1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy · Chapter 6

1 Timothy 6:15

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.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.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.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.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.

King James Version (1769)

Other translations

VerseKJVBSBASV
15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

In context

AI-assisted, sourced

Paul charges Timothy to keep his commandment blameless until Jesus Christ appears (6:14). Verse 15 adds that God will bring about that appearing at his own proper time. It then breaks into praise of God as the one true Ruler over every ruler, and the praise continues in 6:16. 1 Timothy 6:131 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:151 Timothy 6:16

SpeakingPaul the apostle, who names himself as the letter's author. Many critical scholars think a follower wrote in his name. 1 Timothy overview

ToTimothy, Paul's younger co-worker, whom Paul had left to lead the church at Ephesus. Here Paul addresses him as "man of God." 1 Timothy overview1 Timothy 6:11

Also involvedThe verse speaks about God, the "blessed and only Potentate." It also speaks about all earthly kings and lords, who are ranked beneath him. 1 Timothy 6:151 Timothy 6:16

The verse promises that Christ's appearing will be shown "in his times," the times God has fixed. It names God with royal titles: the blessed and only Ruler, King over all who reign, Lord over all who rule. 1 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:15Strong's G2540Strong's G1413

The letter went to Ephesus, a wealthy port city and capital of the Roman province of Asia. Where it was written from is not stated; it may have been Macedonia. 1 Timothy overview

ACHAIAASIAGALATIAAegean SeaEphesusLaodiceaMiletusPhilippiThessalonicaCorinth

The eventsThe charge is given in Timothy's present, but the appearing it points to is still future. The text does not give a date and leaves the timing to God ("in his times"). 1 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:15Strong's G2540

WrittenTraditional view: about AD 62-64, between Paul's two Roman imprisonments. Scholarly view: many critical scholars date it around AD 80-110, though others defend the earlier date. 1 Timothy overview

HereThe praise backs up the charge. Timothy should stay faithful because the one who will bring about Christ's appearing is the supreme Ruler. This comes right after warnings against greed and false teaching. 1 Timothy 6:91 Timothy 6:101 Timothy 6:111 Timothy 6:121 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:151 Timothy overview

In the whole of ScriptureThe letter praises God in similar words elsewhere: "the blessed God" (1:11) and "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God" (1:17). The Old Testament also calls the LORD the great King over all the earth. 1 Timothy 1:111 Timothy 1:17Psalms 47:2Jeremiah 10:10Daniel 2:47

For readersOn the traditional date, the letter was written while Nero was emperor, and the word "king" was commonly used of the Roman emperor. The verse places every human ruler under God. 1 Timothy overviewStrong's G0935

Christians read this differently

Readers differ over whom the titles describe. One view: they describe God the Father, who will "shew" Christ's appearing and whom "no man hath seen" (6:16). Another view: they also fit Christ, since Revelation gives the same titles to the Lamb. 1 Timothy 6:151 Timothy 6:16Revelation 17:14Revelation 19:16

  • times (seasons)καιρός
    Greek · kairos · G2540

    The word means a fixed, definite time or season. So "in his times" stresses that God has set the timing of Christ's appearing, not people. Strong's G25401 Timothy 6:15

  • Potentate (Ruler)δυνάστης
    Greek · dunastēs · G1413

    This word is also used for human princes and high officials. Calling God the "only" one sets him above every ruler who carries that title. Strong's G1413Strong's G3441

  • of kings (those who reign)βασιλεύω
    Greek · basileuō · G0936

    In Greek the phrase is literally "King of those who reign." It claims rule over everyone who currently holds power. Strong's G0936Strong's G0935

  • of lords (those who rule)κυριεύω
    Greek · kurieuō · G2961

    This is literally "Lord of those who rule as lords." It is a parallel claim of authority over every master. Strong's G2961Strong's G2962G

Takeaway

The verse is not a stand-alone slogan. It is the reason Timothy should keep faithful until Christ appears: God, the true Ruler over all rulers, will bring that day at his own time. 1 Timothy 6:141 Timothy 6:15Strong's G2540

Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a second AI pass. Updated 2026-10-22.

The world around the text

About AD 62-64. Roman emperor: Nero (AD 54-68). Where Timothy was when Paul wrote. A port city on the west coast of today's Turkey and the greatest market of the province of Asia.

Who ruled
  • Roman emperorNeroAD 54-68

    Emperor over the whole Roman world, including Ephesus, Macedonia and Judea. When Paul appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen, the Caesar was Nero. Paul tells Timothy to have prayers made "for kings, and for all that are in authority." Acts 25:10-12Acts 28:161 Timothy 2:1-2Suetonius, NeroTacitus, Annals 13-16

  • Governor of the province where Ephesus stoodThe proconsul of AsiaOne-year terms

    Asia was governed by a proconsul, a former consul appointed by the Senate for a year at a time, who heard cases in the province's leading cities. During the riot in Ephesus the town clerk reminded the crowd that "the law is open, and there are deputies" (proconsuls). Acts 19:38-39Strabo, Geography 17.3.25

  • Jewish client kingHerod Agrippa IIc. AD 50-90s

    Ruled territories north and east of Galilee under Rome and had the right to appoint the high priest in Jerusalem. He heard Paul's defense with Festus and told him, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Acts 25:13Acts 26:28Josephus, Antiquities 20.179, 20.203

  • Roman governors of JudeaFestus, Albinus and Florusc. AD 59-66

    Porcius Festus sent Paul to Rome and died in office around AD 62. Lucceius Albinus (62-64) and Gessius Florus (64-66) followed; Josephus blames Florus's greed and brutality for pushing Judea into revolt. Acts 24:27Acts 25:12Josephus, Antiquities 20.197-203, 20.252-258Josephus, Jewish War 2.271-308

  • King of ParthiaVologases Ic. AD 51-78

    Ruler of the Parthian empire east of the Euphrates, Rome's one great rival. He fought Rome over Armenia until a settlement in AD 63 let his brother Tiridates rule Armenia as Rome's client. Tacitus, Annals 15.1-17, 15.24-31Cassius Dio, Roman History 62.19-23

What was happening, AD 58 to AD 68
  1. AD 58-63
    WarRome and Parthia fight over Armenia

    Roman armies under Corbulo took the Armenian capitals Artaxata and Tigranocerta. In AD 62 a second Roman army under Paetus surrendered at Rhandeia, and in AD 63 the two empires made peace. Tacitus, Annals 13.34-41, 14.23-26, 15.1-17, 15.24-31

  2. AD 60
    DisasterEarthquake destroys Laodicea

    Laodicea, about 150 km (95 miles) east of Ephesus in the same province, was ruined by an earthquake and rebuilt from its own wealth without help from Rome. Paul's letters mention the church there, and Revelation later quotes the city's boast, "I am rich." Tacitus, Annals 14.27Colossians 4:13-16Revelation 3:17

  3. AD 60-61
    WarBoudica's revolt in Britain

    Boudica, queen of the Iceni, led a rising that burned Camulodunum (Colchester), Londinium (London) and Verulamium before the Roman governor Suetonius Paulinus defeated her. Tacitus, Annals 14.29-39

  4. c. AD 60-62
    The churchPaul under guard in Rome

    Paul lived two whole years in Rome under house arrest, receiving visitors and preaching openly. The traditional date for 1 Timothy places it soon after his release. Acts 28:16Acts 28:30-31

  5. c. AD 61-63
    DiscoveryNero's expedition up the Nile

    Nero sent a party of soldiers to find the source of the Nile. They travelled far beyond Egypt and reached vast marshes they could not cross, likely the Sudd in today's South Sudan. The date is approximate. Seneca, Natural Questions 6.8.3-4Pliny, Natural History 6.181

  6. AD 62
    The churchJames, the Lord's brother, is killed in Jerusalem

    Festus died in office. Before the next governor arrived, the high priest Ananus had "James, the brother of Jesus who was called Christ" and others stoned. Ananus was removed after three months. Josephus, Antiquities 20.197-203Galatians 1:19Acts 15:13

  7. AD 62 or 63
    DisasterEarthquake hits Pompeii

    An earthquake badly damaged Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, seventeen years before Vesuvius buried them. Seneca dates it to AD 62; Tacitus to AD 63. Seneca, Natural Questions 6.1Tacitus, Annals 15.22

  8. c. AD 62
    DiscoveryHero of Alexandria's machines

    The engineer Hero of Alexandria, whose work is dated by an eclipse of AD 62 he describes, wrote up a steam-spun sphere (the aeolipile) and a coin-operated machine that dispensed water in temples. Hero, Pneumatics 1.21, 2.11Hero, Dioptra 35

  9. c. AD 63-64
    BuildingJerusalem's temple is finished

    Work on the temple Herod began around 20 BC was completed under Albinus, leaving some 18,000 workers without jobs. Six years later Roman armies destroyed it, as Jesus had foretold. Josephus, Antiquities 20.219-222John 2:20Luke 21:5-6

  10. July AD 64
    DisasterThe Great Fire of Rome

    Fire burned for days. Of Rome's fourteen districts, three were destroyed and seven badly damaged. Nero then built his vast Golden House on the cleared land. Tacitus, Annals 15.38-43Suetonius, Nero 31, 38

  11. AD 64
    The churchNero blames and kills Christians

    To end rumours that he had started the fire, Nero blamed the Christians of Rome. Tacitus records a "vast multitude" put to death, some torn by dogs and some burned as torches. Tacitus, Annals 15.44Suetonius, Nero 16.2

  12. AD 65
    RulersA plot against Nero fails

    The Pisonian conspiracy to kill Nero was betrayed. Among those forced to take their own lives was Seneca, Nero's former tutor and the brother of Gallio, the governor who dismissed the case against Paul in Corinth. Tacitus, Annals 15.48-74Acts 18:12-17

  13. AD 66
    WarThe Jewish revolt begins

    After Florus seized money from the temple treasury, Jerusalem rose against Rome and the daily sacrifice offered for the emperor was stopped. The war ended with Jerusalem and its temple destroyed in AD 70. Josephus, Jewish War 2.293-308, 2.409-410Luke 21:20-24

  14. AD 66-67
    BuildingNero tours Greece and starts a canal at Corinth

    Nero competed in the Greek games and broke ground for a canal across the Isthmus of Corinth. The work stopped after his death; the canal was finally cut in 1893. Suetonius, Nero 19, 22-24

  15. c. AD 67
    The churchPaul's death in Rome

    In his last letter Paul writes from prison that "the time of my departure is at hand." Early Christian tradition says he was beheaded in Rome under Nero. 2 Timothy 4:6-8Eusebius, Church History 2.25

  16. June AD 68
    RulersNero dies

    Facing revolt in the provinces and declared an enemy by the Senate, Nero took his own life. Four emperors ruled in turn during the following year before Vespasian took power. Suetonius, Nero 47-49Tacitus, Histories 1.2

The full picture: places, culture and daily life. Scripture first, then the ancient historians who wrote about these years (Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus, Seneca, Pliny the Elder, Strabo, Cassius Dio). Dates are as those writers give them; approximate dates say so. Drafted by Claude and not yet reviewed by a person.

Original Greek words

EnglishGreekSay itStrong'sMeaning
whichἣνhēnG3739
which

ὅς (hos, hē) ὅς, ἥ, ὅ, the postpositive article (ἄρθρον ὑποτακτικόν). I. As demonstr. pron. = οὗτος, ὅδε, this, that, also for αὐτός, chiefly in nom.: ὅς δέ, but he (cf. ἦ δὲ ὅς, frequently in Plat.), Mrk.15:23, Jhn.5:11; ὃς μὲν . . . ὃς δέ, the one . . . the other, Mat.21:35, 22:5, 25:15, Luk.23:33, Act.27:14, Rom.14:5, 1Co.11:21, 2Co.2:18, Ju 22; neut., ὃ μὲν . . . ὃ δέ, the one . . . the other, some . . . some, Mat.13:8, 23, Rom.9:21; ὃς (ὃ) μὲν . . . (ἄλλος (ἄλλο)) . . . ἕτερος, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, 1Co.12:8-10; οὓς μέν, absol., 1Co.12:28; ὃς μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, Rom.14:2. …

in seasonsκαιροῖςkairoisG2540
time/right time

καιρός (kairos) καιρός, -οῦ, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for עֵת, also for מוֹעֵד, etc. ;] 1. due measure, fitness, proportion (Eur., Xen., al.). 2. Of Time (cl. also) in the sense of a fixed and definite period, time, season (Kennedy, Sources, 153): Mat.11:25, Mrk.1:15, Luk.21:8, Rom.13:11, Eph.6:18, Heb.11:15, 1Pe.1:5 1:11 Rev.1:3, al.; with genitive, πειρασμοῦ Luk.8:13; τ. καρπῶν, Mat.21:34; σύκων, Mrk.11:13; pl., Mat.21:41; χρόνοι ἢ (καὶ) κ., Act.1:7, 1Th.5:1; ἐθνῶν, Luk.21:24; of opportune or seasonable time, Act.24:25, Gal.6:10, Eph.5:16, Col.4:5; with inf., Heb.11:15; ὁ κ. οὗτος, Mrk.10:30, Luk.18:30; ὁ νῦν κ …

[their] ownἰδίοιςidioisG2398
one's own/private

ἴδιος (idios) ἴδιος, -α, -ον (in Attic usually -ος, -ον), [in LXX chiefly for of person(s) suff., also for לָהֶם, etc.; (τὰ ἴ.) בֵּיתוֹ ;] 1. one's own; (a) of that which is private and personal (in cl. opposite to κοινός, δημόσιος; cf. infr. 3); …

He will displayδείξειdeixeiG1166
to show

δεικνύω (deiknuō) δείκνυμι, δεικνύω (see Bl., § 23, 1; Veitch, see word), [in LXX chiefly for רָאָה hi. ;] to show, with accusative of thing(s) (of person(s)), dative of person(s); (a) to show, exhibit: Mat.4:8 8:4, Mrk.1:44 14:15, Luk.4:5 5:14 20:24 22:12 24:40, Jhn.2:18 5:20 10:32; 20:20 Act.7:3" (LXX), 1Ti.6:15, Rev.17:1 21:9, 10 22:1, 8, pass., Heb.8:5 (LXX); (b) to make known: Mat.16:21, Jhn.14:8, 9, Act.10:28, 1Co.12:31, Rev.1:1 4:1 22:6; (with) to prove: Jas.2:18 3:13.† (AS)

blessedμακάριοςmakariosG3107
blessed

μακάριος (makarios) μακάριος, -α, -ον (collat. form of poët. μάκαρ, in Hom., Hes., chiefly of the gods and the departed), [in LXX for אֹשֶׁר ;] blessed, happy (DCG, i, 177, 213): θεός (δυνάστης), 1Ti.1:11 6:15; ἐλπίς, Tit.2:13; esp. in congratulations, usually with the omission of the copula (M, Pr., 180; B1., § 30, 3), μ. ὁ, Mat.5:3 ff., Luk.6:20 ff. Jhn.20:29, Rev.1:3, al.; before ptcp., Luk.1:45, al.; ὅς, Mat.11:6, Luk.7:23, Rom.4:7-8; ὅτι, Mat.13:16, al.; ἐάν, Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:40; compar., μ. . . . μᾶλλον, Act.20:35; -ώτερος, 1Co.7:40 SYN.: εὐλογητός, q.v (AS)

andκαὶkaiG2532
and

καί (kai) καί, conj., and I. Copulative. 1. Connecting single words; (a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. (b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; (with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. 2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. …

aloneμόνοςmonosG3441
alone

μόνος (monos) μόνος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for לְבַד ;] 1. adj., alone, solitary, forsaken: with verb., Mat.14:23, Mrk.6:47, Luk.9:36, al.; with pron., Mat.18:15, Mrk.9:2, al.; with subst., Mrk.9:8, Luk.4:8, al.; pleonast., οὐκ . . . εἰ μὴ μ., Mat.12:4, Luk.6:4, al.; attrib., only, (ὁ) μ. θεός, Jhn.5:44 17:3, Rom.16:27, 1Ti.1:17, Ju 25. 2. As adv., …

Sovereign,δυνάστης,dunastēsG1413
ruler

δυνάστης (dunastēs) δυνάστης, -ου, ὁ (δύναμαι), [in LXX for גִּבּוֹר, עָרִיץ, בַּיִת, etc. ;] a prince, ruler, potentate: Luk.1:52; of God (Sir.46:5, 16, 2Ma.15:3), 1Ti.6:15; of a high official (cf. δυνάσται Φαραώ, Gen.50:4), Act.8:27 (Cremer, 221).† (AS)

KingβασιλεὺςbasileusG0935
king

βασιλεύς (basileus) βασιλεύς, -έως, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for מֶלֶךְ ;] a king: Mat.1:6 2:1; used by courtesy of Herod the Tetrarch, Mat.14:9; of the Roman Emperor, as frequently in κοινή (Deiss., LAE, p. 367), 1Pe.2:13, 17; of the Christ, in the phrase ὁ β. τ. Ἰουδαίων, Mat.2:2, al.; τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, Mrk.15:32, Jhn.1:50 12:13; of God, Mat.5:35, 1Ti.1:17, Rev.15:3; β. βασιλέων, Rev.17:14 19:16; β. τ. βασιλευόντων, 1Ti.6:15 (on the associations of the word to Jewish Hellenists, see Cl. Rev., i, 7).† (AS)

being kingsβασιλευόντωνbasileuontōnG0936
to reign

βασιλεύω (basileuō) βασιλεύω, (βασιλεύς), [in LXX for מלךְ, its parts and derivatives, exc. 4Ki.15:5 (ישׁב) ;] to be king, to reign, rule: 1Ti.6:15; with genitive (cl.), Mat.2:22; before ἐπί, with accusative (= Heb. מלךְ על; Bl., §36, 8), Luk.1:33 19:14, 27 Rom.5:14; ἐπὶ τ. γῆς, on earth, Rev.5:10; of God, Rev.11:15, 17 19:6; of Christ, Luk.1:33, 1Co.15:25, Rev.11:15; of Christians, Rev.5:10 20:4 (constative aor., M, Pr., 130), ib. 6 22:5. Metaphorical, Christians, Rom.5:17, 1Co.4:8; θάνατος, Rom.5:14, 17; ἁμαρτία, Rom.5:21 6:12. Ingressive aor. (M, Pr., 109), to begin to reign: 1Co.4:8, Rev.11:17 19:6 (Cremer, …

andκαὶkaiG2532
and

καί (kai) καί, conj., and I. Copulative. 1. Connecting single words; (a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. (b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; (with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. 2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. …

[the] LordκύριοςkuriosG2962G
lord: God

κύριος (kurios) κύριος, -α, -ον (also -ος, -ον), [in LXX (subst.) chiefly for יהוה, also for בַּעַל ,אָדוֹן, etc. ;] having power (κῦρος) or authority; as subst., ὁ κ., lord, master; 1. in general: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.9:38 20:8, Mrk.12:9 13:35, Luk.19:33; τ. σαββάτου, Mat.12:8, Mrk.2:28, Luk.6:5; with genitive of person(s), δούλου, etc., Mat.10:24, Luk.14:21, Act.16:16, al.; absol, opposite to οἱ δοῦλοι, Eph.6:5, 9 al.; of the Emperor (Deiss., LAE, 161), Act.25:26; θεοὶ πολλοὶ καὶ κ. πολλοί, 1Co.8:5; of a husband, 1Pe.3:6; in voc, as a title of respect to masters, teachers, magistrates, etc., Ma …

being lords,κυριευόντων,kurieuontōnG2961
to lord over

κυριεύω (kurieuō) κυριεύω (κύριος), [in LXX chiefly for מָשַׁל ;] to be lord or master of, to rule (over): C. genitive obj., Luk.22:25, Rom.14:9, 2Co.1:24; absol., 1Ti.6:15; metaphorically, ὁ θάνατος, Rom.6:9; ἡ ἁμαρτία, Rom.6:14; ὁ νόμος, Rom.7:1 (cf. κατα-κυριεύω).† (AS)

Words and meanings from STEPBible data (Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). The capitalized syllable is the stressed one.