1 Timothy 6:20

1 Timothy 6:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

King James Version KJV

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

American Standard Version ASV

O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;

Bible in Basic English BBE

O Timothy, take good care of that which is given to you, turning away from the wrong and foolish talk and arguments of that knowledge which is falsely so named;

Free Bible Version FBV

Timothy, take care of what's been given to you. Don't pay any attention to pointless chatter and arguments based on so-called “knowledge.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

O Timotheus, keepe that which is committed vnto thee, and auoide prophane and vaine babblings, and oppositios of science falsely so called,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the profane vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge,

World English Bible WEB

Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane novelties of words, and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called.

Translation for Translators T4T

Timothy, faithfully proclaim/protect the true message (OR, do the work) that Jesus has given to you. ◄Avoid/Do not listen to► people who want to chatter about things that are not important to God. ◄Avoid/Do not listen to► people who claim/say that they have ‘true knowledge’ but who say things that oppose/contradict our true teaching.

Plain English Version PEV

All right, Timothy, God gave you his good message, so you have to look after it properly. Make sure nobody changes it around. There are some people that talk a lot in a stupid way, and they say bad things about God. Don’t listen to them. They might reckon they know all about it, and they might say that you are wrong, but really, they are the ones that are wrong.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 6:20

BAB

Word Study

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1 Timothy 6:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ω τιμοθεε την παραθηκην φυλαξον εκτρεπομενος τας βεβηλους κενοφωνιας και αντιθεσεις της ψευδωνυμου γνωσεως

ω ō G5599 oh! Interj

τιμοθεε Timotheos G5095 Timothy Noun-VSM

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

παραθηκην parathēkē G3866 deposit Noun-ASF

φυλαξον phulassō G5442 to keep/guard: observe Verb-AAM-2S

εκτρεπομενος ektrepō G1624 to turn/wander away Verb-PMP-NSM

τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF

βεβηλους bebēlos G952 profane Adj-APF

κενοφωνιας kenophōnia G2757 empty talk Noun-APF

και kai G2532 and Conj

αντιθεσεις antithesis G477 opposition Noun-APF

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

ψευδωνυμου pseudōnumos G5581 falsely called Adj-GSF

γνωσεως gnōsis G1108 knowledge Noun-GSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 6:20

ω ō G5599 "oh!" Interj

An expression of address or surprise, like saying 'oh' or 'O', as in Matthew 15:28 and Acts 1:1.

Definition: ὦ interj., with vocat., O; __(a) in simple address (less frequently than in cl.; M, Pr., 71); Act.1:1 18:14 27:21, Rom.2:1, 3 9:20, 1Ti.6:20; expressing reproof, Jas.2:20; __(b) in exclamations of surprise, etc.: Mat.15:28, Luk.24:25, Act.13:10, Rom.11:33, Gal.3:1; with nom. (Bl., § 33, 4), Mat.17:17, Mrk.9:19, Luk.9:41.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 17 NT verses. KJV: O See also: 1 Timothy 6:11; Luke 9:41; James 2:20.

τιμοθεε Timotheos G5095 "Timothy" Noun-VSM

Timothy means dear to God, referring to the Christian companion of Paul, as seen in Acts 17:14-15 and Romans 16:21. He was a key figure in the early church. His name reflects his importance to God's work.

Definition: Τιμόθεος, -ου, ὁ Timothy: Act.17:14-15 18:5, Rom.16:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: Timotheus, Timothy See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Acts 16:1; Hebrews 13:23.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

παραθηκην parathēkē G3866 "deposit" Noun-ASF

A deposit refers to something entrusted to someone, like a valuable item or a responsibility. In 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 1:12, it represents a trust or a commitment given to someone.

Definition: παρα-θήκη, -ης, ἡ (παρατίθημι), [in LXX: Lev.6:2, 4 (Lev 5:21, 23) (פִּקָּדוֹן), and in Tob 10:13, 2Ma.3:10 2Mac 3:15, seel. for παρακαταθήκη (which see) * ;] a deposit or trust: 1Ti.6:20, 2Ti.1:12 1:14 (for exx. of this form, see MM, Exp., iii, xviii).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: committed unto See also: 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:14.

φυλαξον phulassō G5442 "to keep/guard: observe" Verb-AAM-2S

To watch or guard something, like keeping a promise or protecting someone, as seen in Luke 2:8 and John 17:12.

Definition: φυλάσσω [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for שָׁמַר, also for נָצַר, etc. ;] to guard, watch; __(a) to guard or watch: with cogn. accusative, φυλακάς, Luk.2:8; with accusative of person(s), Act.12:4 28:16; pass., Luk.8:29, Act.23:35; with accusative of thing(s), Act.22:20; __(b) to guard or protect: with accusative, Luk.11:21, Jhn.12:25 17:12, 2Th.3:3, 1Ti.6:20, 2Ti.1:12 1:14, 2Pe.2:5; ἑαυτὸν ἀπό, 1Jn.5:21 (Westc., in l); metaphorically of law, precept, etc., to keep, preserve, observe: Mat.19:20, Luk.11:28 18:21, Jhn.12:47, Act.7:53 16:4 21:24, Rom.2:26, Gal.6:13, 1Ti.5:21. Mid., to be on one's guard (against), keep oneself from, beware of: with accusative, Act.21:25, 2Ti.4:15; before ἀπό., Luk.12:15; ἵνα μή, 2Pe.3:17; as in LXX (Exo.12:17, Lev.18:4, al.), of laws, etc., to keep, observe: ταῦτα πάντα, Mrk.10:20 (cf. δια-φυάσσω).† SYN.: τηρέω, q.v (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: beward, keep (self), observe, save See also: 1 John 5:21; Acts 23:35; Romans 2:26.

εκτρεπομενος ektrepō G1624 "to turn/wander away" Verb-PMP-NSM

To turn away or wander off course, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:6 and Hebrews 12:13, where it means to avoid or shun something. It can also mean to turn aside from the right path. This concept is important in the Bible, especially in warnings against false teachings.

Definition: ἐκ-τρέπω [in LXX for הָפַךְ, Amo.5:8 * ;] to turn out of the course, turn aside, with accusative Pass., with middle sense, intrans., to turn aside: Heb.12:13 (R, txt., for be put out of joint, R, mg., see Thayer, see word Westc., in l); figuratively, before εἰς, 1Ti.1:6; ἐπί, 2Ti.4:4; ὀπίσω, 1Ti.5:15; with accusative, to shun, avoid: 1Ti.6:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: avoid, turn (aside, out of the way) See also: 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:20; Hebrews 12:13.

τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

βεβηλους bebēlos G952 "profane" Adj-APF

Profane refers to something or someone that is unholy or wicked, like in 1 Timothy 1:9 where it describes people who are lawless.

Definition: βέβηλος, -ον (βαίνω, whence βηλός, a threshold), [in LXX chiefly for חֹל ;] __1. permitted to be trodden, accessible (see DCG, ii, 422b); hence, __2. (opposite to ἱερός) unhallowed, profane: of things, 1Ti.4:7 6:20, 2Ti.2:16; of men, 1Ti.1:9, Heb.12:16 (cf. κοινός; Cremer, 140).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: profane (person) See also: 1 Timothy 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:20; Hebrews 12:16.

κενοφωνιας kenophōnia G2757 "empty talk" Noun-APF

This word refers to empty or fruitless discussions, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 2:16. It describes talk that has no real meaning or purpose, often used to describe idle chatter. The Bible warns against engaging in such conversations.

Definition: κενοφωνία, -ας, ἡ (κενός, φωνέω), [cf. κενολογέω (צָפַף), Isa.8:19 * ;] empty talk, babbling: pl., 1Ti.6:20, 2Ti.2:16.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: vain See also: 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

αντιθεσεις antithesis G477 "opposition" Noun-APF

This word means opposition or conflict, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:20 where it describes a conflict of theories or ideas. It implies a strong disagreement or resistance. This word is used to describe a state of opposition or disagreement.

Definition: ἀντί-θεσις, -εως, ή (τίθημι), opposition: 1Ti.6:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: opposition See also: 1 Timothy 6:20.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ψευδωνυμου pseudōnumos G5581 "falsely called" Adj-GSF

Falsely called refers to something with a misleading name, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:20. It means using a title that does not match the true nature of something. This concept is important in understanding biblical warnings about deception.

Definition: ψευδώνυμος, -ον (ψευδής, ὄνομα) under a false name, falsely called: 1Ti.6:20 (Æsch., Plut., a1.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: falsely so called See also: 1 Timothy 6:20.

γνωσεως gnōsis G1108 "knowledge" Noun-GSF

Knowledge or understanding is what this word represents, especially of spiritual truth, as in 1 Corinthians 1:5. It's about having insight or awareness, like in Luke 11:52.

Definition: γνῶσις, -εως, ἡ (γιγνώσκω), [in LXX chiefly for דַּעַת ;] __1. a seeking to know, inquiry, investigation. __2. knowledge, in NT, specially of the kn. of spiritual truth: absol., Luk.11:52, Rom.2:20 15:14, 1Co.1:5 (Lft., Notes, 147) 8:1, 7, 10, 11, 13:2, 8 14:6, 2Co.6:6 8:7 11:6, Eph.3:19, Col.2:3, 1Pe.3:7, 2Pe.1:5, 6; with genitive obj., σωτηρίας, Luk.1:77; τ. δόξης τ. θεοῦ, 2Co.4:6; τ. θεοῦ, 2Co.2:14 10:5; Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, Php.3:8 (see Deiss., LAE, 383.8), 2Pe.3:18; with genitive subjc., θεοῦ, Rom.11:33; λόγος γνώσεως, 1Co.12:8; ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως, 1Ti.6:20.† SYN.: σοφία, φρόνησις (cf. ἐπί-γνωσις and see Lft. on Col.2:3; Cremer, 156). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 28 NT verses. KJV: knowledge, science See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Peter 3:7.

Study Notes — 1 Timothy 6:20

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Context
Cross References
1 Timothy 6:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 6:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 6:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20
Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 6:20
Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 6:20
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20
Sermons on 1 Timothy 6:20

Context — Guard the Faith

18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, 19treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

21which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Colossians 2:8	See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
2	2 Timothy 2:16	But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
3	2 Timothy 1:12–14	For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
4	Romans 3:2	Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
5	Colossians 2:18	Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.
6	1 Timothy 6:14	Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,
7	2 Timothy 3:14–16	But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
8	2 Thessalonians 2:15	Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
9	Titus 3:9	But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
10	Titus 1:9	He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

1 Timothy 6:20 Summary

This verse is reminding Timothy to be careful with the things that God has given him, like the teachings of the Bible, and to avoid talking about things that don't matter or are even hurtful to others. It's like what is said in Proverbs 10:32, that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable. We should try to only say things that are kind, true, and helpful, and not get caught up in conversations that can lead us away from God. By focusing on what is truly important, we can stay on the right path, as seen in Psalm 119:105, and live a life that honors God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'guard what has been entrusted to you'?

This means that Timothy, as a leader in the church, has been given a great responsibility to protect and preserve the teachings and traditions of the Christian faith, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.

What is 'irreverent, empty chatter'?

This refers to conversation or speech that is careless, foolish, or lacking in spiritual substance, similar to what is warned against in Ephesians 5:4 and 2 Timothy 2:16.

What are the 'opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge”'?

These are false or misleading teachings that claim to be based on knowledge, but actually lead people away from the truth of God's Word, as seen in Colossians 2:8 and 1 Timothy 4:1.

Why is it important to avoid these things?

Avoiding irreverent chatter and false teachings is crucial because they can lead people away from the faith, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:21, and instead, we should focus on sound doctrine and the teachings of Christ, as seen in 2 Timothy 4:2-4 and Titus 2:1.

Reflection Questions

What has God entrusted to me, and how can I guard it effectively?
In what ways can I avoid engaging in 'irreverent, empty chatter' in my daily conversations?
How can I discern between true and false teachings, and what role does the Bible play in this process?
What are some ways that I can prioritize the pursuit of true knowledge and wisdom, as opposed to 'so-called “knowledge”'?
How can I ensure that my speech and actions are reverent and honoring to God, rather than careless or empty?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 6:20

Keep that which is committed to thy trust,.... That is, the Gospel, see 1 Timothy 1:11 which is a rich treasure put into earthen vessels, and ought to be kept pure and uncorrupt, and faithfully

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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: 21. Recapitulatory conclusion: the main aim of the letter summarily stated. O Timothy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust; either the doctrine of the gospel, which ministers ought to keep pure, and without mixture, or the ministerial office; be true and faithful in the discharge of it, preaching Christ and the doctrine of Christ. Avoiding profane and vain babblings; avoid all impertinent discoursings under the notion of preaching, which in thy discharge of that work are the best of them but profane babblings. And oppositions of science falsely so called; avoid also all idle speculations, and disputations, no way serving to the end of preaching, and falsely called science.

Trapp's Commentary on 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: Ver. 20. That which is, &c.] viz. The treasure of true doctrine, esteeming every particle of it precious, as the filings of gold.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20

(20) O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust.—More literally and better rendered, O Timothy, keep the trust committed to thee. It is a beautiful thought which sees in these few earnest closing words the very handwriting of the worn and aged Apostle St. Paul. The Epistle, no doubt dictated by the old man, was in the handwriting of some friend of St. Paul and the Church, who acted as his scribe; but, as seems to have been sometimes his habit (see especially the closing words of the Galatian Letter), the last pleading reminder was added by the hand of the Apostle himself. “O Timothy”—he writes now no longer addressing church or pastor, but his own favourite friend and pupil, the loved heir of his God-inspired traditions and maxims, which so faithfully represented the doctrine and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth—“O Timothy, keep the sacred trust committed to thy charge.” This “sacred trust,” so solemnly committed as the parting charge to Timothy, was “the doctrine delivered by St. Paul to him to preach,” the central point of which, we know from the Apostle’s other writings, was the teaching respecting the atonement and the precious blood of Christ. There is a beautiful, though somewhat lengthened, paraphrase of the “Trust” in the Commonitorium of Vincentius Lirinensis, composed about A.D. 430. “What is meant,” he asks, “by ‘keep the trust?’ The disciple of St. Paul must keep the sound doctrine of his master safe from robbers and foes. . . . What is meant by ‘the trust?’ Something intrusted to you to keep—not a possession you have discovered for yourself; something you have received from another—not what you have thought out for yourself . . . of this ‘trust,’ remember, you are nothing but the guardian. . . . What, then, is the meaning of ‘keep the trust?’ It is surely nothing else than ‘guard the treasure of the Catholic faith.’ . . . Gold have you received; see that you hand gold on to others.” “Is there, then,” asks this same wise writer “to be no progress, no development in religious teaching? Yes,” he answers; “there should be a real progress, a marked development, but it must partake of the nature of a progress, not of a change. . . . Let religion in the soul follow the example of the growth of the various members which compose the body, and which, as years roll on, become ever stronger and more perfect, but which, notwithstanding their growth and developed beauty, always remain the same.” Avoiding profane and vain babblings.—The Apostle has before in this Epistle warned Timothy against these useless, profitless discussions. Anything like theological controversy and discussion seems to. have been distasteful to St. Paul, as tending to augment dissension and hatred, and to exalt into an undue prominence mere words and phrases. Oppositions of science falsely so called.—Rather, of knowledge falsely so called.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20

Verse 20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust] This is another repetition of the apostolic charge. (See 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 1 Timothy 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:13.) Carefully preserve that doctrine which I have delivered to thee. Nothing can be more solemn and affectionate than this charge. Avoiding profane and vain babblings] See note on 1 Timothy 1:4, and "1 Timothy 4:7". And oppositions of science falsely so called] Καιαντιθεσειςτηςψευδωνυμουγνωσεως· And oppositions of knowledge falsely so named. Dr. Macknight's note here is worthy of much attention: "In the enumeration of the different kinds of inspiration bestowed on the first preachers of the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 12:8, we find the word of knowledge mentioned; by which is meant that kind of inspiration which gave to the apostles and superior Christian prophets the knowledge of the true meaning of the Jewish Scriptures. This inspiration the false teachers pretending to possess, dignified their misinterpretations of the ancient Scriptures with the name of knowledge, that is, inspired knowledge; for so the word signifies, 1 Corinthians 14:6. And as by these interpretations they endeavoured to establish the efficacy of the Levitical atonements, the apostle very properly termed these interpretations oppositions of knowledge, because they were framed to establish doctrines opposite to, and subversive of, the Gospel. To destroy the credit of these teachers, he affirmed that the knowledge from which they proceeded was falsely called inspired knowledge; for they were not inspired with the knowledge of the meaning of the Scriptures, but only pretended to it." Others think that the apostle has the Gnostics in view. But it is not clear that these heretics, or whatever they were, had any proper existence at this time. On the whole, Dr. Macknight's interpretation seems to be the best.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 6:20

20, 21. A last Appeal. The keeping of the Deposit20. See the summary above at 1 Timothy 6:3. This brief résumé, at the close, of the main anxiety of the whole Epistle is like the corresponding résumé, 1 Timothy 6:16, of the rule for widows, and v. 24 of the visitation of presbyters.O Timothy] Previously, and in 2 Tim., when the address is less intense and solemn, ‘my child,’ ‘my child Timothy.’keep] The stronger word guard. Compare 1 John 5:21, ‘Little children, guard yourselves from idols.’that which is committed to thy trust] The mss. favour the simpler noun, compounded with only one preposition, here and in the only other places where the word occurs in N. T., 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:14, the latter place being exactly parallel. What is this ‘deposit?’ it has been thought to be (1) grace for his own spiritual life, ‘the commandment’ above 1 Timothy 6:14, (2) grace for the office of superintending the Church at Ephesus, ‘the charge’ above 1 Timothy 6:17 and elsewhere; and these are the two subjects pressed most closely upon Timothy, next to the great, the recurring and now all absorbing anxiety, that he may have (3) grace to maintain sound doctrine; the ‘charge’ of 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:18, 1 Timothy 4:6; 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:16. The words which follow are alone sufficient to make (3) the certain reference. In effect, to use the words quoted from St Vincent of the island-school of Lerins (the author of the famous canon of Christian doctrine ‘quod semper quod ubique quod ab omnibus’), St Paul says to Timothy ‘Depositum custodi: catholicae fidei talentum inviolatum illibatumque conserva.’avoiding profane and vain babblings] Lit. turning away from the profane babblings; the article with ‘babblings’ and not with ‘oppositions ‘shews that both go together, with ‘knowledge.’ ‘Babblings is another of the ‘Pastoral’ compounds recurring in 2 Timothy 2:16. The word is literally ‘empty voicings,’ vox et praeterea nihil, windbag; speculations and errors which are the complete opposite of the solid Church truth on its firm foundation and rock, ‘Thou art the Christ.’ For the accus. after this verb, cf. Winer, § 38, 2, 6.oppositions of science falsely so called] Rather, as R.V. the knowledge which is falsely so called. ‘The knowledge falsely so called’ is in the Greek the well-known Gnosis, only used here in N. T. with direct reference to the heretical teaching, though the allusions, both with substantive and verb, imply that assumptions of superior knowledge were among the claims of the new theology. The ‘oppositions’ meant are probably the dualistic oppositions between the good and evil principle, see introduction, pp. 45, 46; though some explain them as the dialectical niceties and subtle rhetorical antitheses of the teachers. See Dr Hort’s interpretation, Appendix B. This peculiar ‘Pastoral’ word goes to make the Apostle’s biting ‘aculeus in fine.’

Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 6:20

Keep that which is committed to thy trust - All that is entrusted to you, and to which reference has been particularly made in this Epistle.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20

20. O Timothy—The final, most personal, most earnest address of all. That which is committed to thy trust—In Greek, a single word, the deposit, the intrusted thing.

Sermons on 1 Timothy 6:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 1:1-8 by Joe Focht	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not overlooking the creation account in the Bible. He emphasizes the need to recognize the power and authority of God as the
	(1 Timothy) Guard What Was Committed to Your Trust by Brian Brodersen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the things of the Spirit and not being led astray. He warns against the temptation to get caught up in i
	Cse Seminar 7(2003) Questions and Answers by Kent Hovind	This sermon by Kent Hovind delves into the topics of creation, evolution, and dinosaurs, emphasizing the belief that the Bible is scientifically accurate and evolution is a flawed
	The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-14 True Discipleship by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the dangers of pursuing wealth. He shares anecdotes and quotes from various sources to illustr
	The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-15 True Discipleship by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a wealthy man named John who lived in a palatial house but was spiritually empty. He had everything money could buy but never pr
	Observations on Gnosticism and Manicheism by Howard F. Vos	Howard F. Vos delves into the history and impact of Gnosticism, a belief system that emerged in the first century, blending elements from various religions and philosophies to comb
	The Spiritual Basis of the Christian Life by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical need for Christians to recognize the spiritual foundation of their faith, warning against the tendency to slip into a mere formalism that l