What does 1 Timothy 6:18-19 mean?

"1 Timothy 6:18-19: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

"1 Timothy 6:18-19:
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

The Bible verse 1 Timothy 6:18-19 from the King James Version (KJV) states: "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

This verse is part of a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his disciple and fellow leader in the early Christian church. In this particular passage, Paul is offering guidance and instruction to Timothy on how to lead and instruct the believers in the church.

The verse begins with the exhortation for believers to "do good" and to be "rich in good works." This echoes a theme that is prevalent throughout the New Testament, which is the call for believers to live lives of righteousness and to demonstrate their faith through their actions. Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being actively engaged in doing good works, whether it be helping others in need, serving in their communities, or sharing the message of the gospel.

The phrase "ready to distribute, willing to communicate" further emphasizes the idea of believers being generous and willing to share with others. This can encompass material resources, but also encompasses sharing the message of salvation with others. It highlights the importance of a generous spirit not only in giving of material possessions but also in sharing the blessings of the gospel with those around us.

The second part of the verse speaks to the idea of laying up treasures in heaven by being generous and doing good works. The imagery of "laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come" speaks to the idea of investing in eternal rewards through our actions here on earth. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who also spoke about laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). By being generous and doing good works, believers are storing up treasures in heaven and laying hold of eternal life.

The overall theme of this passage is the importance of living a life of generosity and good works, as a reflection of the faith that believers profess. It also speaks to the idea of investing in eternal rewards and laying hold of the promise of eternal life through our actions here on earth.

In the context of the early Christian church, this passage would have been particularly relevant as the church was growing and facing various challenges. Paul's exhortation to Timothy would have served as a reminder to the believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue to demonstrate their commitment to the gospel through their actions.

In terms of symbolism, the passage can be seen as symbolizing the idea of sowing and reaping. By being generous and doing good works, believers are sowing seeds that will ultimately bear fruit in the form of eternal rewards. This ties into the broader biblical principle of reaping what we sow, both in this life and in the life to come.

Overall, 1 Timothy 6:18-19 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of generosity and good works, and the promise of eternal rewards that come from doing so. It is a call to action for believers to actively demonstrate their faith through their actions, and to invest in the eternal promises of the gospel.

Have questions about 1 Timothy 6:18-19?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 Artwork

1 Timothy 6:18-19 - "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

1 Timothy 6:18-19 - "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

1 Timothy 6:18 - "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

1 Timothy 6:18 - "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" - 1 Timothy 6:18

"That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" - 1 Timothy 6:18

1 Timothy 6:19 - "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

1 Timothy 6:19 - "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

inapproachable light 1 Timothy 6:16

inapproachable light 1 Timothy 6:16

1 Timothy 1:18 - "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;"

1 Timothy 1:18 - "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;"

1 Timothy 6:17-18 - "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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

1 Timothy 6:17-18 - "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; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;"

1 Timothy 5:19 - "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."

1 Timothy 5:19 - "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."

1 Timothy 6:8 - "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

1 Timothy 6:8 - "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."

1 Timothy 6:20 - "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:"

1 Timothy 6:20 - "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:"

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6

1 Timothy 1:19 - "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:"

1 Timothy 1:19 - "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:"

1 Timothy 6:21 - "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."

1 Timothy 6:21 - "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."

1 Timothy 5:6 - "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."

1 Timothy 5:6 - "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."

"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." - 1 Timothy 6:19

"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." - 1 Timothy 6:19

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 1:6 - "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;"

1 Timothy 1:6 - "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;"

1 Timothy 2:6 - "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

1 Timothy 2:6 - "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 6:15-16 – "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords."

1 Timothy 5:18 - "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."

1 Timothy 5:18 - "For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."

1 Timothy 6:7 - "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

1 Timothy 6:7 - "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."

1 Timothy 3:6 - "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil."

1 Timothy 3:6 - "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil."

1 Timothy 6:14 - "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

1 Timothy 6:14 - "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

1 Timothy 6:1 - "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed."

1 Timothy 6:1 - "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed."

1 Timothy 6:5 - "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

1 Timothy 6:5 - "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."