1 Timothy 6:9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλουτεῖν
be rich
G4147
πλουτεῖν
be rich
Strong's:
G4147
Word #:
4 of 23
to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)
ἐμπίπτουσιν
fall
G1706
ἐμπίπτουσιν
fall
Strong's:
G1706
Word #:
5 of 23
to fall on, i.e., (literally) to be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πειρασμὸν
temptation
G3986
πειρασμὸν
temptation
Strong's:
G3986
Word #:
7 of 23
a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παγίδα
a snare
G3803
παγίδα
a snare
Strong's:
G3803
Word #:
9 of 23
a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively, a trick or statagem (temptation)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλὰς
into many
G4183
πολλὰς
into many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
12 of 23
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἵτινες
which
G3748
αἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
16 of 23
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 8:20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.Matthew 13:22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Ephesians 4:22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;Mark 4:19And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.Jude 1:11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.Proverbs 20:21An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.Proverbs 21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
Historical Context
The ancient world had vast wealth inequality—a tiny elite controlled most wealth while masses lived in poverty. The desire to escape poverty and join the wealthy was strong. Paul warns: this desire is a trap leading to spiritual ruin. Better to be poor and godly than rich and destroyed. The church must not adopt worldly values—wealth is dangerous, contentment is safe.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the desire to be rich differ from having wealth—why is the desire especially dangerous?
- What 'foolish and hurtful lusts' typically accompany the pursuit of wealth?
- Why does Paul use drowning imagery—how does love of money 'plunge' people into destruction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare (οἱ δὲ βουλόμενοι πλουτεῖν ἐμπίπτουσιν εἰς πειρασμὸν καὶ παγίδα, hoi de boulomenoi ploutein empiptousin eis peirasmon kai pagida)—'those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a trap.' Boulomai means to will, desire, determine. Peirasmos is temptation, trial. Pagis is snare, trap. The issue isn't having wealth but desiring to be rich—the heart attitude.
And into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (καὶ ἐπιθυμίας πολλὰς ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς, αἵτινες βυθίζουσιν τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν, kai epithymias pollas anoētous kai blaberas, haitines ythizousin tous anthrōpous eis olethron kai apōleian)—'and into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.' Bythizō means to sink, submerge, drown. Olethros and apōleia both mean destruction, ruin—spiritual and eternal.
The desire for wealth is spiritually lethal. It leads to temptation, entrapment in foolish lusts, and ultimately destruction. Paul isn't exaggerating—the love of money has destroyed countless lives and souls. Pursue contentment, not riches.