FocusGodliness with contentment
Connection to the wholeInstructions about servants lead into warnings against corrupt teaching and the destructive desire to be rich.
interpretation 1 Timothy 6:9
KJVBut they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Read it in context
Service and the pursuit of gain
Start reading at 1 Timothy 6:1 (1 Timothy 6:1 to 1 Timothy 6:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Instructions about servants lead into warnings against corrupt teaching and the destructive desire to be rich.
- 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
- 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
- 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
- 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
- 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
- 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
- 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
- 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
- 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
- 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 4:1–6:21): Paul instructs Timothy in teaching and caring for the congregation, including its older and younger members, widows, elders, servants, and wealthy members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Service and the pursuit of gain. Read 1 Timothy 6:1 through 1 Timothy 6:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Instructions about servants lead into warnings against corrupt teaching and the destructive desire to be rich. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Service and the pursuit of gain (1 Timothy 6:1 to 1 Timothy 6:10). Start reading at 1 Timothy 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 6:1, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- they Gen 13:10-13 Num 22:17-19 Josh 7:11 2 Kgs 5:20-27 Prov 15:27 Prov 20:21 Prov 21:6 Prov 22:16
- snare 1 Tim 3:7 Deut 7:25 Ps 11:6 Prov 1:17-19 Luke 21:35 2 Tim 2:26
- many Mark 4:19 Eph 4:22 1 John 2:15-17
- which 1 Tim 1:9 Num 31:8 Josh 7:24-26 Matt 27:3-5 Acts 5:4-5 Acts 8:20 2 Pet 2:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 6
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
Timothy's personal charge
1 Timothy 6:11–16FocusPursue righteousness and keep the command
Connection to the wholePaul calls Timothy to flee these dangers, fight the good fight of faith, and keep the commandment under God's sight.
interpretation Wealth and the entrusted deposit
1 Timothy 6:17–21FocusGenerosity and faithful keeping
Connection to the wholeThe wealthy are directed toward trust in God and good works, and Timothy is charged to guard what has been entrusted to him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
The charge and the gospel
1 Timothy 1:1–20FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation Prayer, conduct, and leadership
1 Timothy 2:1–3:16FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation Care and responsibility
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.