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:

O {G5599} Timothy {G5095}, keep {G5442} that which is committed to thy trust {G3872}, avoiding {G1624} profane {G952} and vain babblings {G2757}, and {G2532} oppositions {G477} of science {G1108} falsely so called {G5581}:

Oh, Timothy! Keep safe what has been entrusted to you. Turn away from the ungodly babblings and the argumentative opposition of what is falsely called “knowledge.”

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

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;

In this concluding charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, the Apostle Paul issues a powerful and timeless exhortation to safeguard the integrity of the Christian faith. 1 Timothy 6:20 serves as a crucial reminder for all believers, especially leaders, to protect the truth from deceptive ideologies and meaningless discourse.

Context

This verse comes at the very end of Paul's first letter to Timothy, a young pastor entrusted with significant responsibility in the church at Ephesus. Throughout the letter, Paul has provided guidance on pastoral duties, church order, and, significantly, the handling of false teachers and their destructive doctrines. Paul has warned against those who teach "other doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:3) and those who are consumed by disputes and "perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds" (1 Timothy 6:5). This final instruction encapsulates Paul's overarching concern for the purity of the gospel message and Timothy's duty to uphold it against all forms of error, urging him to fight the good fight of faith.

Key Themes

  • Guard the Divine Deposit: The phrase "that which is committed to thy trust" refers to the sacred deposit of the gospel, the body of truth revealed by God. This is not Timothy's own wisdom, but a divine trust he is responsible to preserve and pass on faithfully. This concept is echoed in 2 Timothy 1:14, where Paul speaks of "that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost."
  • Warning Against Vain Babblings: Paul specifically warns against "profane and vain babblings." These are empty, irreverent, and meaningless discussions or arguments that lack spiritual substance and distract from sound doctrine. They often lead to ungodliness rather than edification.
  • Beware of False Knowledge: The "oppositions of science falsely so called" points to philosophical or religious systems that claim to offer superior knowledge (gnosis), but are actually contradictory to Christian truth. This was particularly relevant in the early church with the rise of Gnosticism, which blended Christian ideas with pagan philosophy and secret knowledge, often denying core biblical tenets. Paul emphasizes that such "knowledge" is misnamed and ultimately destructive.
  • Pastoral Discernment and Purity: Timothy, as a leader, is called to exercise keen discernment, distinguishing truth from error and prioritizing the essential message of the gospel over speculative or worldly wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "that which is committed to thy trust" is parathēkē (παραθήκη), meaning a deposit or something entrusted for safekeeping. It highlights the preciousness and the steward-like responsibility of guarding the gospel. "Profane and vain babblings" translates from bebelous kenophonias (βέβηλους κενοφωνίας), where bebelous means "unholy" or "common," and kenophonias means "empty sounds" or "senseless talk." This vividly describes speech that is both irreverent and devoid of spiritual value. The phrase "science falsely so called" is from pseudōnymos gnōsis (ψευδώνυμος γνῶσις), where gnōsis is "knowledge," and pseudōnymos means "falsely named" or "bearing a false name." This directly targets teachings that claim to be enlightened or superior knowledge but are in fact deceptive and contrary to truth.

Practical Application

Paul's charge to Timothy remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and competing worldviews, we are called to:

  • Guard the Truth: Hold fast to the unchanging truths of God's Word, ensuring our beliefs are rooted in sound biblical doctrine rather than fleeting philosophies or popular opinions.
  • Exercise Discernment: Be discerning about the ideas, teachings, and media we consume. Not all information is beneficial; some can be spiritually harmful or distracting. We must test everything against the standard of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
  • Avoid Useless Debates: While defending the faith is important, we should avoid getting entangled in "profane and vain babblings" – arguments or discussions that lead nowhere, are irreverent, or simply waste time and energy without building up faith or understanding (2 Timothy 2:16).
  • Prioritize Christ-Centered Knowledge: Recognize that true wisdom and knowledge come from God, revealed in Christ. Any "science" or philosophy that contradicts the essential truths of the gospel is ultimately misleading.

Reflection

Paul's solemn instruction to Timothy underscores the immense value of the gospel and the constant need to protect it from distortion. For every Christian, the call to "keep that which is committed to thy trust" is a personal responsibility to cherish, understand, and live by the truth, while wisely discerning and avoiding the "vain babblings" and "false knowledge" that seek to undermine it. Our faithfulness in guarding this divine deposit contributes to the spiritual health of the church and the clear proclamation of God's saving message to the world.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Colossians 2:8

    Beware 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 2:16

    But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
  • Romans 3:2

    Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
  • 2 Timothy 1:14

    That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
  • Colossians 2:18

    Let 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,
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15

    Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

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