1 Timothy 6 6

1 Timothy 6:6 kjv

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:6 nkjv

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:6 niv

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:6 esv

But godliness with contentment is great gain,

1 Timothy 6:6 nlt

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

1 Timothy 6 verses

1 Timothy 6 6 meaning

1 Timothy 6:6 declares that true piety, or godliness, when coupled with a state of satisfaction in one's present circumstances (contentment), is in itself a significant and unparalleled form of spiritual wealth or profit. It counters the worldly notion that godliness should be a means to material accumulation, instead positing that its inherent value, combined with a tranquil spirit regarding possessions, constitutes the ultimate and most beneficial gain.

1 Timothy 6 6 Context

1 Timothy chapter 6 is primarily a discourse against false teachers and a warning regarding the perils of material wealth and the love of money. Paul begins the chapter by instructing slaves and masters, transitioning swiftly to a sharp critique of those who teach "different doctrine" (1 Tim 6:3). These false teachers, driven by arrogance and spiritual ignorance, view godliness merely as a mechanism for financial profit (1 Tim 6:5). Verse 6 stands as a direct refutation and contrasting truth to this errant perspective. Paul aims to redirect the focus of believers, particularly Timothy and the church leaders, from external, worldly forms of gain to the internal, spiritual richness that stems from genuine faith and a contented heart. The subsequent verses (1 Tim 6:7-10) further elaborate on the transitory nature of wealth and the destructive potential of desiring money. Historically, this countered common philosophical or religious schools in Ephesus that often associated divine favor with material prosperity or saw spiritual practices as a path to temporal success.

1 Timothy 6 6 Word analysis

• But: Greek: De (δὲ). A strong adversative conjunction, serving to introduce a contrasting or opposite statement to what precedes. Here, it marks a sharp contrast with the false teaching mentioned in 1 Tim 6:5, indicating the true nature of gain.
• godliness: Greek: eusebeia (εὐσέβεια). Denotes true piety, reverence for God, devoutness, and genuine worship, encompassing right living as well as right belief. It is not mere outward religiosity but an inner disposition towards God, influencing one's entire conduct.
• with: Greek: meta (μετὰ). When followed by the genitive case, as here (autarkeias), it signifies "with" in the sense of accompaniment or possession, indicating that godliness is joined to, or characterized by, contentment. It's not just godliness, but godliness in the state of contentment.
• contentment: Greek: autarkeia (αὐτάρκεια). Literally means "self-sufficiency" or "independence." However, in philosophical discourse and especially in Paul's usage, it carries a nuanced theological meaning. It refers to a state of being perfectly satisfied with what one has, finding sufficiency in God rather than in external possessions or circumstances. It's a sufficiency derived from within, given by God's grace, not an independent, self-made sufficiency in the modern sense. It signifies a mind-set unreliant on external goods.
• is: Greek: esti (ἐστί). A simple verb "to be," asserting the definitive truth of the statement.
• great: Greek: megas (μέγας). Large, immense, significant. It emphasizes the profound and substantial nature of the gain.
• gain: Greek: porismos (πορισμός). Denotes an acquiring, a means of gain, profit, or livelihood. In contrast to the porismos (profit) sought by the false teachers for monetary advantage, this is true spiritual and eternal profit, a superior advantage.

1 Timothy 6 6 Bonus section

The concept of autarkeia (contentment) had significant roots in Hellenistic philosophy, particularly among Stoics and Cynics, who advocated for a life free from external dependencies for happiness. However, Paul recontextualizes this purely humanistic concept within a Christian framework. For Paul, Christian autarkeia is not self-derived but Christ-derived, enabled by God's grace, as seen in his personal testimony in Php 4:11-13 ("I have learned to be content... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"). Thus, Christian contentment is not based on one's own internal strength or apathy to external circumstances, but on the sufficiency of God's power and provision working within the believer. This divine enablement makes the "great gain" possible and accessible, fundamentally distinguishing it from a secular pursuit of philosophical self-sufficiency.

1 Timothy 6 6 Commentary

1 Timothy 6:6 delivers a foundational truth, juxtaposing authentic spiritual gain against the superficial material gains sought by misguided teachers. Paul champions eusebeia (godliness), emphasizing it as an all-encompassing life orientation toward God, not a means to an end. Crucially, this godliness must be "with" autarkeia (contentment). This isn't a passive resignation but an active, spiritual independence from material desire, realizing sufficiency in God. It’s an inner freedom from anxiety and covetousness, trusting God for provision and purpose. The "great gain" isn't riches, but the peace, joy, and spiritual flourishing that arise from this contented godliness. It means finding abundance in simplicity and placing ultimate value on the character of God over temporal possessions, recognizing that true wealth is a heart at peace with what God provides and a life devoted to Him.