1 Timothy 6:17
What does 1 Timothy 6:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:17 means
Those who are rich in this age face particular temptations. Paul commands Timothy to warn them against arrogance and against placing hope in riches, which are uncertain. Instead, their confidence must rest “on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” Wealth is not demonized; it is relativized and reoriented. God is the generous giver; enjoyment of His gifts is proper when received with humility and gratitude. The danger lies in trusting the gift rather than the Giver. By shifting hope to God, the wealthy can hold possessions loosely, steward them wisely, and find joy that is secure, not dependent on markets or status.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Charge 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give orders to those who have money and goods in this life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all things for our use;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Those rich in the present age charge thou not to be high-minded, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who is giving to us all things richly for enjoyment; --
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Charge the rich of this world not to be highminded nor to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God (who giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy)
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Enjoin on those rich in the present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust on the uncertainty of riches; but in theGod who affords us all things richly for [our] enjoyment;
Context
After the exalted doxology (verses 15–16), Paul resumes practical instruction, now addressing believers who possess wealth. Verse 17 warns against pride and misplaced trust, grounding security in God’s generous providence. The next verse (18) provides positive directives—do good, be rich in good works, and be generous—showing what hope in God looks like in practice. Verse 19 then promises that such stewardship lays a good foundation for the future, enabling believers to lay hold on what is truly life. The section balances warning with invitation, aligning affluent Christians with eternal priorities.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 62:8
Trust in him at all times, ye people; Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. [Selah
- Jeremiah 9:23
Thus saith Jehovah, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches;
- Romans 11:20
Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
- Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.
- Luke 19:9
And Jesus said unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
- Daniel 4:30
The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?
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