Devine Scripture

1 Timothy 6:18

What does 1 Timothy 6:18 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Timothy 6:18 means

Paul moves from attitude to action: the rich must “do good,” be “rich in good works,” and be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” Generosity is not occasional charity but a posture—eager, open-handed, and communal. Wealth becomes a channel for mercy and ministry, not a monument to self. Such a life reflects God’s own lavish giving and protects the heart from the grip of possessions. By investing in people and kingdom purposes, the affluent transform temporal assets into means of lasting blessing. Their abundance becomes a stewardship that multiplies good rather than magnifies self, displaying a hope set on God rather than on uncertain riches.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to do good, having wealth in good works, being quick to give, taking part with one another;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, willing to communicate,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To do good, to be rich in good work, to give easily, to communicate to others,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal in distributing, disposed to communicate [of their substance],

Context

Verse 17 reoriented the rich from pride and false security to trust in God’s generosity. Verse 18 specifies how that trust expresses itself: active goodness, abundant good works, and readiness to share. The focus is not on asceticism but on stewardship that mirrors God’s kindness. Verse 19 will state the outcome of such generosity: laying up a good foundation for the future and seizing true life. This brief unit (verses 17–19) complements the earlier warnings about greed (verses 9–10) by showing a positive, redeemed path for those whom God has entrusted with much.

v.17Charge 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;

v.18This passage

v.19laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 3:11

    And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it.

  • Acts 11:29

    And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judæa:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • Isaiah 32:8

    But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.

  • Psalms 37:3

    Trust in Jehovah, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed onhisfaithfulness.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12

    For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 6

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 6.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 1 Timothy 6:18.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary