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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But having sustenance and coverings, with these we will be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />With food to eat and clothes to wear; content we are in everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And having food and raiment, with these let us be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and if we have food and clothing, with these we will be satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but having food and raiment—with these we will suffice ourselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But having sustenance and coverings, with these we will be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> but having food and raiment -- with these we shall suffice ourselves;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And having sustenance and covering, with these let us be contented.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But having food, and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But, having nourishment and some kind of covering, we should be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, let us be satisfied with food and clothing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because of this, food and clothing is enough for us.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And having food and raiment, with these let us be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />however having food and raiment we shall be contented with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Having then food and raiment, let us be therewith content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />we ought to think that sufficient, but they who will be rich, expose<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and if we have food and clothing, with these we will be satisfied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />but, having food and raiment, with these we shall be content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />having therefore food and raiment, let us be herewith content.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/6-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=912" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Contentment in Godliness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">if we have</a> <a href="/greek/1305.htm" title="1305: diatrophas (N-AFP) -- Nourishment, food. From a compound of dia and trepho; nourishment.">food</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4629.htm" title="4629: skepasmata (N-ANP) -- Clothing, a covering, raiment. From a derivative of skepas; clothing.">clothing,</a> <a href="/greek/714.htm" title="714: arkesthēsometha (V-FIP-1P) -- To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail.">we will be content</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutois (DPro-DNP) -- This; he, she, it. ">with these.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a></span><br />Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? / Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? / Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-22.htm">Luke 12:22-31</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. / For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. / Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Proverbs 30:8-9</a></span><br />Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion. / Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">2 Corinthians 9:8</a></span><br />And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-12</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Luke 3:11</a></span><br />John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-15.htm">James 2:15-16</a></span><br />Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-9.htm">Matthew 10:9-10</a></span><br />Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. / Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Genesis 28:20</a></b></br> And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Genesis 48:15</a></b></br> And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/2-7.htm">Deuteronomy 2:7</a></b></br> For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God <i>hath been</i> with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Content</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-15.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-3.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-9.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-9.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/luke/17-31.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/philippians/4-18.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/matthew/25-9.htm">Suffice</a> <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Sustenance</a> <a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Therewith</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-2.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Content</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-5.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/james/2-2.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">Suffice</a> <a href="/genesis/45-23.htm">Sustenance</a> <a href="/james/3-9.htm">Therewith</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Of the duty of servants.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">Godliness is great gain;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">and love of money the root of all evil.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">and whereof to admonish the rich.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if we have food and clothing</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the basic necessities of life, highlighting food and clothing as essential for survival. In the biblical context, these items represent the minimum requirements for sustaining life. The mention of food and clothing echoes Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a>, where He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or wear, because God provides for the needs of His creation. Historically, the early Christian community often faced persecution and poverty, making this teaching particularly relevant. The Apostle Paul, who authored this letter to Timothy, often experienced hardship and understood the importance of relying on God's provision (<a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-13</a>).<p><b>we will be content with these</b><br>Contentment is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, urging believers to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than in material wealth. This contentment is rooted in trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Greek word for "content" (autarkeia) implies self-sufficiency, but in a Christian sense, it refers to sufficiency in Christ. This aligns with <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a>, which encourages believers to be content with what they have because God will never leave nor forsake them. The call to contentment challenges the cultural norms of both the ancient world and today, where wealth and possessions often define success and happiness. This teaching also reflects the life of Jesus Christ, who lived simply and focused on spiritual riches rather than earthly wealth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who received this letter as part of his pastoral training and encouragement.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its wealth and commerce, which may have influenced the church's attitudes toward material possessions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_simplicity.htm">Contentment in Simplicity</a></b><br>The Greek word for "content" (autarkes) implies self-sufficiency and satisfaction with what one has. Christians are encouraged to find joy and peace in the basics of life, trusting God for provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_materialism.htm">Guarding Against Materialism</a></b><br>In a world that often equates success with wealth, believers are reminded to focus on spiritual riches rather than material accumulation. This mindset helps prevent the pitfalls of greed and dissatisfaction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>The call to be content with food and clothing underscores a reliance on God's faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to trust that God knows their needs and will provide accordingly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_through_contentment.htm">Witness Through Contentment</a></b><br>Living a life of contentment can be a powerful testimony to others, showcasing a heart that values eternal treasures over temporary gains.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_consumerism.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on consumerism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_human_dignity_in_the_bible.htm">How can we wisely manage our resources and finances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/public_prayer__matthew_6_5-6_vs._1_tim_2_8.htm">Should we pray in public? (Matthew 6:5-6 vs. 1 Timothy 2:8)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_1_tim_6_7-8_oppose_modern_ambition.htm">In 1 Timothy 6:7-8, does the passage's emphasis on contentment conflict with modern concepts of personal ambition and success?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.</span>--The Greek word rendered "let us be content" is better translated, <span class= "ital">we shall have a sufficiency.</span> The argument will run thus: "All earthly possessions are only for this life; here, if we have the wherewithal to clothe us and to nourish us, we shall have enough;" if we have more than this, St. Paul goes on to show, we shall be in danger of falling into temptation.<p>There is no contradiction between this reading and that contained in this same Epistle (<a href="/context/1_timothy/4-1.htm" title="Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;">1Timothy 4:1-5</a>). There the Apostle is warning the Church against a false, unreal asceticism, which was teaching men to look upon the rich gifts of this world, its beauties and its delights, as of themselves sinful, forgetting that these fair things were God's creatures, and were given for man's use and enjoyment. Here the same great teacher is pressing home the truth that the highest good on earth was that godliness which is ever accompanied with perfect contentment, which neither rejects nor deems evil the fair things of this life, but which, at the same time, never covets them, never longs for them. It was one thing to be rich, it was another to wish to be rich; in God's providence a man might be rich without sin, but the coveting, the longing for wealth, at once exposed him to many a grave danger both to body and soul.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="accented">But</span> for <span class="accented">and</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">covering for raiment</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">ice shall be</span> for <span class="accented">let us be</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Food</span> (<span class="greek">διατροφάς</span>); here only in the New Testament, but common in the LXX., rare in classical Greek. <span class="cmt_word">Covering</span> (<span class="greek">σκεπάσματα</span>); also <span class="accented">a</span> <span class="greek">ἅπαξ λεγόμενον</span> in the New Testament, not found in the LXX., and rare in classical Greek. The kindred words, <span class="greek">σκέπη</span> and <span class="greek">σκέπας</span>, with their derivatives, are used of the covering or shelter of clothes, or tents, or houses. St. Paul may therefore have used an uncommon word in order to comprise the <span class="accented">two</span> necessaries of raiment and house, though Huther thinks this "more than improbable." The use of the word "covering" in the R.V. seems designed to favor this double application. Ellicott thinks the word "probably only refers to clothing." Alford says, "Some take ' covering' of both clothing and dwelling, perhaps rightly." If one knew where St. Paul got the word <span class="greek">σκεπάσματα</span> from, one could form a more decided opinion as to his meaning. <span class="cmt_word">We shall be therewith content</span> (<span class="greek">ἀρκεσθήσομεθα</span>). The proper meaning of <span class="greek">ἀρκεῖσθαι</span> followed by a dative is "<span class="accented">to</span> be content with" (<a href="/luke/3-14.htm">Luke 3:14</a>; <a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a>). There is probably a covert hortative force in the use of the future here. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/6-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if we have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχοντες</span> <span class="translit">(echontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">food</span><br /><span class="grk">διατροφὰς</span> <span class="translit">(diatrophas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1305.htm">Strong's 1305: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nourishment, food. From a compound of dia and trepho; nourishment.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">clothing,</span><br /><span class="grk">σκεπάσματα</span> <span class="translit">(skepasmata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4629.htm">Strong's 4629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Clothing, a covering, raiment. From a derivative of skepas; clothing.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we will be content</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀρκεσθησόμεθα</span> <span class="translit">(arkesthēsometha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_714.htm">Strong's 714: </a> </span><span class="str2">To keep off, assist; I suffice; pass: To be satisfied. Apparently a primary verb; properly, to ward off, i.e. to avail.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with these.</span><br /><span class="grk">τούτοις</span> <span class="translit">(toutois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:8 But having food and clothing we will (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 6:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 6:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 6:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 6:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>