2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
ὑποτύπωσιν
the form
G5296
ὑποτύπωσιν
the form
Strong's:
G5296
Word #:
1 of 16
typification under (after), i.e., (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation
ἔχε
Hold fast
G2192
ἔχε
Hold fast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὑγιαινόντων
of sound
G5198
ὑγιαινόντων
of sound
Strong's:
G5198
Word #:
3 of 16
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
λόγων
words
G3056
λόγων
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 16
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
πίστει
faith
G4102
πίστει
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
10 of 16
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγάπῃ
love
G26
ἀγάπῃ
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
12 of 16
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.2 Timothy 3:14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;Philippians 4:9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.2 Timothy 2:2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.1 Timothy 1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.Romans 2:20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.Jude 1:3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Historical Context
The early church faced constant threats to doctrinal purity. False teachers in Ephesus taught "profane and vain babblings" (2:16), denying bodily resurrection (2:18) and promoting asceticism based on proto-Gnostic dualism (1 Timothy 4:3). Without completed New Testament canon, churches relied on apostolic teaching transmitted orally and through letters. The "pattern of sound words" Paul mentions represents early creedal formulations and hymns (like Philippians 2:6-11, 1 Timothy 3:16) summarizing core gospel truth. Timothy's responsibility was preserving this deposit against corruption and passing it faithfully to the next generation of teachers (2:2).
Questions for Reflection
- What specific doctrines constitute the "pattern of sound words" you must hold fast against contemporary challenges to biblical truth?
- How can you balance contending for sound doctrine (faith) while maintaining Christlike love, avoiding both compromise and loveless orthodoxy?
- Who are you teaching and training to preserve and transmit sound doctrine faithfully to the next generation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Paul commands Timothy to "hold fast" (echō, ἔχω combined with imperative force)—grasp firmly, maintain tenaciously. The object is "the form of sound words" (hypotypōsin hygiainontōn logōn, ὑποτύπωσιν ὑγιαινόντων λόγων). The noun hypotypōsis (ὑποτύπωσις) means "pattern, model, standard"—a reliable template or outline. "Sound" (hygiainontōn, ὑγιαινόντων) literally means "healthy" (from which we get "hygiene")—doctrine promoting spiritual health versus error that corrupts.
Paul refers to the apostolic teaching Timothy received directly from him—not novel speculation but transmitted truth. In an era without New Testament Scriptures widely available, oral apostolic tradition was crucial. Timothy must faithfully preserve and transmit this "pattern of sound words" without addition, subtraction, or distortion. This protects against both liberalism (abandoning core doctrine) and innovation (adding non-apostolic teaching).
This holding fast must occur "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (en pistei kai agapē tē en Christō Iēsou, ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). Faith and love form the indispensable context for maintaining sound doctrine. Faith alone without love becomes cold orthodoxy producing arrogant heresy hunters. Love without faithful doctrine becomes sentimental compromise tolerating soul-destroying error. Both faith and love must be "in Christ Jesus"—rooted in union with Him, not human achievement.