For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1 TIMOTHY 6:7KJV
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1 Timothy 6:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:7 mean?

1 Timothy 6:7 says that we enter life with nothing and will leave it with nothing, so material possessions are not lasting or ultimately important. The verse reminds readers that no matter what we gain in this world, we cannot take any of it with us when we die.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger leader in the early church, warning him about the dangers of focusing on wealth and material things. In the surrounding verses, Paul is urging Timothy to teach contentment and to avoid making riches the goal of life. This verse grounds that teaching by pointing out the basic truth that possessions are only temporary.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:7

  • The word "brought" (εἰσφέρω, eispherō) means to bring in or carry into. Paul uses it to emphasize that people come into the world empty-handed, highlighting our lack of control over material things at birth.
  • The phrase "carry...out" (ἐξενέγκω, exenegkō) means to carry out or take away. Here, it underlines that when life ends, nothing physical can be taken along, reinforcing the temporary nature of possessions.
  • The word "certain" (δήλος, dēlos) means clear or evident. Paul is stressing that this truth is obvious and undeniable, not something up for debate.

Why 1 Timothy 6:7 matters

  • This verse clears up the misconception that material gain has lasting value, reminding readers that wealth is only for this life.
  • By stating this truth plainly, Paul sets up his argument in the following verses about the dangers of loving money and the importance of contentment.
  • The verse connects to a larger biblical theme: life’s true value is not measured by possessions, but by things that last beyond this world.

Where else these words appear

“certain” Greek G1212 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 26:73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
  • Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

“brought” Greek G1533 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • Acts 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.

“carry” Greek G1627 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
  • Acts 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“nothing” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.