King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:7 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:7 in the King James Version says “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

1 Timothy 6:7 · KJV

Context

5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Perverse: or, Gallings one of another

6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Read 1 Timothy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (οὐδὲν γὰρ εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον, ὅτι οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα, ouden gar eisēnenkamen eis ton kosmon, hoti oude exenenkein ti dynametha)—'we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out.' This proverbial truth (Job 1:21, Ecclesiastes 5:15) exposes materialism's futility.

We enter life naked and empty; we exit the same way. All earthly accumulation is temporary—wealth, possessions, status all remain behind. This reality should relativize our attachment to material things. We're temporary stewards, not ultimate owners. Investments in eternal realities (relationships, character, kingdom work) endure; material accumulation doesn't.

Paul uses this universal truth to ground his teaching on contentment. If we leave everything behind at death, why obsess over acquiring more? Contentment flows from recognizing life's brevity and eternity's reality. Live with open hands, investing in what lasts forever.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient burial practices made death's finality vivid—wealthy Egyptians tried to take possessions into afterlife, but it didn't work. Jews buried people simply, recognizing we leave everything behind. Paul uses this common knowledge to expose the folly of materialistic pursuit. You can't take it with you, so hold it lightly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should life's brevity and death's certainty shape our relationship to possessions?
  2. What practical difference does it make to view ourselves as stewards rather than owners?
  3. If you can't take it with you, what should you invest in during earthly life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
οὐδὲν1 of 12

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰσηνέγκαμεν3 of 12

“we brought”

G1533

to carry inward (literally or figuratively)

εἰς4 of 12

“into”

G1519

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

τὸν5 of 12
G3588

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

κόσμον6 of 12

“this world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

δῆλον7 of 12

“and it is certain”

G1212

clear

ὅτι8 of 12
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐδὲ9 of 12

“nothing”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐξενεγκεῖν10 of 12

“carry”

G1627

to bear out (literally or figuratively)

τι11 of 12
G5100

some or any person or object

δυνάμεθα·12 of 12

“we can”

G1410

to be able or possible

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 1:21Psalms 49:17Luke 12:20-21Ecclesiastes 5:15-16Proverbs 27:24Luke 16:22-23

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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