1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
this
G3568
νῦν
this
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 27
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
αἰῶνι
world
G165
αἰῶνι
world
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
6 of 27
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
παράγγελλε
Charge
G3853
παράγγελλε
Charge
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
7 of 27
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 27
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πλούτου
riches
G4149
πλούτου
riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
13 of 27
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
who
G3588
τῷ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρέχοντι
giveth
G3930
παρέχοντι
giveth
Strong's:
G3930
Word #:
22 of 27
to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion
Cross References
Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.Proverbs 27:24For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?Matthew 19:23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.Titus 2:12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.Proverbs 30:9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:Luke 19:2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Historical Context
The early church included some wealthy members (Philemon, Lydia, possibly Barnabas). Paul doesn't condemn wealth but addresses its dangers. In a world without banks or insurance, wealth seemed secure—but war, disease, or political upheaval could destroy it instantly. Paul insists: trust the living God who provides, not unstable riches. Enjoy God's gifts without idolizing them.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does wealth tempt toward pride—what's the connection between money and arrogance?
- How can wealthy Christians hold possessions with open hands, trusting God not riches?
- What does it mean that God gives us all things 'richly to enjoy'—how do we receive gifts without idolatry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Charge them that are rich in this world (Τοῖς πλουσίοις ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι παράγγελλε, Tois plousiois en tō nyn aiōni parangelle)—'command those who are rich in this present age.' Plousios means wealthy, rich. Parangellō is military language: command, order. That they be not highminded (μὴ ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, mē hypsēlophronein)—'not to be haughty.' Hypsēlophroneō means to be proud, think highly of oneself. Wealth tempts toward pride.
Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God (μηδὲ ἠλπικέναι ἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι ἀλλ' ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, mēde ēlpikenai epi ploutou adēlotēti all' epi theō zōnti)—'nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.' Adēlotēs means uncertainty, instability. Wealth is unreliable—economic crashes, theft, inflation, death make it futile as security. Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (τῷ παρέχοντι ἡμῖν πάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν, tō parechonti hēmin panta plousiōs eis apolausin)—'who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.' Apolausis means enjoyment.
Wealth brings spiritual dangers: pride and false security. The remedy: recognize God as the source of all blessings and the only reliable security. Wealth itself isn't evil—God gives richly for enjoyment—but trusting it rather than God is idolatry.