• 1 Timothy 6:17
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 17 Τοῖς To the πλουσίοις rich (ones) ἐν in τῷ the νῦν now αἰῶνι age παράγγελλε be laying charge μὴ not ὑψηλοφρονεῖν to be high-minded μηδὲ not-but ἠλπικέναι to have put hope ἐπὶ upon πλούτου of riches ἀδηλότητι, non-evidence, ἀλλ’ but ἐπὶ upon θεῷ God τῷ the (one) παρέχοντι having alongside ἡμῖν to us πάντα all (things) πλουσίως richly εἰς into ἀπόλαυσιν, enjoyment,

  • 1 Timothy 6:17
    The Bible in Living English

    • 17 Enjoin those who are rich in the present world not to have lofty ideas and not to have their hopes set on uncertainty of wealth, but on God, him who lets us have everything in rich measure to use and enjoy;

  • 1 Timothy 6:17
    American Standard Version

    • 17 Charge 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;

  • 1 Timothy 6:17
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 17 Upon them who are rich in the present age lay thou charge—Not to be high-minded Nor to have set their hope on riches’ uncertainty,—But on God who offereth us all things richly for enjoying,

  • 1 Timothy 6:17
    King James Version

    • 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 6
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 6:17

      Instruct: Or “Command; Order.”​—See study note on 1Ti 1:5.

      those who are rich in the present system of things: Because Satan controls the present unrighteous system of things, people are often under pressure to become materialistic. Paul thus warns wealthy Christians to be on guard. (Ro 12:2; 2Co 4:4) Jesus taught that this system of things would be replaced by a future one under the rule of God’s Kingdom. (Mr 10:30 and study note; Lu 18:29, 30) Paul likewise taught about a system of things “to come.” (Eph 1:21; 2:7) Therefore, he encourages Christians to focus on that coming system of things by “safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future.”​—1Ti 6:19.

      the present system of things: Or “the present age.” Here Paul is referring to the unrighteous system of things of which Satan is the ruler.​—See study notes on Mt 13:22; 2Co 4:4; Ga 1:4.

      not to be arrogant: The Greek word for “arrogant” could also be rendered “haughty.” Paul encourages wealthy Christians to keep a balanced view of material riches. A person who is rich may feel that his wealth makes him superior. However, in Jehovah’s view, material assets do not make one person better than another.​—Pr 22:2; Mt 8:20; Jas 2:5.

      to place their hope, not on uncertain riches: A wealthy person may think that his riches offer him true security. But Paul points out that material riches are, in fact, unreliable and uncertain. They can become a temptation and a snare (1Ti 6:9); they can fail suddenly and unexpectedly (Pr 18:11; 23:4, 5).

      who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy: In this verse and the following one, Paul uses a play on words. First he says that “those who are rich” should place their hope, not on “uncertain riches,” but on God. Then he reminds Christians that God is the Source of all good things and that he “richly,” or generously, provides these things for their enjoyment. Of course, it is especially what Jehovah provides for them spiritually that brings them the greatest joy, fulfillment, and security. (Mt 6:19-21, 33) Finally Paul encourages Christians “to be rich in fine works,” so that they may “get a firm hold on the real life.”​—1Ti 6:18, 19.