1 Timothy 6:18
New International Version
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

New Living Translation
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

English Standard Version
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Berean Standard Bible
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Berean Literal Bible
to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in distributing, ready to share,

King James Bible
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

New King James Version
Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

New American Standard Bible
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

NASB 1995
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

NASB 1977
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Legacy Standard Bible
Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Amplified Bible
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others].

Christian Standard Bible
Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share,

American Standard Version
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Contemporary English Version
Instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone. Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have.

English Revised Version
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Tell them to do good, to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share.

Good News Translation
Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.

International Standard Version
They are to do good, to be rich in good actions, to be generous, and to share.

Majority Standard Bible
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

NET Bible
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.

New Heart English Bible
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Webster's Bible Translation
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Weymouth New Testament
They must be beneficent, rich in noble deeds, open-handed and liberal;

World English Bible
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, willing to communicate,

Berean Literal Bible
to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous in distributing, ready to share,

Young's Literal Translation
to do good, to be rich in good works, to be ready to impart, willing to communicate,

Smith's Literal Translation
To do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal, qualified for participation;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To do good, to be rich in good works, to give easily, to communicate to others,

Catholic Public Domain Version
and to do good, to become rich in good works, to donate readily, to share,

New American Bible
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share,

New Revised Standard Version
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That they do good works, and become rich in good deeds, and be ready to give and willing to share,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And that they should do good works, should be rich in good deeds, and should be ready to give and to share,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, liberal,

Godbey New Testament
that they do good, be rich in good works, be cheerful givers, ready communicators;

Haweis New Testament
to do good, to be rich in generous actions, to take pleasure in liberality, ready to distribute;

Mace New Testament
to be beneficent, to be rich in good works, to be liberal to the common fund,

Weymouth New Testament
They must be beneficent, rich in noble deeds, open-handed and liberal;

Worrell New Testament
that they do good, that they be rich in good works, free to impart, liberal;

Worsley New Testament
to be rich in good works, to be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Charge to the Rich
17Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. 18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, 19treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / 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? ...

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Titus 3:8
This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.

1 John 3:17-18
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? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Proverbs 11:25
A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Psalm 112:9
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.


Treasury of Scripture

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

they do.

2 Chronicles 24:16
And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

river.

1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Luke 12:21
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

ready.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: …

Psalm 112:9
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.

Proverbs 11:24,25
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty…

willing to communicate.

Jump to Previous
Beneficent Command Communicate Deeds Distribute Distributing Generous Good Impart Instruct Liberal Noble Open-Handed Part Quick Ready Rich Share Substance Wealth Willing Works
Jump to Next
Beneficent Command Communicate Deeds Distribute Distributing Generous Good Impart Instruct Liberal Noble Open-Handed Part Quick Ready Rich Share Substance Wealth Willing Works
1 Timothy 6
1. Of the duty of servants.
3. Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.
6. Godliness is great gain;
10. and love of money the root of all evil.
11. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.
17. and whereof to admonish the rich.
20. To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.














Instruct them to do good
This phrase emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical behavior, aligning with the broader biblical teaching that believers are called to live lives that reflect God's goodness. The instruction to "do good" is a recurring theme in the New Testament, seen in passages like Galatians 6:10, where Paul encourages believers to do good to all people. The cultural context of the early church, surrounded by pagan practices, made this instruction particularly significant as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

to be rich in good works
Here, the focus shifts to the abundance of good deeds, suggesting that believers should not only perform good works but excel in them. This echoes James 2:14-26, where faith without works is described as dead. The phrase "rich in good works" contrasts with the pursuit of material wealth, a common temptation in the Greco-Roman world, and serves as a reminder that true riches are found in serving others and fulfilling God's commandments.

and to be generous
Generosity is a hallmark of Christian character, reflecting God's own generosity towards humanity. In the historical context of the early church, where communal living and sharing of resources were practiced (Acts 2:44-45), this instruction would have been a practical application of love and unity among believers. The call to generosity is also a fulfillment of Old Testament teachings, such as Proverbs 11:25, which states that a generous person will prosper.

and ready to share
This phrase underscores the readiness and willingness to share one's resources with others, an attitude that goes beyond mere obligation. It reflects the early Christian community's practice of mutual support and care, as seen in Acts 4:32-35. Theologically, this readiness to share is a reflection of Christ's own sacrificial nature, who gave Himself for the salvation of humanity. It also connects to the principle of stewardship, where believers recognize that all they have is entrusted to them by God for the purpose of blessing others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with leading and instructing the church there.

3. Ephesus
A significant city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its wealth and commerce, where Timothy was ministering.

4. The Wealthy Believers
The specific group within the Ephesian church that Paul is addressing through Timothy, urging them to use their resources for good.

5. The Early Church
The broader context in which these instructions were given, emphasizing communal support and generosity among believers.
Teaching Points
The Call to Action
Believers are called to actively engage in doing good, not merely to possess good intentions.

Rich in Good Works
True wealth in the Christian life is measured by the abundance of good works, not material possessions.

Generosity as a Lifestyle
Generosity should be a defining characteristic of a believer's life, reflecting the heart of God.

Readiness to Share
Christians should cultivate a spirit of readiness to share their resources, time, and talents with others.

Eternal Perspective
By focusing on good works and generosity, believers store up treasures in heaven, aligning their lives with eternal values.(18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works.--These words--coming directly after the statement that the good and pleasant things of this world, which are possessed in so large a share by the "rich," are, after all, the gifts of God, who means them for our enjoyment--these words seem to point to the highest enjoyment procurable by these "rich"--the luxury of doing good, of helping others to be happy the only enjoyment that never fails, never disappoints.

Ready to distribute, willing to communicate.--In distinguishing between these words, which are nearly synonymous, the first points rather to the hand which generously gives, and the second to the heart which lovingly sympathises.

The first obeys willingly the Master's charge--"Give to him that asketh;" the second follows that loving command which bids His own to rejoice with those that rejoice, and to mourn with those that mourn.

Verse 18. - That they be ready for ready, A.V. Do good (ἀγαθοεργεῖν; here only, for the more common ἀγαθοποιεῖν). That they be rich in good works (1 Timothy 5:10, note); not merely in the perishing riches of this present world - the same sentiment as Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:33 and 21. Ready to distribute (εὐμεταδότους); here only in the New Testament, and rarely in later classical Greek. The opposite, "dose-handed," is δυσμετάδοτος The verb μεταδίδωμι means "to give to others a share or portion of what one has" (Luke 3:11; Romans 1:11; Romans 12:8; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:8). Willing to communicate (κοινωνίκους); here only in the New Testament, but found in classical Greek in a slightly different sense. "Communicative" is the exact equivalent, though in this wider use it is obsolete. We have the same precept in Hebrews 13:16, "To do good and to communicate forget not." (For κοινωνεῖν in the sense of "giving," see Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:15; and for κοινωνία in the same sense, see Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:16.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Instruct them] to do good,
ἀγαθοεργεῖν (agathoergein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 14: To work that which is good, perform good deeds. From agathos and ergon; to work good.

to be rich
πλουτεῖν (ploutein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4147: To become rich, be rich, abound in. From ploutizo; to be wealthy.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

good
καλοῖς (kalois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

works,
ἔργοις (ergois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

[and] to be
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

generous
εὐμεταδότους (eumetadotous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2130: From eu and a presumed derivative of metadidomi; good at imparting, i.e. Liberal.

[and] ready to share,
κοινωνικούς (koinōnikous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2843: Willing to share, sociable, ready to communicate, beneficent. From koinonos; communicative, i.e. liberal.


Links
1 Timothy 6:18 NIV
1 Timothy 6:18 NLT
1 Timothy 6:18 ESV
1 Timothy 6:18 NASB
1 Timothy 6:18 KJV

1 Timothy 6:18 BibleApps.com
1 Timothy 6:18 Biblia Paralela
1 Timothy 6:18 Chinese Bible
1 Timothy 6:18 French Bible
1 Timothy 6:18 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good that they be (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 6:17
Top of Page
Top of Page