Bible Strands
1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy to instruct wealthy believers in the church. The moment is pastoral correction: wealth is not to be hoarded or trusted but redirected.
The words — εὐμεταδὸτους (eumetadotous) is a compound literally meaning "well-giving-out," specifying generosity as active distribution rather than passive possession. πλουτεῖν (ploutein), "to be rich," is deployed here in a positive sense, paired with good works.
The thread — Hebrews 13:16 pairs doing good with sharing as the sacrifice God is pleased with; 1 John 3:17 makes withholding from a brother in need a test of love; Psalms 37:3 links trust in the LORD with doing good.
Why it lands — It is a command, not a suggestion: the wealthy are to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. The verse places no condition on the recipient, only on the giver's posture.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Cross-references
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- 1 John 3:17 If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
- Romans 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
- Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
- Luke 12:21 This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
- Titus 2:14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
- Titus 3:8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.
- Romans 12:13 Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.