1 Timothy 6:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} we brought {G1533} nothing {G3762} into {G1519} this world {G2889}, and it is certain {G1212}{G3754} we can {G1410} carry {G1627} nothing {G3761}{G5100} out {G1627}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For we have brought nothing into the world; and we can take nothing out of it;

Berean Standard Bible

For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

American Standard Version

for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's declaration in 1 Timothy 6:7 serves as a foundational truth regarding humanity's relationship with material possessions and the transient nature of earthly life. It succinctly states the universal reality that all individuals enter this world without possessions and will depart from it in the same manner, thereby challenging the pursuit of wealth as an ultimate goal and setting the stage for a deeper understanding of true contentment and eternal values.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Paul’s pastoral epistle to Timothy, his protégé and a leader in the Ephesian church. It immediately follows Paul’s stern warnings against false teachers who propagated the erroneous belief that "godliness is a means of gain" (1 Timothy 6:5). By asserting the inherent impermanence of material wealth, Paul dismantles this false premise, paving the way for his subsequent exhortations on true godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6), the sufficiency of basic necessities (1 Timothy 6:8), and the severe spiritual dangers associated with the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The verse acts as a logical bridge, shifting the focus from the misguided pursuit of earthly riches to the pursuit of eternal values and a proper perspective on stewardship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, wealth was often equated with status, power, and divine favor. Ephesus, a bustling port city and a center of commerce and pagan worship, was particularly susceptible to the allure of material prosperity. Paul's audience, including both wealthy and poor believers, lived in a society where economic disparities were stark. The concept that one brings nothing into the world and takes nothing out was not unique to Christian thought; it was a widely recognized philosophical and proverbial adage found in various ancient traditions, including Old Testament wisdom literature like [Ecclesiastes 5:15](/ecclesiastes/5-15 "Ecclesiastes 5:15 - Naked We Come, Naked We Go") and [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Shall Return"). Paul leverages this universally acknowledged truth to underscore a profound spiritual principle relevant to the Ephesian believers' specific challenges.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Timothy 6:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's letter and broader biblical theology. It emphasizes **material detachment**, asserting the absolute futility of clinging to earthly possessions given their temporary nature. This truth implicitly highlights the **brevity of life** and human mortality, reminding believers that their time on earth is finite and their material accumulations hold no value beyond the grave, echoing the sentiments found in [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalms/49-16-17 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Fear When Others Grow Rich"). Consequently, the verse calls for a radical **focus on eternal value**, urging believers to prioritize spiritual riches and an imperishable inheritance over fleeting earthly gains, aligning with Jesus' teaching to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"). Ultimately, understanding this foundational truth is crucial for cultivating genuine **contentment**, as it reorients one's perspective from what can be accumulated to what is truly essential and everlasting.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Greek, _eisphérō_):** This verb, meaning "to carry inward" or "to bring in," emphasizes the act of entering the world. It signifies the initial state of human existence, arriving utterly devoid of possessions, highlighting our complete dependence and vulnerability at birth.
* **world (Greek, _kósmos_):** While often referring to the ordered universe or creation, in this context, _kósmos_ denotes the earthly realm, human society, and the system of values that often opposes God. It underscores that our existence within this material system is temporary and that its inherent "orderly arrangement" is ultimately fleeting in comparison to eternal realities.
* **certain (Greek, _dēlos_):** This adjective translates to "clear," "evident," or "manifest." Paul uses it to assert the undeniable, self-evident nature of the truth he is proclaiming. It is not a matter of opinion or speculation, but a universal, observable reality that transcends cultural or philosophical differences.
* **carry out (Greek, _ekphérō_):** The antithesis of _eisphérō_, this verb means "to bear out" or "to carry forth." It points to the departure from this earthly life, emphasizing the absolute inability to transport any material wealth beyond the grave. This reinforces the complete impermanence of all earthly possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we brought nothing into [this] world":** This clause establishes the first undeniable truth: every human being enters existence in a state of absolute material emptiness. From birth, we possess no earthly goods, highlighting our inherent vulnerability and dependence, and setting a baseline for understanding our relationship with possessions.
* **"[and it is] certain we can carry nothing out":** This second clause presents the inescapable corollary and ultimate conclusion. Just as we arrived empty-handed, so too will we depart. The term "certain" (Greek: _dēlos_) underscores the irrefutable nature of this reality, emphasizing that death strips away all material accumulations, rendering them utterly meaningless beyond the grave.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in 1 Timothy 6:7 to convey his message with clarity and force. The verse functions as an **Aphorism**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, easily recalled and applied. Its structure is built upon stark **Contrast**, juxtaposing "brought nothing in" with "carry nothing out," which effectively highlights the absolute impermanence of earthly possessions and the transient nature of human life. This contrast also creates a form of **Antithesis**, where opposing ideas are presented in parallel, reinforcing the central message. Furthermore, the declaration "it is certain" acts as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the undeniable, self-evident nature of this truth, leaving no room for doubt or argument. The verse's directness and universal applicability contribute to its powerful **Didacticism**, serving as a fundamental teaching point for Timothy and for all believers regarding a proper perspective on wealth and mortality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 6:7 serves as a profound theological anchor, grounding our understanding of wealth, mortality, and eternity. It underscores the biblical truth that all human beings are temporary stewards, not ultimate owners, of earthly resources. This perspective challenges the idolatry of materialism, which often promises security and fulfillment that only God can provide. By highlighting the ultimate futility of accumulating earthly treasures, the verse redirects our focus to the imperishable riches found in a relationship with God and the pursuit of spiritual virtues. It calls believers to live with an eschatological mindset, recognizing that true wealth is measured not by what we possess in this life, but by what we invest in the life to come, and by the character we develop through faithful stewardship and contentment. This truth liberates believers from the anxieties of consumerism and the deceptive allure of worldly gain, fostering a dependence on divine provision rather than material accumulation.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Naked I Came, Naked I Shall Return")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:15](/ecclesiastes/5-15 "Ecclesiastes 5:15 - The Folly of Wealth")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of 1 Timothy 6:7 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities and values in a world often consumed by the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. It challenges the pervasive consumerist mindset that equates self-worth with accumulation and happiness with acquisition. For believers, this verse is a liberating reminder that our identity and security are not found in what we own, but in who we are in Christ and in our eternal inheritance. It encourages a posture of profound gratitude for the basic necessities of life, fostering contentment with "food and raiment" (1 Timothy 6:8) rather than an insatiable desire for more. Practically, it compels us to invest our time, energy, and resources into things of lasting spiritual value—cultivating relationships, developing Christ-like character, serving God and neighbor, and advancing the Kingdom—rather than fleeting material gains that will inevitably be left behind. Living with this eternal perspective frees us from the anxieties of earthly loss and anchors our hope in the unshakeable promises of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" challenge your current financial goals and priorities?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to find your security or identity in material possessions, and how can this verse help you reorient your perspective?**
* **What practical steps can you take to invest more in "things of lasting spiritual value" rather than transient earthly gains?**
* **How does an awareness of your own mortality, as highlighted by this verse, influence your daily decisions and long-term planning?**

### FAQ
**What is the main message of 1 Timothy 6:7?**

Answer: The main message of 1 Timothy 6:7 is a stark reminder of the universal human condition: we enter this world with nothing, and we can take nothing with us when we leave. This truth underscores the transient nature of all earthly possessions and challenges the notion that true security or fulfillment can be found in material wealth. It serves as a foundational principle for understanding Christian contentment and the pursuit of eternal values.

**How does this verse relate to the love of money mentioned later in 1 Timothy 6?**

Answer: 1 Timothy 6:7 lays the essential groundwork for understanding Paul's subsequent warnings about the dangers of wealth, particularly the "love of money" in [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil"). If we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out, then an excessive attachment to or pursuit of money is fundamentally misguided and ultimately futile. The verse highlights the temporary nature of wealth, making the "love of money" (which is an eternal disposition towards a temporary thing) illogical and spiritually destructive. It frames the context for why the pursuit of wealth can lead to "many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."

**Does this verse mean Christians should not own anything or strive for financial stability?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for absolute poverty or discourage responsible financial stewardship. Instead, it addresses the *attitude* towards possessions. The point is not that possessions are inherently evil, but that they are temporary and cannot provide ultimate security or satisfaction. The Bible encourages diligence, wise management of resources, and generosity (e.g., [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth"), [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")). The verse primarily warns against placing ultimate value or hope in material wealth, reminding us that our true treasure is not found in what we accumulate on earth, but in our relationship with God and our eternal inheritance, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 6:7 speaks to a universal human truth about the impermanence of earthly life and possessions, its deepest fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ perfectly embodied the principle of bringing nothing into the world and carrying nothing out, yet He gained everything for us. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sake 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 Poverty, Our Riches")). Jesus, the eternal Son of God, willingly divested Himself of His heavenly glory and prerogatives, entering the world not with earthly riches but in humble circumstances ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). His life was marked by radical detachment from worldly possessions, famously stating that "the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has No Place to Lay His Head")). Ultimately, He "carried nothing out" of this world in terms of material wealth, but through His death and resurrection, He secured for believers an eternal, imperishable inheritance that transcends all earthly value ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, 1 Timothy 6:7 points us to Christ as the one who lived out this truth perfectly, demonstrating that true richness is not in what one accumulates, but in the self-giving love that leads to eternal life and an everlasting kingdom, where our true treasures are stored in Him ([Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

Job 1:21

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Psalms 49:17

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Ecclesiastes 5:15

As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

Ecclesiastes 5:16

And this also [is] a sore evil, [that] in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

Proverbs 27:24

For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?