1 Timothy 6:8 - Exposition

But for and , A.V.; covering for raiment , A.V.; we shall be for let us be , A.V. Food ( διατροφάς ); here only in the New Testament, but common in the LXX ., rare in classical Greek. Covering ( σκεπάσματα ); also a ἅπαξ λεγόμενον in the New Testament, not found in the LXX ., and rare in classical Greek. The kindred words, σκέπη and σκέπας , with their derivatives, are used of the covering or shelter of clothes, or tents, or houses. St. Paul may therefore have used an uncommon word in order to comprise the two necessaries of raiment and house, though Huther thinks this "more than improbable." The use of the word "covering" in the R.V. seems designed to favor this double application. Ellicott thinks the word "probably only refers to clothing." Alford says, "Some take ' covering' of both clothing and dwelling, perhaps rightly." If one knew where St. Paul got the word σκεπάσματα from, one could form a more decided opinion as to his meaning. We shall be therewith content ( ἀρκεσθήσομεθα ). The proper meaning of ἀρκεῖσθαι followed by a dative is " to be content with" ( Luke 3:14 ; Hebrews 13:5 ). There is probably a covert hortative force in the use of the future here.