1 Timothy 6:19
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Original Language Analysis
ἑαυτοῖς
for themselves
G1438
ἑαυτοῖς
for themselves
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
2 of 12
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
θεμέλιον
foundation
G2310
θεμέλιον
foundation
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
3 of 12
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
καλὸν
a good
G2570
καλὸν
a good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέλλον
the time to come
G3195
μέλλον
the time to come
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
7 of 12
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
ἐπιλάβωνται
they may lay hold on
G1949
ἐπιλάβωνται
they may lay hold on
Strong's:
G1949
Word #:
9 of 12
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.Proverbs 31:25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.Luke 16:9And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.1 Peter 1:4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Philippians 3:14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Luke 12:33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.Luke 18:22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Historical Context
Jesus taught storing treasures in heaven, not earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Paul applies this: generous giving builds eternal foundation. Ancient believers understood investing for future return—Paul spiritualizes it: invest earthly wealth in eternal realities through generosity. The wealthy who give sacrificially discover true life—joy, purpose, eternal reward—that wealth alone can never provide.
Questions for Reflection
- How does generous giving build 'foundation for the future'—what eternal investment does it create?
- What is 'life indeed'—how does generosity unlock abundant life now and eternal life later?
- How can wealthy Christians view money as investment opportunity in eternal realities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come (ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον, apothēsaurizontas heautois themelion kalon eis to mellon)—'storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future.' Apothēsaurizō means to treasure up, store away. Themelion means foundation. Mellon means what is coming, the future—here, eternity.
That they may lay hold on eternal life (ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς, hina epilabōntai tēs ontōs zōēs)—'so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.' Epilambanomai means to grasp, seize, take hold of. Ontōs means really, truly, actually. Eternal life is the only real life—present life is shadow.
Generous giving is eternal investment—laying up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Earthly wealth doesn't transfer to eternity, but generosity does—it builds eternal foundation. The wealthy who give generously now experience 'life indeed'—both abundant life now and eternal reward later. This isn't earning salvation but wise stewardship producing eternal fruit.