1 Timothy 6:19

ἀποθησαυρίζοντας : The true hoarding produces, as its first result, a good foundation, which will entitle a man to grasp the prize, which is true life, the only life worth talking about. Stability is the essential characteristic of a foundation. There is a contrast implied between the shifting uncertainty of riches as a ground of hope, and the firm and permanent foundation of a Christian character. (So, nearly, Theod.)

Ingenious conjectures have been suggested for θεμέλιον; but it is safe to say that the mixture of metaphors due to the condensation of language does not distress those who read in a devout rather than in a critical spirit. For the sentiment cf. Matthew 6:19-20. There is some support given to the conjecture of Lamb-Bos, θέμα λίαν, by the parallel from Tob 4:8 sq. cited by Bengel, μὴ φοβοῦ ποιεῖν ἐλεημοσύνην · θέμα γὰρ ἀγαθὸν θησαυρίζεις σεαυτῷ εἰς ἡμέραν ἀνάγκης. See, on the other hand, what Sir 1:15 says of Wisdom, μετὰ ἀνθρώπων θεμέλιον αἰῶνος ἐνόσσευσεν. θεμέλιος is used metaphorically also in reff. It is to be observed that in 2 Timothy 2:19 there is again a confusion of imagery: the foundation has a seal.

εἰς τὸ μέλλον is found in a slightly different sense (thenceforth), Luke 13:9.

ἐπιλάβωνται : See on 1 Timothy 6:12.

τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς : the life which is life indeed, an expression which is one of the precious things of the R.V. It is “the life which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1).

For ὄντως see 1 Timothy 5:3.