2 Timothy 1:13

KJV

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hold fast {G2192} the form {G5296} of sound {G5198} words {G3056}, which {G3739} thou hast heard {G191} of {G3844} me {G1700}, in {G1722} faith {G4102} and {G2532} love {G26} which {G3588} is in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Follow the pattern of the sound teachings you have heard from me, with trust and the love which is yours in the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 1:13, the Apostle Paul delivers a crucial charge to his protégé, Timothy, urging him to steadfastly adhere to and preserve the definitive pattern of wholesome Christian teaching he had received directly from Paul. This command is not merely an intellectual exercise but is deeply rooted in and empowered by the spiritual realities of faith and love, which are found in a living relationship with Christ Jesus. The verse underscores the enduring importance of doctrinal fidelity as a cornerstone of Christian life and ministry, linking sound teaching inextricably with genuine piety.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's deeply personal and urgent second letter to Timothy, written from Roman imprisonment, likely just before Paul's martyrdom. It follows Paul's profound encouragement to Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of Paul himself ([2 Timothy 1:8](/2_timothy/1-8 "2 Timothy 1:8 - Do Not Be Ashamed")) and to "share in suffering for the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:8](/2_timothy/1-8 "2 Timothy 1:8 - Share in Suffering for the Gospel")). Paul has just reminded Timothy of the "good deposit" entrusted to him, which must be guarded by the Holy Spirit ([2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard the Good Deposit")). Therefore, 2 Timothy 1:13 serves as a direct instruction on *how* Timothy is to guard this deposit: by holding fast to the established pattern of truth. It is a foundational command for maintaining doctrinal integrity amidst the challenges of false teaching and spiritual decline that Paul foresees.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's second letter to Timothy was penned during a period of intense persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire, specifically under Nero. Timothy, leading the church in Ephesus, faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, there were emerging false doctrines, speculative myths, and unhealthy debates, as evidenced in [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warnings Against False Doctrine") and [2 Timothy 2:16-18](/2_timothy/2-16-18 "2 Timothy 2:16-18 - Avoid Godless Chatter"). Externally, the cultural milieu was often hostile to Christian monotheism and its ethical demands. In this environment, the temptation to compromise or dilute the Gospel message was strong. Paul's exhortation for Timothy to "hold fast" was a call to steadfastness and courage in preserving the authentic Christian message against these corrupting influences, ensuring the church's spiritual health and witness in a challenging world.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Pastoral Epistles. Foremost is the **Preservation of Truth and Sound Doctrine**. Paul consistently emphasizes the vital importance of "sound doctrine" (e.g., [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Teaching Sound Doctrine")) as essential for the spiritual health of believers and the church. The "form of sound words" represents a fixed, reliable standard against which all teaching must be measured. Another theme is **Apostolic Authority and Succession**, highlighted by "which thou hast heard of me." This underscores that the truth Timothy received was not of human invention but divinely revealed through Paul, an apostle of Christ, establishing a clear lineage of authentic teaching that Timothy was responsible to transmit faithfully ([2 Timothy 2:2](/2_timothy/2-2 "2 Timothy 2:2 - Entrust to Reliable People")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Inseparable Link Between Doctrine and Piety**. Holding fast to sound words is not merely an intellectual exercise but must be rooted "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," demonstrating that true orthodoxy must always be accompanied by orthopraxy, flowing from a vibrant, Christ-centered relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hold fast (Greek, _échō'_):** This verb signifies to "hold," "possess," or "cling to." In this context, it is an imperative, a command to actively maintain, retain, and guard something precious. It implies a firm, unyielding grip, suggesting vigilance and perseverance in the face of pressures to abandon or alter the truth. It's not a passive reception but an active, continuous adherence.
* **form (Greek, _hypotýpōsis'_):** This term denotes an "outline," "pattern," "standard," or "example." It suggests a definitive, foundational sketch or summary of Christian truth that serves as a guiding template. It implies a clear, recognizable shape or mold of doctrine that Timothy is to conform to and uphold, rather than inventing new teachings or allowing them to be distorted.
* **sound (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** Derived from the word for "health," this adjective literally means "to be in health" or "to be well." When applied to "words" or "doctrine," it signifies that which is wholesome, healthy, beneficial, and free from corruption or disease. Just as a healthy body functions properly, "sound words" are spiritually nourishing, life-giving, and promote genuine godliness, contrasting sharply with the "sickly" or "unhealthy" doctrines of false teachers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hold fast the form of sound words":** This is the central imperative of the verse. Paul commands Timothy to actively and firmly grasp, preserve, and adhere to a specific, established pattern or outline of Christian teaching. These "words" are described as "sound" or "healthy," meaning they are spiritually wholesome, life-giving, and free from error or corruption, contrasting with the destructive doctrines of false teachers. This implies a non-negotiable standard of truth.
* **"which thou hast heard of me":** This clause establishes the authoritative source and authentic nature of the "sound words." Timothy's teaching was not self-derived or from a questionable origin, but directly from Paul, an apostle commissioned by Christ. This emphasizes the apostolic origin and authority of the doctrine, highlighting the importance of faithful transmission of truth from one generation to the next. It grounds the "form" in a historical, verifiable revelation.
* **"in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus":** This final phrase specifies the spiritual context and enabling power for holding fast to sound words. It indicates that adherence to true doctrine is not merely an intellectual assent but must be deeply rooted in a living, active relationship with Christ. "Faith" refers to trust in Christ and the truths of the Gospel, while "love" denotes sacrificial devotion to God and others, both of which are gifts and characteristics that originate from and are perfected "in Christ Jesus." This ensures that doctrinal purity is always accompanied by spiritual vitality and ethical conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in 2 Timothy 1:13. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "sound words" (Greek: _hygiaínō logon_). By using a term associated with physical health, Paul metaphorically portrays doctrine as something that can be "healthy" or "unhealthy," implying that true teaching brings spiritual vitality and well-being, while false teaching leads to spiritual sickness and decay. This extends the medical metaphor common in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:3-4](/1_timothy/6-3-4 "1 Timothy 6:3-4 - Healthy Words vs. Unhealthy Debates")). The term "form" (_hypotýpōsis_) also functions as a **Metaphor** or **Analogy**, suggesting a blueprint, mold, or pattern for truth, much like an architect's design or a sculptor's model. This implies a definitive, unchanging standard. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imperative Mood** ("Hold fast"), which functions as a direct, authoritative command, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of Paul's instruction to Timothy. Finally, the phrase "which thou hast heard of me" employs **Personal Exhortation** and **Apostolic Authority**, grounding the command in Paul's direct mentorship and his divinely appointed role as an apostle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 1:13 stands as a foundational text for understanding the critical importance of orthodoxy in Christian faith. It asserts that there is a discernible, authoritative body of truth—a "form of sound words"—that must be preserved and transmitted. This concept is vital for the church's integrity, ensuring that its message remains consistent with the apostolic witness and the revelation of God in Christ. The verse underscores that genuine faith is not amorphous but has a definite content, and that love for God is expressed, in part, by adherence to His revealed truth. It challenges the notion that doctrine is secondary to experience or emotion, positing instead that sound doctrine is the very framework within which true faith and love flourish. This theological emphasis on guarding the truth is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, particularly as the early church grappled with internal deviations and external pressures.

* [1 Timothy 4:16](/1_timothy/4-16 "Watch Your Doctrine and Life")
* [Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine")
* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Contending for the Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Timothy 1:13 serves as a timeless and urgent call to doctrinal fidelity in an age characterized by shifting truths and spiritual ambiguity. We are exhorted to diligently engage with God's Word, seeking to understand and internalize the "form of sound words" that has been handed down through the apostles. This requires more than casual reading; it demands careful study, thoughtful discernment, and a commitment to align our beliefs and practices with the unchanging truth of Scripture. In a world saturated with diverse and often conflicting messages, we must cultivate the spiritual discipline to test all teachings against the established pattern of biblical truth, guarding against error and compromise. Crucially, our commitment to sound doctrine must not be merely intellectual, but must flow from and be empowered by a vibrant "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," ensuring that our theological convictions translate into Christ-like character and compassionate action. This verse reminds us that we are not only recipients but also stewards of the Gospel, called to faithfully preserve and proclaim its purity for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "form of sound words" have I personally "heard" and received through Christian teaching and the Scriptures?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to loosen my "hold fast" on biblical truth in my current cultural or personal context?**
* **How does my "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" actively empower my commitment to sound doctrine, rather than being a separate pursuit?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better discern and adhere to "sound words" in my daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ

**What does "the form of sound words" mean in this verse?**

Answer: "The form of sound words" (Greek: _hypotýpōsis hygiainóntōn logōn_) refers to a definitive, healthy, and wholesome pattern or outline of Christian teaching. "Form" (_hypotýpōsis_) suggests a blueprint, standard, or example—a clear, recognizable shape of doctrine that Timothy had received directly from Paul. "Sound words" (_hygiainóntōn logōn_) literally means "healthy words," implying doctrine that is spiritually beneficial, life-giving, and free from corruption or error, much like a healthy body is free from disease. It signifies the true, unadulterated Gospel and the core truths of Christian faith and practice. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize that there is an established, authoritative body of truth that must be preserved and adhered to, contrasting it with the "unhealthy" or "sickly" doctrines of false teachers mentioned elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:3-4](/1_timothy/6-3-4 "1 Timothy 6:3-4 - Healthy Words vs. Unhealthy Debates")).

**Why is it important to "hold fast" to doctrine, and not just live a good life?**

Answer: Paul's command to "hold fast" (Greek: _échō_) emphasizes the active, firm, and continuous preservation of this "form of sound words." It is crucial because doctrine provides the very foundation and framework for a "good life" in Christ. Without sound doctrine, Christian living can become subjective, easily swayed by cultural trends, personal feelings, or deceptive teachings. True Christian ethics and spiritual vitality flow from a correct understanding of God, Christ, humanity, sin, and salvation, as revealed in Scripture. As Paul states, this adherence must be "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus," indicating that intellectual assent to truth is inseparable from a living relationship with Christ and the practical outworking of that relationship in love ([Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")). Holding fast to sound doctrine safeguards the purity of the Gospel, ensuring that believers are nourished by truth and equipped to live authentically for Christ.

**How does "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" relate to holding fast to sound words?**

Answer: This phrase highlights that holding fast to sound doctrine is not a dry, intellectual exercise but a deeply spiritual and relational act. "Faith" refers to the trust and conviction in Christ and the truths He embodies and reveals, serving as the essential foundation for receiving and believing the "sound words." "Love" (Greek: _agápē_), specifically "which is in Christ Jesus," is the divine, self-sacrificing love that originates from Christ and is poured into believers through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). This love provides the motivation and power to obey, preserve, and live out the truth, even in the face of opposition. It means that our commitment to sound doctrine is not merely about being "right" but about being rightly related to God and others through Christ. It's the spiritual dynamic that transforms intellectual assent into living obedience and passionate devotion, ensuring that orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 1:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Jesus himself. He is the very embodiment and source of all "sound words," for He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the [Truth incarnate](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), and the perfect revelation of God. The "form of sound words" that Timothy received from Paul is nothing less than the Gospel message centered on Christ's person and work: His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and the salvation He offers. Our ability to "hold fast" to this truth is not a matter of human strength but is enabled by the "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." He is the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith"), and it is His divine love, poured into our hearts through the Spirit, that empowers us to cling to His truth and live it out. Thus, to hold fast to sound words is to hold fast to Christ, to be continually [rooted and built up in Him](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ"), and to allow His truth to shape our entire being, ensuring that our doctrine is not just intellectually correct but spiritually vibrant and transformative, leading to a life lived in His love and for His glory.

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

Titus 1:9

Holding 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 3:14

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];

Philippians 4:9

Those 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 6:17

But 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 2:2

And 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 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 3:3

Remember 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.