1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 12
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
this world
G2889
κόσμον
this world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
6 of 12
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ὅτι
G3754
Cross References
Job 1:21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Psalms 49:17For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.Proverbs 27:24For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Historical Context
Ancient burial practices made death's finality vivid—wealthy Egyptians tried to take possessions into afterlife, but it didn't work. Jews buried people simply, recognizing we leave everything behind. Paul uses this common knowledge to expose the folly of materialistic pursuit. You can't take it with you, so hold it lightly.
Questions for Reflection
- How should life's brevity and death's certainty shape our relationship to possessions?
- What practical difference does it make to view ourselves as stewards rather than owners?
- If you can't take it with you, what should you invest in during earthly life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (οὐδὲν γὰρ εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ὅτι οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα, ouden gar eisēnenkamen eis ton kosmon, hoti oude exenenkein ti dynametha)—'we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out.' This proverbial truth (Job 1:21, Ecclesiastes 5:15) exposes materialism's futility.
We enter life naked and empty; we exit the same way. All earthly accumulation is temporary—wealth, possessions, status all remain behind. This reality should relativize our attachment to material things. We're temporary stewards, not ultimate owners. Investments in eternal realities (relationships, character, kingdom work) endure; material accumulation doesn't.
Paul uses this universal truth to ground his teaching on contentment. If we leave everything behind at death, why obsess over acquiring more? Contentment flows from recognizing life's brevity and eternity's reality. Live with open hands, investing in what lasts forever.