1 Timothy 6:8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχοντες
having
G2192
ἔχοντες
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 7
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 6:11Give us this day our daily bread.Genesis 28:20And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,Deuteronomy 2:7For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
Historical Context
Most people in the ancient world lived at subsistence level—food and basic shelter/clothing were not guaranteed. Paul's definition of contentment was realistic for most believers, who lived modestly. The challenge today: in affluent societies, we've redefined 'necessity' to include luxuries ancient believers never imagined. Paul calls us back to simplicity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our culture define 'necessities' versus how Paul defines them?
- What would change in your life if you truly found food and covering sufficient?
- How can Christians practice contentment without becoming indifferent to others' poverty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content (ἔχοντες δὲ διατροφὰς καὶ σκεπάσματα, τούτοις ἀρκεσθησόμεθα, echontes de diatrophas kai skepasmata, toutois arkesthēsometha)—'if we have food and covering, with these we will be content.' Diatrophē means sustenance, nourishment. Skepasma means covering—both clothing and shelter. Arkeō means to be enough, to be satisfied.
Paul defines sufficient provision: food and covering. Not wealth, luxury, or abundance—just basic necessities. If we have enough to eat and adequate shelter/clothing, we should be content. Everything beyond is blessing, not necessity. This radically simple definition of 'enough' exposes our culture's inflated expectations.
Contentment isn't having everything we want, but recognizing we have everything we need. God promises to provide necessities (Matthew 6:31-33); beyond that is grace. The contented Christian says, 'I have food, clothing, and shelter—I'm rich!' Such simplicity frees us from the exhausting pursuit of more.