Contentment in Christian Living According to 1 Timothy 6:6-8
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:6-8, instructs Timothy on the importance of contentment in Christian living, particularly in contrast to those who view godliness as a means for financial gain [12]. The passage begins, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6 ASV) [3]. This statement highlights that true spiritual profit comes not from accumulating wealth through religion, but from a devout life coupled with satisfaction in one's circumstances [10, 12].
Paul then elaborates on the nature of this contentment, stating, "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:8 KJV) [1, 2]. The Greek word for "raiment" (σκέπασμα, skepasma) can encompass not only clothing but also shelter or a dwelling, suggesting basic necessities for life [11, 13]. The phrase "let us be therewith content" implies that believers should be sufficiently provided for with these essentials [13]. This contentment is not merely a philosophical outlook but is rooted in dependence on the sufficiency of Christ [9].
This teaching stands in opposition to various negative traits such as envy, avarice, ambition, and anxiety [6]. Instead, it arises from an inward disposition, fostered by humility and a recognition of divine providence [6]. The concept of contentment is further explored in other biblical texts, such as Hebrews 13:5, which encourages being content with what one has, and Philippians 4:11-12, where Paul speaks of learning to be content in all circumstances [8]. The promise of eternal life, mentioned later in 1 Timothy 6:12, also serves to moderate the allure of worldly wealth [14].
The broader context of 1 Timothy 6 addresses the dangers of loving money and the pursuit of riches, contrasting it with the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness [4, 5, 7]. Paul's instruction to Timothy emphasizes that while some might exploit religion for material gain, true godliness, when accompanied by contentment, offers a far greater and more enduring reward [10, 12].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 6:8 — And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:8 (KJV) — And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:6 (ASV) — But godliness with contentment is great gain:”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Timothy 6:5 cross-references: 2 Kings 5:20, Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 6:13, Jeremiah 8:10, Ezekiel 33:31, Matthew 7:17, Matthew 12:33, Matthew 21:13, Matthew 23:13, John 3:19, Acts 8:18, Acts 19:24, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 11:16, Ephesians 4:17, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Timothy 1:6, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8, 1 Timothy 6:6, 2 Timothy 3:5, 2 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:11, Titus 1:15, Hebrews 3:12, 2 Peter 2:3, 2 Peter 2:15, 2 John 1:8, Jude 1:11, Revelation 18:3, Revelation 18:13”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Timothy 6:18 cross-references: Deuteronomy 15:7, 2 Chronicles 24:16, Psalms 37:3, Psalms 112:9, Proverbs 11:24, Ecclesiastes 3:12, Ecclesiastes 11:1, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Isaiah 32:8, Isaiah 58:7, Luke 6:33, Luke 12:21, Luke 14:12, Acts 2:44, Acts 4:34, Acts 9:36, Acts 10:38, Acts 11:29, Romans 12:8, Romans 12:13, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:10, Philippians 4:18, 1 Timothy 5:10, Titus 2:14, Titus 3:8, Hebrews 13:16, James 2:5, 1 Peter 3:11, 1 John 3:17, 3 John 1:11”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Contentment — A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Timothy 6:12 cross-references: Deuteronomy 26:3, Deuteronomy 26:17, Judges 3:2, Psalms 63:8, Proverbs 3:18, Isaiah 44:5, Zechariah 10:5, Luke 12:8, Romans 8:28, Romans 9:23, Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Corinthians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 9:13, 2 Corinthians 10:3, Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 3:12, Colossians 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:13, 1 Timothy 6:19, 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 6:18, Hebrews 13:23, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 John 2:25, Revelation 3:3”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Contentment — With godliness is great gain -- Ps 37:16; 1Ti 6:6. Saints should exhibit In their respective callings. -- 1Co 7:20. With appointed wages. -- Lu 3:14. With what things they have. -- Heb 13:5. With food and raiment. -- 1Ti 6:8. God's promises should lead to -- Heb 13:5. The wicked want -- Isa 5:8; Ec 5:10. Exemplified Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:33-37. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:13. David. -- Ps 16:6. Agur. -- Pr 30:8,9. Paul. -- Php 4:11,12.”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:6: 6:6 with contentment: This is not just a philosophical outlook but real dependence on the sufficiency of Christ. See 4:8; 2 Cor 9:8; 12:7-10; Phil 4:10-13; Heb 13:5.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 6:6: But--Though they err in this, there is a sense in which "piety is" not merely gain, but "great means of gain": not the gaining which they pursue, and which makes men to be discontented with their present possessions, and to use religion as "a cloak of covetousness" (Th1 2:5) and means of earthly gain, but the present and eternal gain which piety, whose accompaniment is contentment, secures to the soul. WIESINGER remarks that Paul observed in Timothy a tendency to indolence and shrinking from the conflict, whence he felt (Ti1 6:11) that Timothy needed”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:8: And having food and raiment,.... "Food" includes all things necessary to be ate and drank, of which there is a great variety, and is here expressed in the plural number; and "raiment" every necessary covering, as the word used signifies, and includes an habitation, which is a cover and shelter from the inclementencies of the weather. And now having all these comforts and necessaries of life, food to eat, and drink to extinguish thirst and refresh, raiment to put on, and a house to dwell in, let us be therewith content: there is very good reason why the saints shou”
- 1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 6:6: From the mention of the abuse which some put upon religion, making it to serve their secular advantages, the apostle, I. Takes occasion to show the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness. 1. The excellency of contentment, Ti1 6:6-8. Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of it, merely to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed, and fi”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 6:8: And--Greek, "But." In contrast to the greedy gain-seekers (Ti1 6:5). having--so long as we have food. (The Greek expresses "food sufficient in each case for our continually recurring wants" [ALFORD]). It is implied that we, as believers, shall have this (Isa 23:16). raiment--Greek, "covering"; according to some including a roof to cover us, that is, a dwelling, as well as clothing. let us be therewith content--literally, "we shall be sufficiently provided"; "we shall be sufficed" [ALFORD].”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:12: 6:12 The promise of eternal life moderates the appeal of wealth (cp. 6:19). • Paul is probably referring to the time when Timothy declared his faith at baptism.”