1 Timothy 1:13
New International Version
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

New Living Translation
even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

English Standard Version
though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,

Berean Standard Bible
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Berean Literal Bible
being formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because I did it in unbelief, being ignorant.

King James Bible
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

New King James Version
although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

New American Standard Bible
even though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

NASB 1995
even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

NASB 1977
even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

Legacy Standard Bible
even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

Amplified Bible
even though I was formerly a blasphemer [of our Lord] and a persecutor [of His church] and a shameful and outrageous and violent aggressor [toward believers]. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

Christian Standard Bible
even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

American Standard Version
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

Contemporary English Version
I used to say terrible and insulting things about him, and I was cruel. But Christ had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in him.

English Revised Version
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the past I cursed him, persecuted him, and acted arrogantly toward him. However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief.

Good News Translation
even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing.

International Standard Version
In the past I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief,

Majority Standard Bible
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

NET Bible
even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief,

New Heart English Bible
although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief:

Weymouth New Testament
though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and had been insolent in outrage. Yet mercy was shown me, because I had acted ignorantly, not having as yet believed;

World English Bible
although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who before was speaking slander, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did [it] in unbelief,

Berean Literal Bible
being formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because I did it in unbelief, being ignorant.

Young's Literal Translation
who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief,

Smith's Literal Translation
Being before slandering, expelling, and an abuser: but I was commiserated, because I did, not knowing, in unbelief.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Catholic Public Domain Version
though previously I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contemptuous. But then I obtained the mercy of God. For I had been acting ignorantly, in unbelief.

New American Bible
I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief.

New Revised Standard Version
even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and a reviler; but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Me, I who from the first was a blasphemer and a persecutor and abusive, but I obtained mercy, because I did not know what I was doing, without faith.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
me, I say, who before was a reviler and a persecutor and an overbearing man. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief:

Godbey New Testament
being antecedently a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insulter: but I obtained mercy, because I did it in unbelief being ignorant;

Haweis New Testament
who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolently violent, But I was admitted to mercy, for I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

Mace New Testament
who was before a blasphemer, and a violent persecutor; but I obtained mercy, because I acted thro' ignorance in incrudelity.

Weymouth New Testament
though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and had been insolent in outrage. Yet mercy was shown me, because I had acted ignorantly, not having as yet believed;

Worrell New Testament
though formerly I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I, being ignorant, did it in unbelief;

Worsley New Testament
who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an oppressor. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: and the grace of our Lord superabounded,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Grace to Paul
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. 13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. 14And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.…

Cross References
Acts 9:1-6
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. / As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ...

Acts 22:4-8
I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished. / About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. ...

Acts 26:9-15
So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. ...

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Galatians 1:13-14
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Philippians 3:6
as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

1 Corinthians 6:11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 2:3-5
All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. / But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

Titus 3:3-5
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. / But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 11:30-32
Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience, / so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. / For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

Matthew 12:31-32
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. / Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.


Treasury of Scripture

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

was.

Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Acts 9:1,5,13
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, …

Acts 22:4
And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

but.

1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Hosea 2:23
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

Romans 5:20,21
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: …

because.

Numbers 15:30
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Luke 12:47
And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Jump to Previous
Acted Acts Although Believed Blasphemed Blasphemer Causing Cruel Faith Formerly Great However Ignorance Ignorantly Injurious Insolent Insulted Mercy Obtained Outrage Persecuted Persecutor Previously Received Shown Trouble Unbelief Violent Words
Jump to Next
Acted Acts Although Believed Blasphemed Blasphemer Causing Cruel Faith Formerly Great However Ignorance Ignorantly Injurious Insolent Insulted Mercy Obtained Outrage Persecuted Persecutor Previously Received Shown Trouble Unbelief Violent Words
1 Timothy 1
1. Paul declares Timothy is faithful to the charge which was given him at his going to Macedonia.
5. The right use and end of the law.
11. Paul's calling to be an apostle;
20. and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander.














I was formerly
This phrase indicates a transformation in Paul's life. The Greek word "πρότερον" (proteron) suggests a past state, emphasizing the radical change that has occurred. Historically, Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians. His past actions were in stark contrast to his later life as an apostle. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace to change even the hardest of hearts.

a blasphemer
The term "blasphemer" comes from the Greek "βλάσφημος" (blasphemos), meaning one who speaks against God or sacred things. In the Jewish context, blasphemy was a serious offense, often punishable by death. Paul acknowledges his past actions against Christ and His followers, highlighting the gravity of his sin. This admission underscores the depth of God's mercy, as even those who speak against Him can find forgiveness.

a persecutor
The Greek word "διώκτης" (dioktes) refers to someone who pursues or harasses others, particularly for their beliefs. Paul actively sought to destroy the early Christian church, as seen in Acts 8:3. His role as a persecutor was well-known, making his conversion all the more remarkable. This transformation serves as a powerful example of redemption and the potential for change in anyone's life.

and a violent man
The phrase "violent man" is translated from the Greek "ὑβριστής" (hybristes), which implies insolence and brutality. Paul was not only verbally opposed to Christians but also physically aggressive. His acknowledgment of this behavior demonstrates humility and a recognition of his need for God's grace. It also serves as a reminder that no sin is too great to be forgiven.

yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief
Paul attributes his past actions to ignorance and unbelief, using the Greek words "ἀγνοῶν" (agnoon) and "ἀπιστία" (apistia). Ignorance here implies a lack of understanding of the truth of the Gospel, while unbelief denotes a refusal to accept it. This distinction is important, as it shows that Paul's actions were not out of malice but a genuine misunderstanding. It highlights the importance of knowledge and faith in transforming lives.

I was shown mercy
The Greek word for mercy, "ἠλεήθην" (eleethen), conveys compassion and kindness. Despite his past, Paul received God's mercy, which is central to the Christian message. This mercy is not earned but given freely by God, emphasizing His love and grace. Paul's experience of mercy is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's love and serves as an encouragement to all believers that they too can receive forgiveness and a new life in Christ.

(13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.--In these words of bitter I self-accusation, St. Paul sums up. the characteristic features of his brilliant career as a young Pharisee leader, as a popular Jewish patriot. The object of his intense hatred and of his burning antagonism during these never-to-be-forgotten days was that very Lord, from whom later he had received such unspeakable gifts. He knew he had been "a blasphemer" of that dear Master in the truest sense of the terrible word, since, as it has been well said, that: "He who had seen Stephen die for Christ, and after this did not cease to pant like a wild beast for the blood of the Church, must have known that he had not been guilty of simply reviling men but of blaspheming God." And "a persecutor," for, to quote his own words at Jerusalem (Acts 22:4): "I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." (Comp., too, Acts 25:11 : "I compelled them to blaspheme.") And "injurious" (or, more accurately rendered, a doer of outrage), as he must well have remembered the events referred to in the history of the Acts (Acts 9:1) in the words: "Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord."

But I obtained mercy.--The Apostle, his heart overflowing with love and gratitude, contrasts his Master's mercy with his own want of it; the "mercy" shown to him consisting in something very different to simple forgiveness of a great wrong. In St. Paul's case the pardon was crowned by many a noble gift bestowed by that pitiful King whom he had so cruelly wronged.

Because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.--This is one of the passages which throws a gleam of light on some of the hard questions which perplex us when we meditate on the principles of the final judgment. Very little is told us as to the doom of those who have not heard, or else have failed to understand, the message of Christ. Still, from even such scanty teaching as is contained in the words we are now considering, and in such passages as Matthew 12:31-32; Luke 23:34, we gather that there is an ignorance which at least greatly modifies the guilt of unbelief; we learn at least this much--such a sinner is not out of the pale of the operation of divine mercy But in spite of these hints--for they are little more--of the almost limitless area of the divine mercy, great care must be taken not to press overmuch these blessed intimations of the possibility of a mercy far more extended than the usual interpretation of the inspired utterances would lead us to expect; for, after all, the words and teaching of the merciful Redeemer Himself (Luke 12:48) seem to point to a mitigation of punishment, rather than to a complete forgiveness, of sins committed under circumstances of perhaps partial ignorance. "He that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." . . .

Verse 13. - Though I was for who was, A.V. and T.R.; howbeit for but, A.V. A blasphemer (βλάσημον); applied, as here, to persons, only in 2 Timothy 3:2; applied to words, Acts 6:11, 13 (T.R.). The verb βλασφημεῖν, and the substantive βλασφημία, are very common, both in the sense of "blaspheming" and of "railing" or "reviling." St. Paul was a blasphemer because he spoke against the Name of Jesus, which he had since discovered was a Name above all names. A persecutor (διώκτης); only here; but the verb διωκεῖν is applied to St. Paul repeatedly (Acts 9:4, 5; Acts 22:4; Acts 26:11, etc.), and the διώκτης here refers possibly to that very narrative. Injurious (ὑβριστής); only here and Romans 1:30, where it is rendered "insolent," R.V. The verb ὑβρίζειν, both in the New Testament and in classical Greek, means to "treat or use others despitefully," "to outrage and insult" them, not without personal violence (Matthew 22:6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). The ὑβριστής is one who so treats others. St. Paul was thinking of his own conduct toward the Christians, whom he not only reviled, but handled roughly and east into prison (Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1; Acts 22:19). There is no English word which exactly renders ὑβριστής.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I was
ὄντα (onta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

formerly
πρότερον (proteron)
Adverb - Comparative
Strong's 4386: Formerly, before. Neuter of proteros as adverb; previously.

a blasphemer,
βλάσφημον (blasphēmon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 989: Slanderous; subst: a blasphemer. From a derivative of blapto and pheme; scurrilious, i.e. Calumnious, or impious.

a persecutor,
διώκτην (diōktēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1376: A persecutor. From dioko; a persecutor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

a violent [man];
ὑβριστήν (hybristēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5197: An insolent, insulting, or violent man. From hubrizo; an insulter, i.e. Maltreater.

yet
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

because
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I had acted
ἐποίησα (epoiēsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

ignorance
ἀγνοῶν (agnoōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

[and] unbelief,
ἀπιστίᾳ (apistia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 570: Unbelief, unfaithfulness, distrust. From apistos; faithlessness, i.e. disbelief, or unfaithfulness.

I was shown mercy.
ἠλεήθην (ēleēthēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1653: To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 1:13 Although I was before a blasphemer (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 1:12
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