1 Timothy 6
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedPaul tells servants to honour their masters so "that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed," then exposes teachers who suppose "that gain is godliness." He answers that "godliness with contentment is great gain" and warns that "the love of money is the root of all evil." He charges Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith," tells him to instruct the rich to be "rich in good works," and closes by urging him to guard what was committed to him. 1 Timothy 6:11 Timothy 6:51 Timothy 6:61 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:121 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:181 Timothy 6:20
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul writes to Timothy, "O man of God," with instructions for servants, for those who "teach otherwise," and for "them that are rich in this world." 1 Timothy 6:11 Timothy 6:31 Timothy 6:111 Timothy 6:17
Where
The church at Ephesus, a wealthy port city, where Timothy was leading. 1 Timothy overview
When
Traditionally written about AD 62-64. Many critical scholars date the letter later, around AD 80-110. Timothy is to keep the commandment "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Timothy overview1 Timothy 6:14
How it fits
Chapter 5 ended Paul's instructions about elders; this last chapter returns to the false teachers of chapter 1 and ends the letter with "Grace be with thee." 1 Timothy 5:211 Timothy 6:31 Timothy 6:211 Timothy 1:181 Timothy overview
Key verses
- Verse 6
"Godliness with contentment is great gain," answering those who suppose "that gain is godliness." Hebrews 13:5 says the same: "be content with such things as ye have." 1 Timothy 6:51 Timothy 6:6Hebrews 13:5
- Verse 10
It is "the love of money," not money itself, that Paul calls "the root of all evil"; some who coveted it "erred from the faith." Matthew 6:21 warns, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 1 Timothy 6:91 Timothy 6:10Matthew 6:21
- Verse 17
The rich are not told to give up all they have but to trust "in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy," and to be "rich in good works, ready to distribute." 1 Timothy 6:171 Timothy 6:18
Takeaway
Be content with what God gives, flee the love of money, and use what you have to do good, fighting "the good fight of faith" until Christ appears. 1 Timothy 6:81 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:111 Timothy 6:121 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:18
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-28.
Servants and masters
1Let 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. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
False teachers and the love of money
3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 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.
Fight the good fight of faith
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who 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.
A charge to the rich
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.
Guard what was entrusted
20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.