17Charge those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant, not to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who provides all things richly for enjoyment. [6:18] Charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in distributing, ready to share — [6:19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
1TI 6:17-19
A Charge to the Rich
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Roman world, wealth was deeply tied to social status, patronage, and the honor-shame economy. The rich often derived their identity and security from their possessions, which were seen as a sign of divine favor or personal virtue. However, this passage challenges that worldview by addressing the inherent uncertainty of riches and redirecting trust toward the living God who provides all things. The instruction to avoid arrogance critiques the pride often associated with wealth in Greco-Roman society, where the wealthy were expected to display their status publicly. Instead, the rich are urged to be generous and ready to share , reflecting the early Christian emphasis on communal care and mutual support. This call to good works aligns with Jewish and Christian teachings on stewardship, where wealth is not for hoarding but for serving others. The promise of a 'good foundation for the future' echoes Jewish eschatological hope, framing generosity as an investment in eternal life rather than temporal security.
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How other translations render this
1TI 6:17
- KJV
- 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;
- BSB
- Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.
- Koinōnos
- Charge those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant, not to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who provides all things richly for enjoyment.
1TI 6:18
- KJV
- That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- BSB
- Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
- Koinōnos
- Charge them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in distributing, ready to share —
1TI 6:19
- KJV
- Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
- BSB
- treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
- Koinōnos
- storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is to come, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TI 6:17
- age:The word translated 'age' refers to a long, indefinite period of time, often with a sense of a distinct era or epoch, rather than a person's lifespan.
- to be high-minded:The term used here for 'to be high-minded' implies an arrogant or haughty attitude, specifically thinking too highly of oneself, often in a way that looks down on others.
1TI 6:18
- generous in distributing:The word translated 'generous in distributing' emphasizes a readiness and willingness to share and give, highlighting the active and free nature of the giving.
- ready to share,:The word translated 'ready to share' carries the sense of being inclined to fellowship and partnership, emphasizing a communal spirit and a willingness to participate in common endeavors through sharing.