1 Timothy 6:6

KJV

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} godliness {G2150} with {G3326} contentment {G841} is {G2076} great {G3173} gain {G4200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have.

Berean Standard Bible

Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.

American Standard Version

But godliness with contentment is great gain:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse from 1 Timothy 6:6 presents a profound theological truth, asserting that genuine spiritual prosperity, far surpassing any material wealth, is found in the combination of devout living (godliness) and an inner state of contentment. This divine equation offers an enduring and invaluable form of "gain" that stands in stark contrast to the fleeting and often corrupting pursuits of worldly riches, serving as a powerful corrective to a distorted view of spiritual profit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul is addressing Timothy, his protégé, concerning the challenges of ministry in Ephesus. The immediate preceding verses ([1 Timothy 6:3-5](/1_timothy/6-3-5 "1 Timothy 6:3-5 - Warnings Against False Teachers")) sharply critique false teachers who promote "another doctrine" and view godliness as a means to financial profit. These individuals are characterized by arrogance, envy, strife, and a corrupted mind, having "supposed that gain is godliness" ([1 Timothy 6:5](/1_timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - False Teachers and Gain")). Verse 6, therefore, serves as a direct counter-statement, correcting this distorted perspective by defining true, spiritual gain. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent warnings against the love of money and his exhortation to Timothy to "flee these things" and pursue righteousness ([1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - Paul's Exhortation to Timothy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Ephesus was a bustling commercial and religious center, a melting pot of various philosophical schools and cults. The pursuit of wealth was prevalent, and some individuals undoubtedly sought to exploit religious practices for personal financial advantage, much like charlatans or sophists of the era. Paul's warnings reflect a common problem in early Christian communities where false teachers would infiltrate, often motivated by greed, to peddle their doctrines. The concept of "gain" (porismós) would have been readily understood in this mercantile context, making Paul's redefinition of true gain particularly potent. The church was still young and vulnerable to such influences, necessitating clear pastoral guidance from apostles like Paul, who understood the dangers of syncretism and covetousness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout 1 Timothy and Paul's broader epistles. It underscores the theme of **sound doctrine** versus false teaching, emphasizing that genuine faith leads to spiritual transformation, not material accumulation. It highlights the virtue of **contentment**, a recurring Pauline theme (e.g., [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11-13 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Paul's Secret of Contentment")), which stands in direct opposition to covetousness and the love of money (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). Furthermore, it elevates **godliness** (eusébeia) as the supreme pursuit, defining it not merely as outward religious observance but as a life characterized by reverence and devotion to God, which yields profound spiritual dividends. The verse also implicitly touches on the **stewardship of resources**, advocating for a perspective that values spiritual riches over earthly ones.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **godliness (Greek, _eusébeia'_):** From the root meaning "well-revering," this term signifies piety, reverence, and devotion toward God. In a Christian context, as indicated by the Strong's data, it can also refer to "the gospel scheme," implying a life lived in accordance with the truth of the gospel, characterized by right worship and conduct. It is not merely outward religiosity but an inner disposition that manifests in a life honoring God.
* **contentment (Greek, _autárkeia'_):** Literally meaning "self-sufficiency," in Hellenistic philosophy, it denoted an ideal state of independence from external circumstances. However, in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's usage, it is recontextualized to mean a sufficiency that is found *in Christ* or *from God*, rather than from oneself or material possessions. It is an inner satisfaction and peace that does not depend on what one has or lacks, but on a reliance on God's provision and sovereignty.
* **gain (Greek, _porismós'_):** This word refers to a means of furnishing or procuring, often specifically denoting money-getting or acquisition, i.e., profit or financial gain. Paul deliberately uses this term, which his opponents were misapplying to material wealth derived from religion, to redefine what constitutes true "gain" for the believer, shifting the focus from the material to the spiritual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But godliness":** This introductory conjunction ("But," G1161, _dé_) signals a contrast with the preceding discussion of false teachers who equate godliness with material gain. Paul is pivoting to present the true nature of godliness, emphasizing its intrinsic value. It refers to a life characterized by reverence, devotion, and obedience to God, rooted in a right understanding of the gospel.
* **"with contentment":** The Greek preposition "with" (G3326, _metá_) indicates accompaniment or association. It is not godliness *or* contentment, but godliness *accompanied by* contentment. This contentment is not passive resignation but an active, inner satisfaction and sufficiency derived from God, independent of external circumstances. It implies a freedom from covetousness and a trust in divine provision.
* **"is great gain":** The verb "is" (G2076, _estí_) asserts a direct equivalence. The combination of godliness and contentment *constitutes* "great gain." The adjective "great" (G3173, _mégas_) emphasizes the immense, surpassing value of this spiritual profit. This "gain" (G4200, _porismós_) stands in stark contrast to the worldly, financial gain sought by false teachers; it is a spiritual, eternal, and truly enriching benefit that far outweighs any material acquisition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a powerful **Antithesis** by directly contrasting the false teachers' view of "gain" (material profit from godliness) with Paul's true definition (spiritual gain from godliness *with* contentment). This creates a clear distinction between worldly and divine values. There is also a subtle **Redefinition** at play, where Paul takes the term "gain" (porismós), commonly associated with financial profit, and reorients its meaning to refer to a spiritual, immeasurable benefit. This redefinition challenges the prevailing cultural and even misguided religious understanding of prosperity. Furthermore, the phrase "great gain" functions as a **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the immense and incomparable value of this spiritual state, elevating it far above any earthly acquisition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian teaching on true prosperity, challenging the pervasive worldly pursuit of wealth and status. It asserts that genuine richness is found not in material accumulation but in a transformed character and a contented spirit rooted in God. Theologically, it aligns with the concept of **kingdom economics**, where spiritual values supersede material ones, and true security is found in God's provision and sovereignty, not in earthly possessions. It underscores the importance of inner disposition over outward circumstances, emphasizing that a life devoted to God, free from the anxieties of covetousness, yields an enduring and invaluable spiritual inheritance. This divine equation of godliness plus contentment leading to great gain stands as a timeless corrective to the human tendency to seek fulfillment in fleeting material things.

* [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Proverbs 15:16 - Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - Be Content with What You Have")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly pushing us towards more—more possessions, more status, more experiences—1 Timothy 6:6 offers a liberating counter-cultural truth. It invites us to re-evaluate our definition of "gain" and to recognize that true wealth is not measured by bank accounts or material acquisitions, but by the depth of our devotion to God and the peace found in being content with His provision. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts for any subtle idolatry of money or possessions, reminding us that such pursuits often lead to sorrow and ruin. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, understanding that in Christ, we possess everything we truly need for life and godliness. Embracing this truth frees us from the endless striving and comparison that characterize much of modern life, allowing us to experience the profound spiritual riches that only God can provide. It encourages a life of simplicity, generosity, and unwavering focus on eternal values, knowing that our greatest treasure is found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect my true definition of "great gain"?**
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle with contentment, and how can I cultivate a deeper reliance on God's provision?**
* **How might the pursuit of "godliness with contentment" impact my financial decisions, career choices, and use of time?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between worldly gain and the "great gain" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Worldly gain typically refers to material wealth, financial profit, or social status. It is often pursued through human effort, can be fleeting, and may even lead to spiritual detriment, as highlighted in [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Riches"). In contrast, the "great gain" of [1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain") is spiritual and eternal. It is the profound benefit and richness that comes from a life devoted to God (godliness) coupled with an inner satisfaction and peace (contentment) that is independent of external circumstances. This gain is not susceptible to market fluctuations, theft, or decay; it is an enduring spiritual inheritance and a deep, abiding peace in Christ.

**Does this verse mean Christians should not pursue financial stability or work hard?**

Answer: Not at all. This verse does not condemn hard work, responsible financial planning, or even wealth itself. Rather, it reorders our priorities. The issue is not having money, but the *love of money* ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")) and the *supposition that godliness is a means to material gain* ([1 Timothy 6:5](/1_timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - False Teachers and Gain")). Paul himself worked to support himself ([Acts 18:3](/acts/18-3 "Acts 18:3 - Paul's Tentmaking")) and encouraged believers to work diligently ([2 Thessalonians 3:10-12](/2_thessalonians/3-10-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - Work and Orderliness")). The verse teaches that our ultimate "gain" and source of fulfillment should be found in our relationship with God and our contentment in Him, not in the accumulation of earthly riches. It's about where our heart's treasure lies ([Matthew 6:21](/matthew/6-21 "Matthew 6:21 - Where Your Treasure Is")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of "godliness with contentment is great gain" finds its ultimate and most beautiful fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect godliness, living a life of absolute devotion and obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly exemplified contentment, not in the sense of passive acceptance of circumstances, but in His complete reliance on the Father's will and provision, even when facing hunger in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone")) or profound suffering in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). He taught His disciples not to worry about material needs, but to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")), promising that all other things would be added. The "great gain" we receive through Christ is not merely spiritual peace or contentment, but the immeasurable riches of salvation, eternal life, reconciliation with God, and adoption into His family ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Riches of God's Grace")). In Him, we are made truly rich, inheriting all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our godliness and contentment are not self-generated, but are a fruit of our union with Christ, who provides the grace and power for such a life, leading us to discover that He Himself is our "great gain."

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

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Timothy 6:8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Proverbs 16:8

¶ Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Philippians 1:21

¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.