1 Timothy 6:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:19
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, truth, 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 6:19
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Eternal: αἰώνιος (Aiōnios) G166 - Eternal, everlasting
Cross-References
- Eternal Life: 1 Timothy 6:12, Luke 16:9
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 31:25, Matthew 19:21, Luke 12:33, 18:22, Ephesians 3:17, Philippians 3:14