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

1 TIMOTHY 6:18KJV
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1 Timothy 6:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:18 mean?

1 Timothy 6:18 instructs those who are wealthy to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous in sharing what they have, and to be willing to help others. The verse emphasizes using wealth not just for oneself, but as a way to serve and benefit others through practical kindness and generosity.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, giving advice about how to guide people in the church who have material wealth. The focus is not on condemning riches, but on encouraging the wealthy to use their resources for the good of others, making generosity and helpfulness a defining part of their lives.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:18

  • "good" (καλῶ, kalō): This word for "good" often carries the sense of something beautiful or noble, not just morally right. Paul is urging the wealthy to pursue actions that are admirable and genuinely beneficial to others.
  • "rich" (πλουτεῖν, ploutein): The phrase "rich in good works" uses the same root as being wealthy, but shifts the focus from money to actions. Paul is playing on words to show that true richness is found in what one does for others.
  • "ready to distribute" (εἶναι εὐμεταδότους, einai eumetadotous): This phrase means being generous or quick to share. The Greek suggests an eagerness, not just a willingness, to give to those in need.
  • "willing to communicate" (κοινωνικούς, koinōnikous): This word is about sharing or partnering with others, not just giving money but being involved in the lives and needs of others. It points to a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Why 1 Timothy 6:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that having wealth is not condemned, but the attitude and actions toward wealth are what matter; it calls for active goodness and generosity.
  • Paul’s instructions connect to the wider passage, which warns against the dangers of loving money and encourages contentment and godly living.
  • The verse highlights that generosity is not just about giving money, but about being involved and invested in the well-being of others, making it a matter of character and community.

Where else these words appear

“rich” Greek G4147 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
  • Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

“good” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.
  • 1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

“distribute” Greek G1511 · used in 124 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.