1 Timothy 6:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Laying up in store {G597} for themselves {G1438} a good {G2570} foundation {G2310} against {G1519} the time to come {G3195}, that {G2443} they may lay hold on {G1949} eternal {G166} life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In this way they will treasure up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may lay hold of the real life.

Berean Standard Bible

treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

American Standard Version

laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is life indeed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:19 encapsulates Paul's exhortation to wealthy believers, urging them to view their material possessions not as ends in themselves, but as means for eternal investment. By cultivating a lifestyle of generosity and good works, they are metaphorically "laying up in store" a secure and valuable "foundation" for the future, thereby actively "laying hold" of the abundant and enduring reality of eternal life that God graciously provides. This verse shifts the focus from temporal accumulation to spiritual stewardship, highlighting the profound, lasting benefits of a Christ-centered perspective on wealth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Paul's direct counsel to the rich within the Ephesian church, beginning in [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Paul's Charge to the Rich"). Paul first warns them against the perils of wealth: pride and misplaced trust in fleeting riches. Instead, he redirects their trust to "God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." The immediate preceding verse, [1 Timothy 6:18](/1_timothy/6-18 "1 Timothy 6:18 - Rich in Good Works"), provides the specific actions that constitute this proper stewardship: "to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share." Verse 19 then presents the profound spiritual rationale and eternal outcome of such a life, framing these actions not as burdensome obligations but as strategic investments in their ultimate spiritual well-being. It completes a coherent thought unit on Christian wealth management.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, wealth often brought with it social status, power, and a sense of self-sufficiency. Patronage was a common system where the wealthy would support clients in exchange for loyalty and public honor. Paul's instruction challenges this worldly paradigm. He is addressing a nascent Christian community where the values of the Kingdom of God often stood in stark contrast to prevailing societal norms. For wealthy converts, detaching from the allure of material security and embracing a radical generosity would have been counter-cultural. The concept of "laying up treasure" was understood in terms of securing one's future, typically through land, gold, or other tangible assets. Paul redefines this concept, applying it to spiritual realities, thereby subverting the common understanding of security and investment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. It underscores the theme of **Stewardship**, emphasizing that all possessions are ultimately God's and are to be managed for His glory and the good of others, rather than for selfish accumulation. It reinforces the theme of **True Riches**, contrasting the uncertain and temporary nature of earthly wealth with the enduring and certain value of spiritual treasures, a concept echoed in Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"). Furthermore, it highlights **Eschatological Perspective**, urging believers to live with an awareness of "the time to come," grounding present actions in future eternal realities. The pursuit of "eternal life" here is not merely about salvation (which is by grace through faith, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")), but about actively embracing and experiencing the fullness of God's life, both now and forever.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laying up in store (Greek, _apothēsaurízō'_):** From G597, meaning "to treasure away." This word evokes the familiar concept of accumulating wealth or storing up goods, often in a secure place. Paul's use here is a powerful **metaphor**, applying a secular financial practice to a spiritual reality. Instead of hoarding earthly riches, believers are to "treasure away" spiritual assets through acts of generosity and good works. This implies intentionality and foresight, suggesting that such actions are not merely expenditures but investments with a guaranteed return.
* **Foundation (Greek, _themélios'_):** From G2310, meaning "something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively):--foundation." This term refers to the solid base upon which a building is constructed. In this context, it signifies a secure and reliable basis for one's future. The "good foundation" is not material wealth but a life characterized by generosity and good deeds, which provides stability and assurance "against the time to come." It implies permanence and reliability in contrast to the instability of "uncertain riches" mentioned in [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - The Uncertainty of Riches").
* **Lay hold on (Greek, _epilambánomai'_):** From G1949, meaning "to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively):--catch, lay hold (up-)on, take (by, hold of, on)." This verb denotes an active, firm grasping or seizing. It is not a passive reception but an energetic appropriation. When applied to "eternal life," it suggests more than merely inheriting it; it implies actively embracing, experiencing, and truly possessing the fullness of that life, both in its present spiritual reality and its future eschatological consummation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation":** This clause describes the active, intentional process of spiritual investment. The phrase "for themselves" emphasizes that while the actions (generosity, good works) benefit others, the ultimate spiritual reward accrues to the giver. The "good foundation" is the secure and stable basis established through these actions, a spiritual capital that transcends earthly value. It is "good" not merely in a moral sense, but in its quality and enduring nature, providing a solid ground for their future.
* **"against the time to come":** This phrase clarifies the purpose and orientation of laying up this good foundation. It points to the future, encompassing both the immediate challenges and uncertainties of life, as well as the ultimate eschatological future, including judgment and eternity. The foundation built through godly living serves as a bulwark or security for whatever lies ahead, providing assurance and stability beyond the temporal realm.
* **"that they may lay hold on eternal life":** This is a purpose clause, indicating the ultimate goal and profound benefit of such spiritual investment. "Eternal life" (G166, _aiṓnios zōḗ_) is not merely endless existence, but the quality of life that belongs to God, characterized by fellowship with Him and participation in His divine nature. "Laying hold" signifies an active, firm grasp of this life, suggesting a deep, experiential appropriation of its present reality and a confident anticipation of its future fullness. It is the culmination of living a life aligned with God's purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his message. The central device is **Metaphor**, specifically the extended metaphor of "laying up in store" and building a "good foundation." This draws on familiar concepts of financial investment and architectural stability, transposing them from the material realm to the spiritual. This makes the abstract idea of spiritual reward tangible and relatable. There is also a clear **Contrast** at play, implicitly contrasting the "uncertain riches" of [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - The Peril of Riches") with the enduring "good foundation" and "eternal life" offered by God. This highlights the superior value and security of spiritual treasures over material ones. Finally, the phrase "that they may lay hold on eternal life" functions as a **Purpose Clause**, clearly stating the ultimate aim and desired outcome of the prescribed actions. This grammatical structure emphasizes the teleological nature of Christian living, where present deeds are purposefully oriented towards an eternal destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates a key aspect of biblical theology: the relationship between present actions and future realities, particularly concerning the nature of true wealth and security. It underscores that while salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, the outworking of that faith in tangible acts of love and generosity is not merely optional but integral to experiencing the fullness of God's life. This "laying up in store" is not a means of earning salvation, but rather a demonstration of transformed priorities and a wise investment in the Kingdom of God, which yields eternal dividends. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that our earthly stewardship has eternal implications, shaping our capacity to "lay hold" of the abundant life Christ offers.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Do Not Lay Up Treasures on Earth")
* [Luke 12:33-34](/luke/12-33-34 "Luke 12:33-34 - Treasures in Heaven")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Counting All Things as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 6:19 challenges believers across all socio-economic strata to critically examine their relationship with material possessions and to reorient their priorities towards eternal values. It calls us to cultivate a radical generosity that flows from a deep trust in God's provision rather than in the fleeting nature of wealth. This is not about earning merit, but about expressing the reality of a transformed heart that recognizes God as the ultimate source and eternal life as the ultimate prize. By investing in others, supporting God's work, and living a life rich in good deeds, we are actively participating in God's eternal purposes, thereby deepening our present experience of His life and securing a lasting spiritual inheritance. This perspective liberates us from the anxiety of accumulation and the disappointment of loss, enabling us to live with purpose, joy, and eternal foresight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current use of resources (time, talent, treasure) reflect an eternal perspective rather than a purely earthly one?**
* **In what specific ways can I more actively "lay up in store" a good foundation through generosity and good works in my daily life?**
* **What does "laying hold on eternal life" practically mean for me today, beyond merely a future hope?**

### FAQ
**Does "laying up in store" and "laying hold on eternal life" imply that eternal life is earned by good works?**

Answer: No, this verse does not teach salvation by works. The New Testament consistently affirms that salvation and eternal life are gracious gifts from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human merit ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Instead, [1 Timothy 6:19](/1_timothy/6-19 "1 Timothy 6:19 - Laying Hold on Eternal Life") speaks to the *outworking* and *experience* of that already-granted eternal life. "Laying up in store" refers to actions that demonstrate a genuine faith and transformed heart, serving as a "good foundation" for one's future in God's kingdom. "Laying hold on eternal life" signifies actively embracing, living out, and fully experiencing the rich, abundant life that God provides through Christ, both in the present and in eternity. It's about living in light of one's salvation, not earning it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "lay up in store... a good foundation... that they may lay hold on eternal life" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very **foundation** upon which all true life and security are built, as [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation") declares, "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Our generosity and good works are not self-generated but flow from our union with Him, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of the eternal life we are called to "lay hold on," for He stated, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), and "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Thus, our spiritual investment is not merely an act of human effort but a participation in Christ's own self-giving, securing for us a future that is eternally bound to Him, the very source and substance of everlasting life.

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

Matthew 6:19

¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

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.

Luke 16:9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Galatians 6:8

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.