I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's striking that Paul doesn't just say "pray," but adds "lifting holy hands." This isn't about a physical pose, but about a pure heart and right actions, showing that our worship must be connected to how we live, especially regarding our relationships. The instruction to avoid anger and quarreling right alongside the call to prayer highlights how crucial peacefulness is to truly approaching God.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how the church should function, covering everything from worship to leadership. Right before this, he discussed proper conduct for women in worship, and now he shifts to men, highlighting a specific posture and attitude for prayer that reflects reverence and unity. This command sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on how men, particularly leaders, should embody a peaceful and orderly demeanor in their spiritual lives and within the community.
Paul gives specific instructions for how men should pray. But does this mean prayer is only for men, or that God only cares about how men pray?
Paul's instruction here isn't about limiting prayer to men, but about the attitude men should bring to prayer. The Apostle Peter also speaks of prayer in a way that includes all believers (1 Peter 3:7). Paul's focus on men in this specific instance might relate to leadership roles or public address within the church at that time, but the underlying principle of approaching God with a right heart is universal. God desires all His people to pray, and He desires that prayer be offered with sincerity and a lack of division.
We're told to lift 'holy hands.' What does that mean in practical terms, and how do anger and quarreling disqualify our prayers?
The imagery of 'lifting holy hands' is powerful. It signifies presenting ourselves to God in a state of purity and devotion. In the Old Testament, priests would wash their hands before ministering (Exodus 30:17-21), symbolizing a need for cleanness before approaching God. Paul connects this directly to an inner state: the hands must be free from 'anger or quarreling.' These are destructive forces that fracture community and grieve the Holy Spirit. When we hold onto anger or engage in disputes, our hands are not truly 'holy' in the way God desires for our worship and prayer. It’s a call to relational peace and emotional self-control.
Understand the original words
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proseuchomai · Greek Verb
To offer petitions, thanksgivings, or intercessions to God; an act of worship and reliance upon the Creator.
hosios · Greek Adjective
Culturally and ceremonially clean or set apart for God; morally pure and dedicated to service.
Jesus teaches that before offering a gift to God, one must first be reconciled with their brother, highlighting the importance of a pure heart in worship, just as Paul emphasizes praying without anger or quarreling.
1 Corinthians 14:33This passage speaks about God not being a God of disorder but of peace, connecting to Paul's desire for orderly, peaceable prayer without strife.
Galatians 3:28Paul states there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus, suggesting that when believers come together to pray, any division or quarreling based on such distinctions is inappropriate in the unity of faith.
James 4:1James directly addresses the root of quarrels and conflicts among believers as stemming from selfish desires, reinforcing Paul's call to set aside anger and quarreling when approaching God in prayer.
It's striking that Paul doesn't just say "pray," but adds "lifting holy hands." This isn't about a physical pose, but about a pure heart and right actions, showing that our worship must be connected to how we live, especially regarding our relationships. The instruction to avoid anger and quarreling right alongside the call to prayer highlights how crucial peacefulness is to truly approaching God.
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how the church should function, covering everything from worship to leadership. Right before this, he discussed proper conduct for women in worship, and now he shifts to men, highlighting a specific posture and attitude for prayer that reflects reverence and unity. This command sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on how men, particularly leaders, should embody a peaceful and orderly demeanor in their spiritual lives and within the community.
Paul is giving Timothy instructions on how the church should function, covering everything from worship to leadership. Right before this, he discussed proper conduct for women in worship, and now he shifts to men, highlighting a specific posture and attitude for prayer that reflects reverence and unity. This command sets the stage for the subsequent discussion on how men, particularly leaders, should embody a peaceful and orderly demeanor in their spiritual lives and within the community.
"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;" — It's striking that Paul doesn't just say "pray," but adds "lifting holy hands." This isn't about a physical pose, but about a pure heart and right actions, showing that our worship must be connected…
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Last reviewed October 2026