1 Timothy 6:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:9
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.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, covenant, sacrifice. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 6:9
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 3:7, Proverbs 15:27, 20:21, 21:6, Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19