1 Timothy 6:19 kjv
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:19 nkjv
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Timothy 6:19 niv
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:19 esv
thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:19 nlt
By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
1 Timothy 6 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 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!... | Spiritual Treasures |
| Matthew 6:20 | "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." | Heavenly Investment |
| 1 Timothy 6:17 | "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be conformed to this world, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." | Avoiding Worldliness |
| 1 Corinthians 3:11 | "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." | Christ as Foundation |
| 2 Timothy 2:2 | "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." | Entrusting Sound Doctrine |
| Proverbs 3:9-10 | "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." | Generosity Rewarded |
| Colossians 3:2 | "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." | Heavenly Mindedness |
| Hebrews 11:26 | "He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." | Faith in Future Reward |
| Galatians 6:7 | "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." | Sowing and Reaping |
| 1 Peter 1:7 | "These trials are necessary to show that your faith is pure and genuine. It is being purified by fire, much like gold purified by fire, even though your faith is far more precious than mere gold." | Purity of Faith |
| Romans 14:8 | "If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." | Living for the Lord |
| Ephesians 2:20 | "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone." | Christ Cornerstone |
| John 3:16 | "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." | Salvation Through Faith |
| Proverbs 22:4 | "The reward for humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life." | Humility and Reward |
| Luke 16:9 | "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails you may be welcomed into the eternal dwellings." | Stewardship of Wealth |
| Acts 4:32 | "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." | Christian Communal Living |
| Philippians 4:11-13 | "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned this secret of living. I can do all things through him who gives me strength." | Contentment in Christ |
| 1 John 2:17 | "The world and its desires pass away, but the one who does the will of God lives forever." | Transience of Worldly Things |
| Romans 8:18 | "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us." | Future Glory |
| Colossians 3:23 | "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," | Working for the Lord |
1 Timothy 6 verses
1 Timothy 6 19 Meaning
The verse encourages believers to "lay up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come." This means investing in spiritual riches and good works that will have eternal value, rather than pursuing earthly treasures. It is a call to wise stewardship and a focus on what truly matters for eternity.
1 Timothy 6 19 Context
In the broader context of 1 Timothy, Paul is addressing issues of church order, doctrine, and the conduct of believers, particularly concerning wealthy individuals and the dangers of greed. This particular chapter warns against the love of money, the corrupting influence of false teachers, and the pursuit of material possessions. Paul is exhorting Timothy and the believers under his charge to focus on true godliness and to use their earthly resources in a way that pleases God and builds an eternal legacy. The preceding verses highlight the dangers of riches and the contentment found in godliness.
1 Timothy 6 19 Word analysis
- to lay up (Greek: thesaurisōsin) - Means to store up, to accumulate, to lay up treasure. This signifies a conscious effort to accumulate something valuable.
- for themselves (Greek: heautois) - Refers back to the believers themselves, indicating a personal responsibility and benefit.
- a good foundation (Greek: kalēn hyponikē) - Implies a strong, reliable, and excellent base. In the context of building, it speaks of something that will withstand trials and provide lasting stability.
- for the time to come (Greek: eis ton mellonta chronon) - Refers to the future, particularly the time beyond this earthly life, suggesting an eternal perspective and the eternal consequences of present actions.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- to lay up for themselves a good foundation: This phrase combines the action of storing up value with the purpose of establishing a stable and enduring base. It speaks to the principle of building a life or an inheritance that will last.
- for the time to come: This temporal marker is crucial, contrasting the temporary nature of earthly possessions with the permanence of what is laid up in accordance with God's will.
1 Timothy 6 19 Bonus section
The concept of laying up treasure for "the time to come" is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, notably in the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) and his instruction to "store up treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). This emphasizes that true riches are not found in material accumulation but in faithfulness and service to God. The richness of faith and godliness are presented as far more valuable and secure than earthly wealth, which can be easily lost or can even become an idol. The "foundation" here echoes the concept of building one's life upon Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), ensuring an enduring spiritual legacy.
1 Timothy 6 19 Commentary
This verse is a powerful call to invest in eternal realities. It contrasts worldly wealth, which is fleeting and can be a source of spiritual peril, with spiritual wealth that has lasting value. The "good foundation" refers to investing in godly living, good deeds, and the proclamation of the Gospel, all of which are pleasing to God and contribute to one's eternal reward. It’s about a paradigm shift from hoarding material possessions to accumulating spiritual riches that will stand the test of time and judgment. It encourages generosity, faithful stewardship, and a focus on Christ, who is the ultimate foundation of all true value.
Optional practical usage examples:
- Generosity: A believer generously supports ministry work or helps those in need, laying up treasure in heaven.
- Investing in Truth: Dedicating time and resources to study God's Word and share it with others.
- Building character: Living a life of integrity, love, and service, which are eternal qualities.