1 Timothy 6:17–19

Context

1 Timothy has traditionally been regarded as a letter from Paul to Timothy, who was overseeing the church at Ephesus. Some scholars, however, hold that it was written in the generation after Paul. Earlier in chapter 6, the author commends contentment and warns against the desire to be rich and the love of money (1 Timothy 6:6–9, 1 Timothy 6:9–10). He then gives a personal charge to Timothy and adds a doxology in praise of God before returning to the subject of wealth. This passage is addressed not to those who want to become rich but to those who are already "rich in this world" (1 Timothy 6:17). The author tells them not to be "highminded" and not to "trust in uncertain riches," that is, wealth that may vanish at any time, and he urges them to devote themselves to good works and generous sharing.

Interpretation

• A reading focused on the direction of one's hope: Most commentators hold that the passage does not condemn wealth itself. What it calls into question is where one places one's hope. The statement that God "giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17) is read as an affirmation of enjoying the created order with thanksgiving.
• The Reformed reading: The Reformed tradition does not take "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation" in order to lay hold on true life (1 Timothy 6:19) to mean that salvation is obtained through the merit of good works. Instead, it understands this as the fruit that issues from those who have been justified by faith and as an expression of the reward God has graciously promised (justification).
• The Wesleyan reading: Methodist and Holiness traditions connect this passage with the teaching of John Wesley, known from his sermon "The Use of Money," to "gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can." They emphasize an ethic of stewardship that regards wealth as entrusted by God, as well as the practice of sanctification.

Debates and Issues

• Relationship to prosperity theology: The phrase "giveth us richly all things to enjoy" is sometimes cited as grounds for a promise of material blessing. Critics point out that the immediately preceding context warns against the desire to be rich, and they regard such use as quoting the verse out of context (prosperity theology).
• Translation and manuscripts: Some later manuscripts read "eternal life" at the end of verse 19, whereas modern critical editions adopt "true life" (literally, "the life that is truly life"). The term in verse 18 that the KJV renders "willing to communicate," and that some Korean translations render "sympathetic," is closer in the original to "one who shares with others"; the Revised New Korean Version translates it as "generous."

Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this idea is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.

In Korean Protestant churches, the passage is frequently cited in sermons and stewardship training on almsgiving, offerings, and attitudes toward wealth. It is also used as a supporting text when introducing Christian business associations or sharing ministries.

Related Passages

• 1 Timothy 6:6–10
• Matthew 6:19–21
• Luke 12:16–21
• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
• Proverbs 11:24–25