Meaning, commentary and cross references
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain,”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
NIV · New International Version
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
WEB · World English Bible
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
What does 1 Timothy 6:6 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain. By "godliness" is not meant any particular grace, but all the graces of the Spirit of God; as faith, hope, love, fear, &c. the whole of internal religion, as it shows itself in outward worship, and in all acts of holiness of life and conversation; and which the doctrine that is according to godliness teaches and engages to; and this is gain, very great gain indeed. A man possessed of true godliness is a gaining, thriving, man: such as are godly, or truly gracious, they are come into good and happy circumstances, and are possessor of the true, solid, satisfying, durable, and unsearchable riches of grace; all their debts are paid, they are richly…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 1 Timothy 6:6–12
(1.) The truth he lays down is that godliness with contentment is great gain. Some read it, godliness with a competency; that is, if a man have but a little in this world, yet, if he have but enough to carry him through it, he needs desire no more, his godliness with that will be his great gain. For a little which a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked, Psa 37:16.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 1 Timothy 6:6–10
6. Est autem quaestus magnus pietas cum sufficientia. 7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 7. Nihil enim intulimus in mundum; certum qu?d neque efferre quicquam possumus. 8.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 1 Timothy 6:3–9 (WEB)
3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
Cross references
- Hebrews 13:5
Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.”
- 1 Timothy 6:8
But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
- Philippians 4:11–13
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
- Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.
- Luke 12:31–32
But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.
- 1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come.
- Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- Proverbs 15:16
Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q86. What is required in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment requires full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbor, and all that is his.
- Q115. What do we pray for in the fourth petition?
In the fourth petition, which is, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we pray that of God’s free gift, we may receive a competent portion of the good things of this life and enjoy His blessing with them.