But godliness with contentment is great gain.
What does 1 Timothy 6:6 mean?
Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it as their calling, will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 1 Timothy 6:3-7 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:6
The meaning is, that real religion should be regarded as the greatest and most valuable acquisition. "With contentment." This word, as now used, refers to a state of mind; a calm and satisfied feeling; a freedom from murmuring and complaining. The idea is, that "piety, connected with a contented mind - or a mind acquiescing in the allotments of life - is to be regarded as the real gain." Tyndale gives substantially the same interpretation: "Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath" Coverdale: "Howbeit, it is of great advantage, who is so godly, and holdeth him content with that he hath.
Key words
- godliness
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By "godliness" is not meant any particular grace, but all the graces of the Spirit of God; as faith, hope, love, fear, &c.
- great
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the whole of internal religion, as it shows itself in outward worship, and in all acts of holiness of life and conversation; and which the doctrine that is according to godliness teaches and engages to; and this is gain, very great gain indeed.
- gain
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the whole of internal religion, as it shows itself in outward worship, and in all acts of holiness of life and conversation; and which the doctrine that is according to godliness teaches and engages to; and this is gain, very great gain indeed.
Context in 1 Timothy 6
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1 Timothy 6 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as care, discipline, and final exhortations. First Timothy gives pastoral instruction on false teaching, public worship, church leadership, care, and godly conduct. Read this chapter with the wider themes of church order, sound doctrine, and prayer in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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