2 Timothy 1:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Second Timothy 1:13 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving and adhering to true Christian teaching.

Context

This verse is found in Paul's second letter to Timothy, written during Paul's final imprisonment in Rome, likely shortly before his martyrdom. It is a deeply personal and urgent letter, full of encouragement, warnings, and instructions for Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus and facing the challenges of false teachers and spiritual compromise. Paul urges Timothy to remain steadfast in the face of these difficulties (2 Timothy 4:3). The "words" Paul refers to are the foundational truths of the Gospel and Christian living that Timothy had learned directly from Paul.

Key Themes

  • Preservation of Truth: Paul commands Timothy to "hold fast" (Greek: eche, meaning to hold, possess, or cling to) the teachings, indicating that Christian truth is a precious deposit to be guarded and not compromised. This is vital for the integrity of the church and the purity of the Gospel message.
  • Apostolic Authority and Succession: The phrase "which thou hast heard of me" underscores that the doctrine Timothy received was not his own invention but came directly from Paul, an apostle of Christ, ensuring its authenticity and divine origin. It also highlights the responsibility of disciples to faithfully transmit what they have been taught.
  • Foundation in Faith and Love: Adherence to sound words is not merely intellectual. It must be rooted "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." This emphasizes that true understanding and obedience to doctrine flow from a living, active relationship with Christ, characterized by trust (faith) and sacrificial devotion (love), which are gifts and characteristics found in Christ Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "form of sound words" translates the Greek hypotyposis hugiainonton logon. Hypotyposis means an outline, pattern, or standard – suggesting a definitive mold or summary of Christian truth that serves as a guide. Hugiainonton logon literally means "healthy words" or "wholesome words," implying doctrine that is spiritually beneficial, life-giving, and free from corruption, much like a healthy body is free from disease. This concept of "sound doctrine" is a recurring and crucial theme in Paul's pastoral epistles, essential for the spiritual well-being of believers and the church (Titus 2:1).

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Timothy 1:13 serves as a timeless reminder to diligently adhere to biblical truth. In a world with diverse teachings and shifting values, it is crucial to discern and cling to the authentic Gospel message delivered by the apostles. This involves:

  • Diligent Study: Regularly engaging with the Bible to understand God's authoritative word and the pattern of truth it presents (2 Timothy 3:16).
  • Discernment: Evaluating all teachings, whether from pulpits, books, or online sources, against the established pattern of truth found in the Scriptures.
  • Heartfelt Obedience: Allowing faith and love for Christ to be the driving force behind our commitment to sound doctrine, ensuring that our intellectual assent translates into practical, Christ-like living.

This verse encourages all Christians to be guardians of the truth, not just for themselves but for future generations, faithfully passing on the pure Gospel as Paul did to Timothy.

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.

  • 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.

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