Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 2:8

"I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing." — 1 Timothy 2:8 (ASV)

Getting back specifically to the matter of public worship, the apostle wants “men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” Lifting up one’s hands in prayer is often mentioned in the OT (e.g., 1 Kings 8:22; 143:6). It is a natural gesture, indicating earnest desire. The word “holy” here means devout, pious, and pleasing to God. Linked to lifting up holy hands is the idea of moral purity. We cannot pray effectively unless our lives are clean and committed to our Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing does more to alienate the mind from sincere prayer than an attitude of anger and a quarrelsome spirit.