1 Timothy 6:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:20
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, love, holiness. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:20
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 6:14, Acts 17:18, 17:21, Romans 3:2, 1 Corinthians 3:19, Colossians 2:8