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

1 TIMOTHY 6:19KJV
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1 Timothy 6:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:19 mean?

1 Timothy 6:19 describes how storing up good deeds and generosity is like building a solid foundation for the future, so that people may truly take hold of eternal life. The verse encourages readers to think beyond immediate rewards and focus on what lasts forever.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, giving practical advice for those who are wealthy. The context is about using material resources wisely, not for selfish gain but for good works. Paul connects present actions with future spiritual realities, urging believers to invest in what has lasting value.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:19

  • "store" (θησαυρίζω, thēsaurizō): This word means to lay up treasure or store something away. Here, it suggests that acts of generosity are like treasures set aside for the future, not just for this life.
  • "foundation" (θεμέλιος, themelios): This word refers to a base or groundwork. Paul uses it to picture good deeds as a stable base for what is to come, emphasizing lasting security rather than temporary wealth.
  • "eternal" (αἰώνιος, aiōnios) and "life" (ζωή, zōē): These words together point to life that is not just endless but of a different, higher quality—life that belongs to the age to come, not just existence after death.

Why 1 Timothy 6:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that wealth or good works are only for present comfort; Paul frames them as investments in a lasting, spiritual future.
  • The emphasis on "foundation" shows that Paul is not talking about earning eternal life, but about building a life that is secure and meaningful in God's eyes.
  • In the wider passage, Paul is challenging the rich to use their resources for the good of others, connecting generosity with a deeper, eternal purpose.

Where else these words appear

“foundation” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 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.
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

“on” Greek G1949 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
  • Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
  • Acts 21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

“eternal” Greek G166 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 18:8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
  • John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

“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;