1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακαταθήκην
that which is committed to thy trust
G3872
παρακαταθήκην
that which is committed to thy trust
Strong's:
G3872
Word #:
4 of 14
something put down alongside, i.e., a deposit (sacred trust)
φύλαξον
keep
G5442
φύλαξον
keep
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
5 of 14
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
ἐκτρεπόμενος
avoiding
G1624
ἐκτρεπόμενος
avoiding
Strong's:
G1624
Word #:
6 of 14
to deflect, i.e., turn away (literally or figuratively)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βεβήλους
profane
G952
βεβήλους
profane
Strong's:
G952
Word #:
8 of 14
accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked
κενοφωνίας
and vain babblings
G2757
κενοφωνίας
and vain babblings
Strong's:
G2757
Word #:
9 of 14
empty sounding, i.e., fruitless discussion
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.2 Timothy 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.Colossians 2:18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,Romans 3:2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.1 Timothy 6:14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:2 Thessalonians 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.Titus 3:9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.Acts 17:18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.Acts 17:21(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
Historical Context
Paul uses parakatathēkē, a banking term for valuable deposits entrusted to another's care. Timothy holds the gospel in trust—he must protect it from corruption and faithfully transmit it to the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). The false teachers offered impressive-sounding 'knowledge' (gnōsis) that contradicted apostolic teaching. Timothy must avoid their empty chatter and guard sound doctrine.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'deposit' has been entrusted to pastors and teachers—why is 'guarding' it essential?
- What contemporary 'falsely called knowledge' threatens to corrupt biblical truth?
- How do we balance avoiding error with engaging culture and answering honest questions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust (Ὦ Τιμόθεε, τὴν παρακαταθήκην φύλαξον, Ō Timothee, tēn parakatathēkēn phylaxon)—'O Timothy, guard the deposit.' Parakatathēkē means a deposit, something entrusted for safekeeping—the gospel and sound doctrine Paul has entrusted to Timothy. Phylassō means to guard, protect, keep safe. Avoiding profane and vain babblings (ἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας, ektrepomenos tas bebēlous kenophōnias)—'avoiding godless chatter.' Ektrepomai means to turn away from, avoid. Kenophōnia means empty talk, meaningless discussion—from kenos (empty) and phōnē (sound).
And oppositions of science falsely so called (καὶ ἀντιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως, kai antitheseis tēs pseudōnymou gnōseōs)—'and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.' Antithesis means opposition, contradiction. Pseudōnymos means falsely named, misnamed. Gnōsis means knowledge—possibly early Gnosticism, which claimed secret knowledge.
Timothy must guard the gospel deposit against corruption. Avoid empty speculation and false 'knowledge' (proto-Gnostic teaching). Focus on truth entrusted to you, not novel ideas. Ministry requires both positive (guard truth) and negative (avoid error) vigilance.