1 Timothy 5:6

KJV

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} she that liveth in pleasure {G4684} is dead {G2348} while she liveth {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the one who is self-indulgent is already dead, even though she lives.

Berean Standard Bible

But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.

American Standard Version

But she that giveth herself to pleasure is dead while she liveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 5:6 delivers a profound spiritual warning, asserting that an individual, particularly a widow in this context, who dedicates her life to self-indulgent pleasure, experiences a state of spiritual death even while physically alive. This verse underscores the critical distinction between mere physical existence and true spiritual vitality, highlighting that a life consumed by worldly gratification leads to a profound alienation from God's life and purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive instructions to Timothy regarding the proper care and administration of widows in the early Ephesian church, specifically found in [1 Timothy 5:3-16](/1_timothy/5-3-16 "1 Timothy 5:3-16 - Instructions Concerning Widows"). Paul provides a framework for distinguishing between "widows indeed" (those truly desolate and dependent on the church's support) and other categories. He outlines criteria for who should be enrolled for church support, emphasizing godly character and faithful service. Verse 6 serves as a stark contrast to the ideal widow described in [1 Timothy 5:5](/1_timothy/5-5 "1 Timothy 5:5 - The True Widow"), who "trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." The "she" in verse 6 directly refers to a widow who, despite her circumstances, chooses a lifestyle of self-gratification rather than devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, widows often faced precarious social and economic situations, making the church's support crucial. However, the early church also grappled with issues of idleness and potential abuse of charitable provisions. Some widows, particularly younger ones, might be tempted by a life of ease, gossip, and sensuality if not properly discipled or engaged in productive service. Ephesus, a wealthy port city, offered many opportunities for luxurious living and various forms of entertainment and indulgence, making Paul's warning against "living in pleasure" particularly relevant for its inhabitants. The cultural backdrop included pagan practices where indulgence was often part of religious festivals or daily life, contrasting sharply with Christian calls for self-control and spiritual discipline.
* **Key Themes:** First Timothy 5:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and broader New Testament. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Spiritual Death vs. True Life**, emphasizing that physical existence does not equate to spiritual vitality. This concept resonates with the New Testament's teaching that humanity is [dead in trespasses and sins](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sin") before being made alive in Christ. The verse also highlights the theme of **Warning Against Worldliness and Self-Indulgence**, serving as a strong caution against allowing temporal desires and comforts to overshadow spiritual priorities. Paul consistently warns against the dangers of materialism and hedonism, which can choke the spiritual life, as seen in Jesus' parable of the sower where the [cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word](/matthew/13-22 "Matthew 13:22 - Parable of the Sower"). Implicitly, the verse points to the theme of **True Life in Christ**, suggesting that genuine life is found not in fleeting pleasures but in a vibrant relationship with God, characterized by purpose, service, and spiritual fruitfulness, reflecting the [abundant life that Jesus came to give](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Gives Abundant Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleasure (Greek, _spataláō'_):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "luxury," signifies living a life of self-indulgence, wantonness, or voluptuousness. It describes a lifestyle characterized by excessive comfort, sensual gratification, and often idleness, where personal pleasure becomes the primary pursuit. It's not merely enjoying life's blessings but making pleasure the central focus, leading to spiritual apathy and moral laxity.
* **dead (Greek, _thnḗskō'_):** This verb means "to die," either literally or figuratively. In this context, it is clearly figurative, referring not to physical cessation of life but to a state of spiritual lifelessness. It denotes separation from God, a lack of spiritual vitality, and an inability to perceive or respond to divine realities, akin to being spiritually inert or alienated.
* **liveth (Greek, _záō'_):):** This primary verb means "to live," literally or figuratively. Here, it is used twice, creating a striking paradox. In its first instance ("liveth in pleasure"), it refers to physical existence and activity. In its second instance ("while she liveth"), it again refers to physical life, setting up the sharp contrast with the spiritual "death" that accompanies a life of pleasure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But she that liveth in pleasure":** This clause identifies the subject of Paul's warning: a woman (specifically a widow, as per the surrounding context) whose life is defined by the pursuit and experience of self-gratifying pleasure. The Greek term `spataláō` (to live in pleasure) implies a lifestyle of luxury, indulgence, and potentially wantonness, rather than one of self-control and devotion.
* **"is dead while she liveth":** This is the stark and paradoxical consequence. Despite being physically alive and functioning in the world, the individual who prioritizes worldly pleasure is declared spiritually "dead." This signifies a profound spiritual separation from God, a lack of spiritual vitality, and an inability to experience the true, abundant life that comes from a relationship with Him. Her physical existence is devoid of divine purpose and spiritual responsiveness.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [1 Timothy 5:6](/1_timothy/5-6 "1 Timothy 5:6 - Living in Pleasure") is **Paradox**. The statement "is dead while she liveth" presents a seemingly contradictory truth that reveals a deeper spiritual reality. It highlights the profound difference between physical existence and spiritual vitality, asserting that one can be biologically alive yet spiritually lifeless. This paradox serves to shock the reader into recognizing the severity of a life consumed by worldly pleasure. Additionally, there is an element of **Juxtaposition**, as the concept of "living" (physically) is placed in direct opposition to "dead" (spiritually), emphasizing the tragic outcome of self-indulgence. The term "dead" also functions as a **Metaphor**, representing not a literal cessation of biological function, but a state of spiritual alienation, insensitivity, and unresponsiveness to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Timothy 5:6 powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: true life is not merely biological existence or the pursuit of temporal gratification, but a spiritual vitality rooted in God. A life consumed by worldly pleasures, even if outwardly successful or comfortable, leads to a profound spiritual emptiness and separation from the divine source of life. This spiritual death is not an annihilation of being, but a state of alienation from God's purposes, His presence, and the genuine joy and peace that come from Him. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of hedonism and materialism, reminding believers that our ultimate satisfaction and purpose are found not in what the world offers, but in a vibrant, Spirit-filled relationship with our Creator.

* [Romans 8:6](/romans/8-6 "Romans 8:6 - Mind Set on the Spirit")
* [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ")
* [James 5:5](/james/5-5 "James 5:5 - Living in Luxury")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The warning in [1 Timothy 5:6](/1_timothy/5-6 "1 Timothy 5:6 - Living in Pleasure") transcends its immediate context concerning widows and speaks to all believers across generations. It compels us to critically examine the priorities that govern our lives. In a world saturated with opportunities for comfort, entertainment, and self-gratification, it is easy to subtly shift our focus from spiritual pursuits to worldly pleasures. This verse challenges us to consider whether our daily choices, our use of time and resources, and our ultimate desires are truly aligned with God's will or if they are inadvertently leading us down a path of spiritual apathy and lifelessness. True life, according to Scripture, is not found in accumulation or indulgence, but in a dynamic, obedient relationship with Christ, characterized by love, service, and the pursuit of righteousness. This passage calls us to cultivate spiritual disciplines, engage in meaningful service, and seek genuine joy in God, which alone brings lasting fulfillment and vitality, unlike the fleeting satisfaction of worldly pleasures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "living in pleasure" look like in my life today, and how might it subtly draw me away from spiritual vitality?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing spiritual "deadness" despite being physically active and engaged?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a life that is spiritually vibrant and focused on God's purposes, rather than worldly indulgence?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my priorities reflect a pursuit of true life in Christ, rather than fleeting pleasures?**

### FAQ
**What does "dead while she liveth" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Dead while she liveth" is a powerful paradox meaning that while a person is physically alive and functioning, they are spiritually lifeless. It signifies a profound alienation from God, a lack of spiritual vitality, and an inability to perceive or respond to divine truths and purposes. It's a state of spiritual insensitivity and unresponsiveness, where the individual's inner life is devoid of God's life, even as their physical body continues to exist. This concept is similar to being [dead in trespasses and sins](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses and Sins") before being made spiritually alive through faith in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 5:6, with its stark warning about spiritual death resulting from a life of pleasure, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by nature, is described as [dead in trespasses and sins](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sin"), alienated from the life of God. Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of life, declaring, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")" and "[I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")". The "deadness" described in [1 Timothy 5:6](/1_timothy/5-6 "1 Timothy 5:6 - Living in Pleasure") is the natural spiritual state of those who live for themselves and the world, pursuing fleeting pleasures. Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, offers deliverance from this spiritual death, imparting His very life to those who believe. He calls us to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing, promising that [whoever loses his life for my sake will find it](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Losing Life to Find It"). Thus, the warning in Timothy underscores the desperate need for the spiritual resurrection that only Christ provides, transforming a life of self-indulgent pleasure into one of vibrant, eternal life lived in communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 5:5

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Revelation 3:1

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 18:7

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Luke 15:24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luke 15:32

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Luke 15:13

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.