1 Timothy 6:7

7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it;

1 Timothy 6:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into this world
Which is a reason both clearly showing that godliness is great gain, since those who have it brought nothing into the world with them but sin, and yet are now in such happy circumstances as before described; and that godly persons should be content with what they have, even of worldly things, seeing they are so much more than they had when they came into the world, into which they came naked; and which should be a quieting consideration under the most stripping providences; see ( Job 1:21 )

and it is certain we can carry nothing out:
as men come into the world, so will they go out of it; nor will they need their worldly substance after death, any more than they did before they were born; and what they now have, and use not, will then be lost to them, whatever gain it may be to others: wherefore it becomes them cheerfully to use what they have, and be content therewith; see ( Ecclesiastes 5:15 Ecclesiastes 5:16 ) . The Jews have a saying like this F15, that

``as a man comes (into the world), (Nyjylxb) , "simply" or "nakedly", so he goes out in like manner.''


FOOTNOTES:

F15 Bereshit Rabba, sect. 42. fol. 36. 3.

1 Timothy 6:7 In-Context

5 and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
6 Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment;
7 for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it;
8 but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Other ancient authorities read [world--it is certain that]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.