I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
I will, х Boulomai (G1014)] - I desire, active wish: not mere willingness х etheloo (G2309)].
That men - Greek, 'that the men,' as distinguished from 'the women,' to whom he has something different to say (1 Timothy 2:9-12; 1 Corinthians 11:4-5; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35). The emphasis is on the precept of praying, resumed from 1 Timothy 2:1.
Everywhere - Greek, 'in every place;' namely, of public prayer. Fulfilling Malachi 1:11; Matthew 18:20; John 4:21; John 4:23.
Lifting up holy hands. The early Christians turned up their palms toward heaven, as craving help. 'An oblation to God of the instruments of our necessities' (Ellicott). So also Solomon (1 Kings 8:22; Psalms 141:2). The Jews washed their hands before prayer (Psalms 26:6). Paul (cf. Job 17:9; James 4:8) alludes to this: so Isaiah 1:15-16. х Hosious (G3741)] "Holy" means not profane, untainted with impiety; observing every sacred duty. The contrite desire to be so is a needful qualification for effectual prayer (Psalms 24:3-4).
Without wrath, х chooris (G5565)] - putting it away (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 6:15).
Doubting, х dialogismou (G1261)] - translated, Philippians 2:14, 'disputing.' But elsewhere it means doubting; reasonings as to whether prayer shall obtain an answer. However, the verb means dispute (Mark 9:33-34). Such things hinder prayer (Romans 14:1; 1 Peter 3:7: cf. an instance of doubting vitiating prayer, 2 Kings 7:2; Matthew 14:31; Mark 11:22-24; James 1:6; James 1:9-10. The context implies that these directions as to women refer to their deportment in public worship, though holding good on other occasions also.