1 Timothy 6:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

NIV: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

NASB: For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.

CSB: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

NLT: After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

KJV: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

NKJV: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

This verse again connects with Old Testament teachings. Job 1:21 records Job's words, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." In talking of a rich owner, Ecclesiastes 5:15 says, "As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand."

The idea of bringing nothing into the world was self-evident for Timothy. A greater contrast to false religious ideas is the claim that none of our material wealth can be taken with us into the afterlife. Accumulating wealth and material goods, especially for the sake of the goods themselves, is pointless. All of those things will be left behind when we die. The Bible emphasizes the transitory nature of money and physical possessions (Matthew 6:19). Believers are to be content regardless of economic level or increase or decrease in worldly belongings. This does not mean we should view wealth as evil, or avoid prosperity. However, our true joy comes from knowing God and not through an obsession with wealth or success.

First Timothy 6:3–10 describes the character flaws common among false teachers. Those who refuse to accept correct doctrines are often characterized by traits such as hard-headedness, greed, slander, and bickering. The core cause of these errors is an unwillingness to accept the truth, and an insistence on clinging to false teachings. Paul also gives a more extensive explanation of how and why greed can destroy a person's life.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.