1 Timothy 6:18 kjv
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1 Timothy 6:18 nkjv
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
1 Timothy 6:18 niv
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
1 Timothy 6:18 esv
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
1 Timothy 6:18 nlt
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
1 Timothy 6 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 6:17 | Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. | Instruction about wealth |
| Luke 12:15 | “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” | Warning against greed |
| Luke 12:33 | “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be boşlğlan,” | Heavenly treasures |
| Matt 6:19-20 | “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” | Heavenly treasures |
| Prov 3:9-10 | “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce…” | Generosity blessed |
| Prov 11:24-25 | “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper…” | Generosity rewarded |
| Acts 20:35 | “…In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” | Blessedness of giving |
| Gal 2:10 | They asked only that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing for which I was eager to do anyway. | Remember the poor |
| Heb 13:16 | And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. | Pleasing sacrifices |
| James 1:27 | Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world. | True piety |
| Luke 18:22 | When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Everything you own, sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” | Rich young ruler |
| 1 Peter 4:8-10 | Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. | Stewards of grace |
| Matt 19:21 | Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” | Disciple requirement |
| Ps 41:1 | Blessed is the one who considers the poor; the Lord rescues them in times of trouble. | Blessing of considering the poor |
| Eccl 11:1 | Send your grain across the seas, and in time returns. | Generosity principles |
| Phil 4:15-17 | Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for fruit that may abound to your account. | Partnership in the gospel |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. | Cheerful giving |
| Titus 3:14 | Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing good, in order to provide for honest needs and not be unproductive. | Devotion to good deeds |
| 1 Peter 4:11 | Whoever speaks is to do so as one speaks of God’s revelations; whoever serves is to do so with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. | Glorifying God through service |
1 Timothy 6 verses
1 Timothy 6 18 Meaning
This verse encourages believers to be rich in good deeds, generously sharing their resources with others. It highlights the value of these actions as a strong foundation for the future, securing a true treasure in heaven that earthly wealth cannot provide or corrupt.
1 Timothy 6 18 Context
This verse is the concluding exhortation of 1 Timothy chapter 6. Paul is addressing Timothy, instructing him on how to lead the church and combat false teachings, particularly those related to greed and misinterpretations of true piety. The immediate context is the instruction given to wealthy believers (1 Tim 6:17-19). Paul shifts from cautioning against the love of money to actively guiding them on the proper use of wealth. The chapter addresses false teachers, the nature of godliness, contentment, and the dangers of materialism. This verse serves as a practical application of being "rich in good deeds" in contrast to being rich in worldly possessions, which can lead to spiritual dangers. The broader context of the epistle is Paul's guidance to Timothy as he ministers in Ephesus, a city known for its commercial activity and potential for wealth-related spiritual issues.
1 Timothy 6 18 Word Analysis
- Be (γίνεσθε - ginesthai): A verb, infinitive mood, present tense, passive voice. It means "to become," "to be," or "to happen." Here it carries an imperative sense, urging them to become or be a certain way.
- rich (πλουτουντας - ploutountas): Present active participle of πλουτεω (plouteo), meaning "to be rich," "to prosper," "to abound." Used here in the accusative plural, referring to "them" (the rich).
- in (εν - en): A preposition indicating "in," "on," "among," or "with." It denotes the sphere or manner in which they are to be rich.
- good (αγαθοις - agathois): Dative plural of αγαθος (agathos), meaning "good," "excellent," "virtuous."
- works (εργοις - ergois): Dative plural of εργον (ergon), meaning "work," "deed," "action." The phrase "good works" points to actions that are morally right and pleasing to God.
- ready (προθυμους - prothymous): Accusative plural of προθυμος (prothymos), meaning "eager," "ready," "willing," "forward." It implies a willing disposition and readiness to act.
- to (εις - eis): A preposition often used to indicate direction, purpose, or the result of an action. Here it indicates the direction or purpose of their readiness.
- distribute (κοινωνειν - koinōnein): Present active infinitive of κοινωνεω (koinōneō), meaning "to share," "to participate in," "to have in common." This implies sharing one's resources generously.
- freely (αφθονως - aphthonos): Adverb meaning "abundantly," "lavishly," "generously," "without stint." It modifies the act of distributing, emphasizing generosity.
- willing (εθελοντας - ethelontas): Present active participle of εθελω (ethelō), meaning "to be willing," "to wish," "to desire." It further emphasizes the voluntary and cheerful nature of the distribution.
Group Analysis:The core command is to "be rich in good works" (πλουτουντας εν εργοις αγαθοις - ploutountas en ergois agathois), which contrasts with worldly riches. This richness is to be expressed through "ready to distribute, willing to share" (προθυμους εις διαδασθαι, αφθονως εθελοντας - prothymous eis diadosai, aphthonōs ethelontas), highlighting a proactive and generous approach to sharing. The word "aphthonos" (freely/abundantly) coupled with "prothymous" (ready/eager) and "ethelontas" (willing) paints a vivid picture of a heart overflowing with a desire to bless others, not out of obligation but out of joyful generosity.
1 Timothy 6 18 Bonus Section
The emphasis on being "rich in good works" directly counters the danger of "the love of money" (1 Tim 6:10), which is identified as a root of all kinds of evil. The ability to distribute freely and willingly stems from a heart that trusts in God, not in uncertain riches. This theme echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, such as His commendation of the poor widow's mite, which represented all she had. The ancient concept of "koinonia" (sharing, fellowship) is implicit here; true Christian fellowship involves the sharing of resources to meet needs and build up the body of Christ. The contrast is between hoarding temporal wealth and investing in eternal treasures.
1 Timothy 6 18 Commentary
This verse presents a positive imperative for believers, particularly those who are financially blessed. It's not just about not loving money but about actively using one's wealth for God's purposes and for the benefit of others. "Good works" are not presented as a means of earning salvation, which is by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9), but as a natural outflow and evidence of genuine faith. The richness described here is spiritual and eternal, accumulated through selfless giving. This generosity should be enthusiastic ("ready," "willing") and abundant ("freely"). It reflects a proper stewardship of God-given resources, mirroring God's own generosity.
- Practical Application Example: A believer with excess funds consistently supports local food banks, missionaries, or helps a struggling member of the church without being asked, doing so with joy and a willing spirit.