1 Timothy 6:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.”

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this concluding charge, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn and urgent exhortation to his spiritual son, Timothy, to diligently safeguard the divine truth of the gospel entrusted to him. This verse serves as a timeless mandate for all believers, particularly those in leadership, to preserve the integrity of Christian doctrine by actively resisting and discerning against empty, irreverent discussions and deceptive intellectual systems that masquerade as genuine knowledge but ultimately contradict the revealed truth of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a powerful capstone to Paul's first epistle to Timothy, a letter brimming with practical instructions for pastoral ministry in the early church at Ephesus. Throughout the letter, Paul has consistently emphasized the importance of sound doctrine and the grave danger posed by false teachers. Earlier, he warned against those who teach "other doctrine" and promote "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:3-4](/1-timothy/1-3-4 "1 Timothy 1:3-4 - Warning Against False Doctrine")). He also provided specific guidance on church order, the qualifications for elders and deacons, and the proper conduct of believers. By the time Paul reaches [1 Timothy 6](/1-timothy/6 "1 Timothy 6 - Instructions on Wealth and False Teaching"), he has already addressed issues of contentment, the love of money, and the characteristics of those who deviate from the faith. [Verse 20](/1-timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Paul's Final Charge to Timothy") serves as a final, comprehensive directive, summarizing Paul's overarching concern for the purity of the gospel and Timothy's stewardship of it, urging him to "fight the good fight of faith" ([1 Timothy 6:12](/1-timothy/6-12 "1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the Good Fight")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a bustling metropolitan center known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and syncretistic tendencies. The early church faced significant challenges from within and without, including the emergence of nascent Gnostic ideas, which blended Christian concepts with pagan philosophy, secret knowledge, and dualistic worldviews. These teachings often denied the bodily resurrection, the goodness of creation, or the full humanity of Christ. The "science falsely so called" likely refers to these philosophical systems or esoteric teachings that claimed to offer a superior, enlightened form of knowledge (Greek _gnosis_) but were, in reality, deceptive and antithetical to the simplicity and truth of the gospel. The "profane and vain babblings" could refer to the speculative, often irreverent, and ultimately fruitless discussions that arose from such philosophies or from Jewish legalism, distracting believers from the core message of salvation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout [1 Timothy](/1-timothy/1 "1 Timothy - Paul's First Letter to Timothy"). Firstly, the theme of **stewardship and guarding the divine deposit** is central, highlighting that the gospel is not a human invention but a sacred trust given by God to be preserved and faithfully transmitted. Secondly, the theme of **discernment and combating false teaching** is paramount, as Paul repeatedly warns against doctrines that lead to ungodliness rather than faith ([1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1-timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - The Purpose of the Law and False Teachers")). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **supremacy of revealed truth over human speculation**, emphasizing that true knowledge and wisdom are found in Christ and His gospel, not in empty philosophical debates or so-called "enlightened" systems that contradict biblical revelation. Finally, it reinforces the **pastoral responsibility** to uphold doctrinal purity and protect the flock from spiritual harm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **keep (Greek, _phylássō'_):** This verb means to watch, to be on guard, to preserve, or to obey. It implies active vigilance and diligent protection. In this context, it's an imperative, a command for Timothy to conscientiously guard the sacred trust, much like a sentry guards a valuable possession or a shepherd watches over his flock. It's not passive retention but active preservation against threats.
* **that which is committed to thy trust (Greek, _parakatathḗkē'_):** This noun refers to a deposit, something entrusted for safekeeping. It was a legal term for money or valuables given to another person for secure custody, to be returned on demand. Here, it metaphorically represents the gospel message, the body of revealed truth, which Paul has faithfully transmitted to Timothy. It emphasizes the preciousness, the non-negotiable nature, and the steward-like responsibility associated with the Christian faith.
* **vain babblings (Greek, _kenophōnía'_):** Derived from _kenos_ (empty) and _phōnē_ (sound, voice), this word literally means "empty sounding" or "fruitless discussion." It describes speech or arguments that are devoid of spiritual substance, lacking truth, and ultimately unprofitable. These are discussions that may be verbose or appear intellectual but are spiritually hollow, leading to distraction and godlessness rather than edification.
* **falsely so called (Greek, _pseudṓnymos'_):** This adjective means "untruly named" or "bearing a false name." It modifies "science" (Greek _gnōsis_, knowledge), indicating that the knowledge being referred to is deceptive or counterfeit. It claims to be true knowledge but is, in fact, a misnomer, a lie, or a distortion of reality. This directly targets any philosophy or teaching that purports to offer superior insight but contradicts the truth of the gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust,"**: Paul directly addresses Timothy with a tender but firm imperative. The core command is to "keep" or "guard" the "deposit" – the gospel truth, sound doctrine, and the faith itself, which has been entrusted to him by God through Paul. This implies a sacred responsibility to preserve its purity and integrity against all forms of corruption.
* **"avoiding profane [and] vain babblings,"**: Timothy is instructed to actively "avoid" or "turn away from" discussions and teachings that are "profane" (unholy, irreverent, worldly) and "vain babblings" (empty, meaningless, and fruitless talk). These are conversations or doctrines that lack spiritual substance, distract from the truth, and do not lead to godliness.
* **"and oppositions of science falsely so called:"**: In addition to avoiding empty talk, Timothy must also steer clear of "oppositions" (contradictions, conflicting theories) of "science" or "knowledge" (Greek _gnosis_) that are "falsely so called." This refers to philosophical or theological systems that claim to offer superior or enlightened knowledge but are, in reality, deceptive and stand in opposition to the true knowledge revealed in Christ and the Scriptures.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concluding exhortation. The verse begins with a direct **apostrophe** ("O Timothy"), a personal address that underscores the urgency and personal nature of the charge. The primary verbs "keep" and "avoiding" function as **imperatives**, conveying a direct command and emphasizing Timothy's active responsibility. There is a clear **contrast** established between the precious "trust" (the gospel truth) that must be guarded and the dangers ("profane and vain babblings," "oppositions of science falsely so called") that must be avoided. The phrase "that which is committed to thy trust" serves as a powerful **metaphor** for the gospel, likening it to a valuable deposit given for safekeeping, highlighting its intrinsic worth and the steward's accountability. Finally, the phrase "science falsely so called" is an example of **irony** or **sarcasm**, as Paul dismisses these purported systems of knowledge as misnamed and ultimately deceptive, not true knowledge at all.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the preciousness of divine revelation and the imperative for believers to guard it. The gospel is not a human invention, but a sacred deposit, a trust from God, demanding faithful stewardship. It highlights the constant spiritual battle between truth and error, urging believers to be vigilant against distortions of the faith, whether they come in the form of irreverent chatter or intellectual systems that undermine biblical authority. The call to preserve the truth is not merely for personal edification but for the health and purity of the church, ensuring that the saving message of Christ is accurately proclaimed to future generations.

* [2 Timothy 1:14](/2-timothy/1-14 "Guard the Good Deposit")
* [Titus 3:9](/titus/3-9 "Avoid Foolish Disputes")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Beware of Philosophy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's charge to Timothy remains profoundly relevant for believers in every age, particularly in our information-saturated and ideologically diverse world. We are called to be vigilant guardians of the unchanging truths of God's Word, ensuring that our faith is firmly rooted in sound biblical doctrine rather than being swayed by fleeting cultural trends, popular opinions, or deceptive philosophies. This requires diligent study of Scripture, a commitment to theological discernment, and a willingness to test all teachings against the infallible standard of God's revealed truth. We must actively cultivate a spiritual posture that prioritizes edifying discourse and avoids engaging in "vain babblings" – discussions that are irreverent, speculative, or merely argumentative, leading to division rather than spiritual growth. Furthermore, we are to be wary of intellectual systems or "sciences" that, despite their claims to enlightenment, ultimately contradict the foundational truths of the gospel, recognizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is found in Christ alone. Our faithfulness in guarding this divine deposit contributes significantly to the spiritual vitality of the church and the clear proclamation of the gospel to a world desperately in need of genuine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deposit" has God committed to your trust, both individually and as part of the church community?**
* **In what ways might "profane and vain babblings" manifest in contemporary Christian discourse or even in our personal conversations? How can we avoid them?**
* **What modern "oppositions of science falsely so called" might challenge or contradict the truth of the gospel today? How can believers effectively respond to them?**
* **How can you personally grow in discernment to distinguish between sound doctrine and deceptive teachings?**

### FAQ

**What does "that which is committed to thy trust" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "That which is committed to thy trust" (Greek _parakatathḗkē_) refers to the sacred deposit of the gospel, the body of truth revealed by God through Christ and the apostles. It encompasses the entirety of Christian doctrine, including the person and work of Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the nature of God, and the principles for godly living. It is not Timothy's own wisdom or invention, but a divine revelation entrusted to him, and by extension, to all faithful believers and church leaders, for safekeeping, preservation, and faithful transmission to future generations. Paul reiterates this concept in [2 Timothy 1:14](/2-timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard the Good Deposit"), urging Timothy to "guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."

**What are "profane and vain babblings"?**

Answer: "Profane and vain babblings" (Greek _bébēlos kenophōnía_) refers to discussions or teachings that are both irreverent/unholy (_bébēlos_) and empty/fruitless (_kenophōnía_). These are conversations or doctrines that lack spiritual substance, do not build up faith, and often lead to ungodliness rather than edification. They might include speculative theological debates that have no practical value, arguments driven by pride rather than truth, or discussions that are worldly and disrespectful of sacred things. Paul frequently warns against such unproductive discourse, as seen in his instruction to "avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain" in [Titus 3:9](/titus/3-9 "Titus 3:9 - Avoid Foolish Disputes").

**What does "oppositions of science falsely so called" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: The phrase "oppositions of science falsely so called" (Greek _antíthesis pseudṓnymos gnōsis_) refers to philosophical or intellectual systems that claim to offer superior knowledge (_gnōsis_) but are, in fact, contradictory to Christian truth and ultimately deceptive. In Paul's day, this likely referred to nascent Gnostic ideas or other pagan philosophies that blended with or distorted Christian teachings. In a modern context, this could apply to any worldview, ideology, scientific theory, or philosophical system that, while claiming to be enlightened or based on superior knowledge, fundamentally contradicts the revealed truths of the Bible regarding God, humanity, sin, salvation, or reality itself. It's a call to discern between genuine knowledge that aligns with or is open to divine truth, and "knowledge" that is merely a human construct, often rooted in pride, that opposes God's revelation. [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy") provides a parallel warning against being "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 6:20](/1-timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Paul's Final Charge to Timothy") is a direct pastoral instruction to Timothy, its profound significance is ultimately fulfilled and illuminated in Jesus Christ. The "deposit" Timothy is called to guard is none other than the gospel, the good news of salvation revealed in and through Christ. He is the very embodiment of the truth that must be preserved, for Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). All true "knowledge" and wisdom are found in Him, for "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures are Hidden")). The "profane and vain babblings" and "oppositions of science falsely so called" are ultimately exposed as empty and powerless in the light of Christ's supreme authority and perfect revelation. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate refutation of all human philosophies that seek to offer an alternative path to truth or salvation. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, to discern and uphold this truth, for the Spirit "will guide you into all truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, guarding the deposit is fundamentally about holding fast to Christ, the Living Word, and proclaiming Him as the sole source of genuine life and knowledge.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.