For there is one God and one intermediary 7 between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human, 8
1 tn Or “petitions.”
2 tn Grk “all men”; but here ἀνθρώπων (anqrwpwn) is used generically, referring to both men and women.
3 tn For “even for kings” the Greek says simply “for kings.”
4 tn Grk “this”; the referent (such prayer for all, referring to vv. 1-2) is specified in the translation for clarity.
5 tn Grk “who wants…” (but showing why such prayer is pleasing to God).
6 tn Grk “all men”; but here ἀνθρώπους (anqrwpous) is used generically, referring to both men and women.
7 tn Traditionally this word (μεσίτης, mesith") is rendered “mediator,” but this conveys a wrong impression in contemporary English. Jesus was not a mediator, for example, who worked for compromise between opposing parties. Instead he was the only one able to go between man and God to enable them to have a relationship, but entirely on God’s terms.
8 tn Grk “one mediator between God and mankind, the human, Christ Jesus.”