1 Timothy6
New American Standard
1All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.
2Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
3If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
5and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
6But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.
7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.
8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate,
14that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
19storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
20Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—
21which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from 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