1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

But {G1161} they that will {G1014} be rich {G4147} fall {G1706} into {G1519} temptation {G3986} and {G2532} a snare {G3803}, and {G2532} into many {G4183} foolish {G453} and {G2532} hurtful {G983} lusts {G1939}, which {G3748} drown {G1036} men {G444} in {G1519} destruction {G3639} and {G2532} perdition {G684}.

Furthermore, those whose goal is to be rich fall into temptation; they get trapped in many foolish and hurtful ambitions which plunge them into ruin and destruction.

Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.

Commentary

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, delivers a stark warning in 1 Timothy 6:9 about the spiritual perils associated with the intense desire for wealth.

Context

This verse is part of a broader discourse in 1 Timothy chapter 6 where Paul addresses various issues facing the church in Ephesus, including false teachings, the nature of true godliness, and the dangers of materialism. He contrasts the destructive pursuit of riches with the blessing of godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). Timothy, as a young leader in a prosperous commercial city like Ephesus, needed to be acutely aware of how the allure of money could corrupt believers and leaders alike. The cultural backdrop of Ephesus, a hub of commerce and diverse philosophies, made this warning particularly relevant, as many might equate material prosperity with divine favor or personal success.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Desiring Riches: The verse does not condemn wealth itself, but the *desire* or *ambition* to be rich. This deliberate pursuit of material gain is identified as a dangerous spiritual trap. It's the craving, the "will to be rich," that is the core issue, leading one away from spiritual priorities.
  • Spiritual Traps and Temptations: Those who are determined to be rich "fall into temptation and a snare." This imagery suggests being caught in a trap, making one vulnerable to sin and spiritual compromise. This snare can lead to compromising one's faith, integrity, or relationships for financial gain, subtly drawing one away from God.
  • Foolish and Hurtful Lusts: The desire for wealth breeds "many foolish and hurtful lusts." These are cravings that are irrational, damaging to one's soul, and often destructive to relationships and one's walk with God. They can manifest as covetousness, dishonesty, greed, and an insatiable preoccupation with worldly things that never truly satisfy.
  • Ultimate Ruin: The culmination of these dangerous desires is that they "drown men in destruction and perdition." The vivid imagery of drowning signifies being completely overwhelmed and lost, leading to profound spiritual ruin and potentially eternal loss. This serves as a severe warning against prioritizing material gain over spiritual well-being and eternal salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "will be rich" translates the Greek boulomai ploutein (βούλομαι πλουτεῖν), which denotes a strong, deliberate intention or ambition to acquire wealth, rather than merely possessing it. It highlights the internal drive and determination. The word "snare" is from pagis (παγίς), literally a trap or noose, often used for hunting, emphasizing the deceptive and entangling nature of this pursuit, where one is caught unawares. "Lusts" comes from epithymias (ἐπιθυμίας), which can refer to any strong desire, but here it is qualified as "foolish and hurtful," clearly indicating negative, often covetous, cravings. Finally, "drown" is bythizousin (βυθίζουσιν), meaning to sink or submerge, painting a vivid picture of being utterly overwhelmed and lost in spiritual ruin, leading to olethron (destruction) and apoleian (perdition), terms that often carry connotations of utter and eternal ruin or loss.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless caution for believers in every generation. It challenges us to examine our hearts regarding our attitude towards money and material possessions. Are we driven by a desire to accumulate wealth, or are we content with what God provides, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness? The warning reminds us that true security and fulfillment are found not in earthly riches, but in a relationship with Christ and a life of contentment and godliness. It encourages us to guard against the subtle but powerful temptations of materialism, understanding that the relentless pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual shipwreck and ultimately, ruin. This passage lays the groundwork for Paul's subsequent admonition in 1 Timothy 6:10, where he states that "the love of money is the root of all evil." Believers are called to be vigilant, discerning the difference between necessary provision and a consuming desire for more, which can lead to spiritual downfall.

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Cross-References

  • 1 John 2:15 (14 votes)

    Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • 1 John 2:17 (14 votes)

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • Proverbs 15:27 (10 votes)

    ¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

  • Acts 8:20 (8 votes)

    But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

  • 1 Timothy 3:7 (8 votes)

    Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  • Proverbs 28:20 (8 votes)

    ¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

  • Proverbs 28:22 (8 votes)

    ¶ He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.