King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:17 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:17 in the King James Version says “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living G... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; uncertain: Gr. uncertainty of riches

1 Timothy 6:17 · KJV


Context

15

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; uncertain: Gr. uncertainty of riches

18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute , willing to communicate; willing: or, sociable

19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Charge them that are rich in this world (Τοῖς πλουσίοις ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι παράγγελλε, Tois plousiois en tō nyn aiōni parangelle)—'command those who are rich in this present age.' Plousios means wealthy, rich. Parangellō is military language: command, order. That they be not highminded (μὴ ὑψηλοφρονεῖν, mē hypsēlophronein)—'not to be haughty.' Hypsēlophroneō means to be proud, think highly of oneself. Wealth tempts toward pride.

Nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God (μηδὲ ἠλπικέναι ἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι ἀλλ' ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, mēde ēlpikenai epi ploutou adēlotēti all' epi theō zōnti)—'nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.' Adēlotēs means uncertainty, instability. Wealth is unreliable—economic crashes, theft, inflation, death make it futile as security. Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (τῷ παρέχοντι ἡμῖν πάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν, tō parechonti hēmin panta plousiōs eis apolausin)—'who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.' Apolausis means enjoyment.

Wealth brings spiritual dangers: pride and false security. The remedy: recognize God as the source of all blessings and the only reliable security. Wealth itself isn't evil—God gives richly for enjoyment—but trusting it rather than God is idolatry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The early church included some wealthy members (Philemon, Lydia, possibly Barnabas). Paul doesn't condemn wealth but addresses its dangers. In a world without banks or insurance, wealth seemed secure—but war, disease, or political upheaval could destroy it instantly. Paul insists: trust the living God who provides, not unstable riches. Enjoy God's gifts without idolizing them.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does wealth tempt toward pride—what's the connection between money and arrogance?
  2. How can wealthy Christians hold possessions with open hands, trusting God not riches?
  3. What does it mean that God gives us all things 'richly to enjoy'—how do we receive gifts without idolatry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
τῷ1 of 27

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλουσίοις2 of 27

them that are rich

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ἐν3 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 27

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νῦν5 of 27

this

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

αἰῶνι6 of 27

world

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

παράγγελλε7 of 27

Charge

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

μὴ8 of 27

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὑψηλοφρονεῖν9 of 27

highminded

G5309

to be lofty in mind, i.e., arrogant

μηδὲ10 of 27

nor

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ἠλπικέναι11 of 27

trust

G1679

to expect or confide

ἐπὶ12 of 27

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πλούτου13 of 27

riches

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

ἀδηλότητι14 of 27

uncertain

G83

uncertainty

ἀλλ'15 of 27

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐν16 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 27

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ18 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τῷ19 of 27

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζῶντι,20 of 27

the living

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

τῷ21 of 27

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρέχοντι22 of 27

giveth

G3930

to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion

ἡμῖν23 of 27

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

πλουσίως24 of 27

richly

G4146

copiously

πάντα25 of 27

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εἰς26 of 27

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀπόλαυσιν27 of 27

enjoy

G619

full enjoyment


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 6:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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