1 Timothy6
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.
3If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain:
7for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
8but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
9But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
13I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;
14that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power eternal. Amen.
17Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.
20O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
21which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Timothy 6.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other masters. (1–5). The advantage of godliness with contentment. (6–10). A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful. (11–16). The apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a blessing. (17–21).
vv1-5
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise heathen masters, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living with believing masters, were not to withhold due respect and reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious privileges, but were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of their faith in Christ, and as partakers of his free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent. Commonly those are most proud who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and seeking their worldly advantage. (1Ti 6:6-10)
vv6-10
Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling, will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content. When brought into the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavour to be content. We see here the evil of covetousness. It is not said, they that are rich, but they will be rich; who place their happiness in wealth, and are eager and determined in the pursuit. Those that are such, give to Satan the opportunity of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means, and other bad practices, to add to their gains. Also, leading into so many employments, and such a hurry of business, as leave no time or inclination for spiritual religion; leading to connexions that draw into sin and folly. What sins will not men be drawn into by the love of money! People may have money, and yet not love it; but if they love it, this will push them on to all evil. Every sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from the love of money. We cannot look around without perceiving many proofs of this, especially in a day of outward prosperity, great expenses, and loose profession.
vv11-16
It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be taken up with the things of God. There must be a conflict with corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown proposed for our encouragement. We are called to lay hold thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But who can give such a charge, that is not himself above the love of things that wealth can buy? The appearing of Christ is certain, but it is not for us to know the time. Mortal eyes cannot bear the brightness of the Divine glory. None can approach him except as he is made known unto sinners in and by Christ. The Godhead is here adored without distinction of Persons, as all these things are properly spoken, whether of the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost. God is revealed to us, only in and through the human nature of Christ, as the only begotten Son of the Father.
Key Words
ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai): to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider
ὅσος (hósos): as (much, great, long, etc.) as
εἰσί (eisí): they are
ὑπό (hypó): under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at))
ζυγός (zygós): a coupling, i.e. (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)
δοῦλος (doûlos): a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἴδιος (ídios): pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate
δεσπότης (despótēs): an absolute ruler ("despot")
ἄξιος (áxios): deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
πᾶς (pâs): all, any, every, the whole
Cross References
1 Timothy 6Direct thematic parallel on bringing nothing into the world and carrying nothing out.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Concrete example of Christian slaves and masters recognizing each other as equal brethren in Christ.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Internal verbal link reinforcing the command to avoid profane babblings and falsely called knowledge.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Connects teaching 'otherwise' with Paul's original charge to prevent heterodoxy in Ephesus.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Apostolic definition of 'the doctrine which is according to godliness' and wholesome words.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Connects pride and self-conceit (being 'wrapped in smoke') with condemnation.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Christ's warning against covetousness, defining life as consisting not in abundance of possessions.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Paul's parallel charge to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and patience.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel command to let conversation be without covetousness and be content with what is present.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Illustrates how coveting money leads men to 'err from the faith' and suffer shipwreck.
Supported by JFB
Old Testament designation 'man of God' applied to Timothy, echoing Moses' prophetic title.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Christ's apocalyptic title 'King of kings, and Lord of lords' matching Paul's doxology.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Verbal link asserting that no man has seen nor can see the invisible God.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Agur's prayer for food convenient, illustrating contentment with simple food and raiment.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Christ's exhortation to lay up treasures in heaven rather than uncertain earth.
Supported by Matthew Henry