1 Timothy 6:7
What does 1 Timothy 6:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:7 means
We enter life empty-handed and leave the same way. This stark reality strips wealth of its false promises. Possessions cannot cross the boundary of death, so they cannot be ultimate. Paul uses this truth to reinforce contentment: if we cannot keep what we grasp, then it is folly to make it our life. This perspective loosens the heart’s grip and fixes hope beyond the present age. The believer’s lasting treasure is not stored in bags but bound up with God. Remembering our beginnings and our end sobers our desires, curbs envy, and guards us from measuring worth by what can be held only for a moment.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For we came into the world with nothing, and we are not able to take anything out;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for nothing did we bring into the world--<FI> it is<Fi> manifest that we are able to carry nothing out;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For we brought nothing into this world: and certainly we can carry nothing out.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For we have brought nothing into the world: [it is] [manifest] that neither can we carry anything out.
Context
Following the assertion that godliness with contentment is great gain (verse 6), verse 7 provides a reason grounded in human mortality and the limits of possessions. It prepares the way for verse 8, which identifies basic necessities as sufficient grounds for contentment. These verses together reshape priorities and steady the heart against the seductions addressed in verses 9–10, where Paul warns of the spiritual shipwreck that comes from desiring to be rich. The flow moves from principle to perspective to warning, forming a coherent pastoral appeal against greed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 27:24
For riches are not for ever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?
- Psalms 49:17
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.
- Ecclesiastes 5:15
As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
- Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?
- Luke 16:22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried.
- Job 1:21
and he said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah.
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