King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:18 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:18 in the King James Version says “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute , willing to communicate; willing: or, sociable” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 6:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: science: Gr. knowledge

Read 1 Timothy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That they do good, that they be rich in good works (ἀγαθοεργεῖν, πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς, agathoergein, ploutein en ergois kalois)—'to do good, to be rich in good works.' Agathoergeō means to do good. Plouteo means to be rich—here used metaphorically. Be rich in deeds, not just dollars. Ergon kalos means good work, noble deed. Ready to distribute, willing to communicate (εὐμεταδότους εἶναι, κοινωνικούς, eumetadotous einai, koinōnikous)—'generous, ready to share.' Eumetadotos means generous, ready to impart. Koinōnikos means generous, willing to share—from koinōnia (fellowship, sharing).

Wealthy believers should focus on generosity, not accumulation. Be rich in good works—use wealth for kingdom purposes. Two virtues: ready to distribute (actively seeking opportunities to give) and willing to share (generous spirit, not hoarding). Wealth is stewardship, not ownership—use it for others' benefit and God's glory.

This redirects wealth's purpose from consumption to contribution. The rich aren't condemned but commissioned—use your resources to bless others, fund ministry, relieve suffering. This transforms wealth from curse to blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient world, wealthy patrons funded public works, supported clients, and provided for the poor—this brought honor. Christian wealthy believers should channel resources toward kingdom work—supporting ministers, caring for widows, funding mission, helping the poor. Rather than pursuing status through wealth display, use resources generously for God's purposes. This counter-cultural stewardship demonstrated gospel transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'rich in good works'—how do we invest wealth in eternal things?
  2. How can wealthy Christians develop 'readiness to distribute'—what cultivates generosity?
  3. What practical steps move wealth from personal consumption to kingdom contribution?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἀγαθοεργεῖν1 of 8

“That they do good”

G14

to work good

πλουτεῖν2 of 8

“that they be rich”

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

ἐν3 of 8

“in”

G1722

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

ἔργοις4 of 8

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

καλοῖς5 of 8

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

εὐμεταδότους6 of 8
G2130

good at imparting, i.e., liberal

εἶναι7 of 8

“ready to distribute”

G1511

to exist

κοινωνικούς8 of 8

“willing to communicate”

G2843

communicative, i.e., (pecuniarily) liberal

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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:161 John 3:17Romans 12:8Psalms 37:3Galatians 6:10Luke 12:21

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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