1 Timothy 6:18
“That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
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Paul continues his closing charge to the wealthy, showing that trust in God expresses itself in active, generous good works toward others.
What Does 1 Timothy 6:18 Mean?
Paul tells the wealthy how to use their resources well: do good, become rich in good works, and be quick to give and eager to share.
This verse completes the charge to the rich begun in the previous one. Having redirected their trust from money to God, Paul now shows what trust in God looks like in practice -- open-handed generosity. He gives four overlapping commands. First, simply "do good," letting wealth become a means of blessing others. Second, "be rich in good works," a deliberate play on words: those rich in money are urged to pursue a different kind of riches, a wealth of generous deeds that truly lasts. Third, "ready to distribute" describes a willingness to give that is prompt and prepared, not reluctant. Fourth, "willing to communicate" -- in older English, eager to share -- pictures a heart glad to hold goods in common with those in need. Together these turn possessions into instruments of love. The verse reframes the purpose of wealth entirely: it is not given to be hoarded for status but to be invested in good, where it becomes treasure of a more enduring kind.
In the Original Language
"Ready to distribute" is eumetadotos, generous and ready to give, and "willing to communicate" is koinōnikos, eager to share and hold in common.
Cross References
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- Acts 20:35
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
- Proverbs 19:17
Application
Treat whatever you have as a means to do good, giving promptly and sharing gladly with those in need.