1 Timothy 6:19
New International Version
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

New Living Translation
By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

English Standard Version
thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Berean Standard Bible
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Berean Literal Bible
treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is indeed life.

King James Bible
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

New King James Version
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

New American Standard Bible
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

NASB 1995
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

NASB 1977
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Legacy Standard Bible
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Amplified Bible
In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Christian Standard Bible
storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.

American Standard Version
laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

Contemporary English Version
This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so they will know what true life is like.

English Revised Version
laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves which is a good foundation for the future. In this way they take hold of what life really is.

Good News Translation
In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

International Standard Version
By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future, so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.

Majority Standard Bible
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of eternal life.

NET Bible
In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

New Heart English Bible
laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of that which is truly life.

Webster's Bible Translation
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Weymouth New Testament
storing up for themselves that which shall be a solid foundation for the future, that they may lay hold of the Life which is life indeed.

World English Bible
laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
treasuring up to themselves a right foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on [that which is] truly life.

Berean Literal Bible
treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is indeed life.

Young's Literal Translation
treasuring up to themselves a right foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life age-during.

Smith's Literal Translation
Treasuring up to themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold upon eternal life.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To lay up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to gather for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may obtain true life.

New American Bible
thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life.

New Revised Standard Version
thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the true life.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they shall lay up for themselves a good foundation for what is future, that they may seize upon true life.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Godbey New Testament
laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

Haweis New Testament
laying up treasure for themselves a noble foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Mace New Testament
securing to themselves a well-grounded expectation of obtaining hereafter an immortal life.

Weymouth New Testament
storing up for themselves that which shall be a solid foundation for the future, that they may lay hold of the Life which is life indeed.

Worrell New Testament
treasuring up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on that which is really life.

Worsley New Testament
treasuring up to themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may obtain eternal life.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Charge to the Rich
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. 20O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”…

Cross References
Matthew 6:19-21
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.

Luke 12:33-34
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Luke 16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

1 Peter 1:4
and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Colossians 3:1-2
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. / Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Hebrews 10:34
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

Matthew 25:34-36
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

Luke 18:22
On hearing this, Jesus told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

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

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / 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.

Galatians 6:8-10
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Philippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.


Treasury of Scripture

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Laying.

Psalm 17:14
From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: …

Matthew 10:41,42
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward…

foundation.

Proverbs 10:25
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

Luke 6:48,49
He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock…

Galatians 5:6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

the time.

Proverbs 31:25
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Luke 16:9,25
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations…

See on ver.

1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

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Age Age-During Eternal Firm Foundation Future Good Hold Indeed Laying Making Ready Really Right Safe Solid Store Storing Theirs Themselves Time Treasure Treasuring True. Way
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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.














treasuring up for themselves
The phrase "treasuring up" comes from the Greek word "thesaurizo," which means to store up or accumulate. In the context of 1 Timothy, it suggests a deliberate and conscious effort to gather spiritual wealth. This is not about material accumulation but about investing in eternal values. The idea is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:20, where believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven. The emphasis is on personal responsibility ("for themselves"), indicating that each believer must actively participate in this spiritual endeavor.

a firm foundation
The Greek word for "foundation" is "themelios," which refers to something that is laid down as a base or support. In the ancient world, a firm foundation was crucial for the stability and longevity of a building. Spiritually, this foundation is built on faith, good works, and the teachings of Christ. The imagery here is of a solid, unshakeable base that can withstand the trials and challenges of life. This foundation is not just for the present but is intended to support the believer's future spiritual journey.

for the future
The phrase "for the future" points to the eschatological hope that Christians hold. It is a reminder that life on earth is temporary and that believers should live with an eternal perspective. The future here is not just a distant time but the coming age when God's kingdom will be fully realized. This forward-looking view encourages believers to live in a way that aligns with their eternal destiny, focusing on what truly matters in the long run.

so that they may take hold
The Greek word "epilambanomai" is used here, meaning to seize or grasp. It conveys a sense of urgency and intentionality. The idea is that believers must actively pursue and embrace the life that God offers. This is not a passive reception but an active engagement with the divine life. It suggests a dynamic relationship with God, where believers are continually reaching out to experience the fullness of life in Christ.

of that which is truly life
The phrase "truly life" contrasts with the temporary and often deceptive nature of earthly life. The Greek word "ontos" emphasizes the reality and authenticity of this life. It is a life that is rooted in the eternal, characterized by a deep and abiding relationship with God. This life is not just about existence but about living in the fullness of God's presence and purpose. It is the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10, a life that transcends the physical and temporal, offering joy, peace, and fulfillment in Christ.

(19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come.--This is a concise expression, which might have been more fully worded thus--Laying up in store for themselves a wealth of good works as a foundation, &c. (Comp. our Lord's words in Luke 16:9, where the same truth is taught, and a similar promise made.)

Here a simple command, in complete accordance with the teaching: of Christ, is given, and a definite consequence is attached to the obeying the command. If the "rich"--the word "rich," we must remember, is a broad term, and in St. Paul's mind would comprehend many a one who would hesitate to apply the term in its strict sense to himself--if the "rich," or the comparatively rich, are really generous and kind with their wealth--and of this God alone can be judge--then with these perishable, fleeting riches they are laying the foundation of an everlasting habitation on the other side the veil. Bengel quaintly expresses the truth, slightly changing the metaphor--"Mercator, naufragio salvus, thesauros domum praemissos invenit."

That they may lay hold on eternal life.--The older authorities here, instead of "eternal," read truly. The sentence will then read thus, that they may lay hold on that which is truly life--that is, may lay hold on that which in truth deserves the name "life," because the fear of death will no longer cast its gloomy shadow over it. This "laying hold on eternal life" is the end the wise rich Christian proposes to himself, when he orders his earthly life and administers his earthly goods, and St. Paul has just showed Timothy how this "end" is to be reached by such a man.

Such plain statements in the Book of Life as the foregoing by no means weaken the divine truth so often repeated, that men are saved only by the blood of Christ, with which they must sprinkle their sin scarred souls. Poor men and rich men alike may try; they will find, with all their brave struggles, that of themselves they will never win salvation, they cannot redeem their souls.

But such plain statements as we have here, and in Luke 16:9, tell us, if we really are "of Christ's," sprinkled with His precious blood, then we must try with heart and soul, with hand and brain, to follow out such charges as we have just been discussing.

Verse 19. - The life which is life indeed for eternal life, A.V. and T.R. Laying up in store (ἀποθησαυρίζοντες); only here in the New Testament, but once in Wisd. 3:3, and occasionally in classical Greek. A good foundation (θεμέλιον καλόν). The idea of a foundation is always maintained in the use of θεμέλιος, whether it is used literally or figuratively (Luke 11:48; Ephesians 2:20; Revelation 21:14, etc.). There is, at first sight, a manifest confusion of metaphors in the phrase, "laying up in store a foundation." Bishop Ellicott, following Wiesinger, understands "a wealth of good works as a foundation." Alford sees no difficulty in considering the "foundation" us a treasure. Others have conjectured κειμήλιον, "a stored treasure," for θεμέλιον. Others understand θεμέλιον in the sense of θέμα, a deposit. Others take ἀποθησαυρίζειν in the sense of "acquiring," without reference to its etymology. But this is unlikely, the context being about the use of money, though in part favored by the use of θησαυρίζειν in 2 Peter 3:7. The reader must choose for himself either to adopt one of the above explanations, or to credit St. Paul with an unimportant confusion of metaphors. Anyhow, the doctrine is clear that wealth spent for God and his Church is repaid with interest, and becomes an abiding treasure. Life indeed (τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς); so 1 Timothy 5:3, 5, τὰς ὅντως χήρας ἡ ὄντως χήρα, "widows indeed;" and (John 8:36) ὄντως ἐλεύθεροι, "free indeed," in opposition to the freedom which the Jews claimed as the seed of Abraham.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
treasuring up
ἀποθησαυρίζοντας (apothēsaurizontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 597: To store up, treasure up. From apo and thesaurizo; to treasure away.

for themselves
ἑαυτοῖς (heautois)
Reflexive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

a firm
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

foundation
θεμέλιον (themelion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2310: From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

future,
μέλλον (mellon)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

they may take hold
ἐπιλάβωνται (epilabōntai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

that which is truly
ὄντως (ontōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3689: Really, truly, actually. Adverb of the oblique cases of on; really.

life.
ζωῆς (zōēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 6:18
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