The big idea
In short: enough, and give. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). “The love of money is the root of all evil” (6:10). Note that it says the love of money, not money itself.
The rich are told to “do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute” (6:18).
The rule underneath: Law 8 · Enough, and give
Be content with enough; give freely from it.
Keep it: You are free, and others get help.
Break it: Greed is never full, and money starts to own you.
Shows up in: Deuteronomy, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Luke, James
Other rules in this book: Protect the weakest, Power serves
Live it: Playbook 06 · How to handle money
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But 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. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.1 Timothy 6:6-10 · KJV
At a glance
- What it is
- A letter from Paul to Timothy, his younger co-worker, left in charge at Ephesus (1:3). 6 chapters. With 2 Timothy and Titus it is called a “Pastoral Letter,” a letter to a pastor.
- Who wrote it
- It names Paul. Many scholars think a later follower wrote the three Pastoral Letters in his name, because the words, style, and church setup differ from his other letters. Others defend Paul as the author. debated
- When
- About AD 62–64 if Paul wrote it; about AD 90–110 if later.
- Read it in
- About 20 minutes.
What it says
1 · Sound teaching. Some teachers are stirring up useless debates. The goal of teaching is “charity out of a pure heart” (1:5). Paul calls himself the worst of sinners, saved by mercy (1:15).
2–3 · Prayer and leaders. Pray for everyone, including kings (2:1–2). God “will have all men to be saved” (2:4). Rules for men and women in worship (2:8–15). A leader must be faithful in marriage, sober, kind to guests, “not greedy of filthy lucre,” and able to run his own home well (3:2–4).
4–5 · Care for people. Everything God made is good (4:4). “Let no man despise thy youth” (4:12). Families must care for their own: anyone who doesn’t “is worse than an infidel” (5:8). The church supports widows who have no one else (5:3–16). Leaders who work hard deserve pay: “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (5:18).
6 · Money. Slaves and masters (6:1–2). Some treat religion as a way to get rich (6:5). But “we brought nothing into this world” (6:7). Wanting to be rich is a trap (6:9). Tell the rich not to trust “uncertain riches,” but to give and share (6:17–18).
17Charge 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; 18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.1 Timothy 6:17-19 · KJV
Go deeper
- Original words. Philargyria, “love of money” (6:10), is literally “fondness for silver.” Autarkeia, “contentment” (6:6), means having enough. Episkopos, “bishop” (3:1–2), means overseer, a local leader, not yet the regional bishop of later centuries.
- Structure. Teaching (1), worship (2), leaders (3), Timothy’s own life (4), groups in the church (5), money (6).
- The widows list. Chapter 5 shows an early church welfare system, with rules so it would reach those most in need (5:9–16).
- How the laws interlock. Law 8 is chapter 6. Law 4 is the care of widows (5:3–16). Law 11 is the leader list: character before power (3:1–7). Law 7 is fair pay (5:18).
Hard parts
“I suffer not a woman to teach” (2:11–15)
What it says “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man” (2:11–12). The reason given points to Adam and Eve (2:13–14).
The rule underneath Love the actual person, and keep teaching sound.
What people added Complementarian readers see a lasting rule for church leadership, based on creation. Egalitarian readers see a local fix for false teaching in Ephesus, and note that the word for “usurp authority,” authentein, is rare and hard to translate. Churches have split; this page does not settle it.
“The husband of one wife” (3:2)
What it says A leader must be “the husband of one wife” (3:2).
The rule underneath Keep your word. Leaders must be faithful.
What people added Readers take it as a ban on polygamy, on remarriage after divorce or death, or simply as “faithful to his wife.” Some also read it as ruling out women leaders. debated Churches have split; this page does not settle it.
Money, misquoted
What it says “The love of money is the root of all evil” (6:10).
The rule underneath Enough, and give.
What people added Many readers take “root of all evil” to mean a root of every kind of evil, not the only cause. Most modern versions say “a root of all kinds of evil.”
How it has been used: The saying “money is the root of all evil” is a common misquote. The verse is about the love of money.
Translation notes that change meaning
- 1:10 “menstealers.” The Greek andrapodistai means slave traders, people who kidnap and sell humans. The list puts them next to liars and murderers.
Where it leads
- 06 · How to handle money: contentment and the rich who give (6:6–19).
- 09 · How to lead: character tests for leaders (3:1–13).
- 03 · How to protect the weak: caring for widows (5:3–16).
One thing to do
This week
Name your enough
Write down what “enough” means for you this year: income, savings, home, stuff. Then name one amount above that line you will give away or set aside to share (6:18). Write in your journal where the line is and how it felt to draw it.
How to read it. Read chapter 6 first, then the whole letter. Watch how often it ties faith to money and care for the weak.