1 Timothy 6:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:17
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;
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, hope, faith. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:17
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;
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Faith: 1 Timothy 4:10, Proverbs 11:28, Romans 11:20
- References God: Proverbs 30:9, Titus 2:12
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 27:24, Matthew 19:23, Luke 19:2, Acts 14:17, Colossians 3:16