2 Timothy 1:14

KJV

That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

KJV (with Strong's)

That good thing {G2570} which was committed unto thee {G3872} keep {G5442} by {G1223} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} which {G3588} dwelleth {G1774} in {G1722} us {G2254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep safe the great treasure that has been entrusted to you, with the help of the Ruach HaKodesh, who lives in us.

Berean Standard Bible

Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

American Standard Version

That good thing which was committed unto thee guard through the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's final charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:14 is a powerful imperative to faithfully guard the sacred trust of the gospel and sound doctrine. This vital responsibility, symbolized as a precious "good thing" or "deposit," is not to be undertaken by human strength alone but is divinely enabled and sustained by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, who resides within every believer. The verse encapsulates the stewardship of truth and the essential role of divine empowerment in Christian life and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit") stands as a pivotal command within Paul's deeply personal and urgent second letter to Timothy. This epistle, likely penned from Paul's final Roman imprisonment, serves as a spiritual last will and testament, urging Timothy, his beloved protégé and a young pastor in Ephesus, to remain steadfast amidst growing challenges. Prior to this verse, Paul has encouraged Timothy to rekindle the gift of God within him ([2 Timothy 1:6](/2_timothy/1-6 "2 Timothy 1:6 - Rekindle the Gift")), reminded him of God's holy calling and gracious purpose ([2 Timothy 1:9](/2_timothy/1-9 "2 Timothy 1:9 - God's Holy Calling")), and exhorted him to "hold fast the form of sound words" ([2 Timothy 1:13](/2_timothy/1-13 "2 Timothy 1:13 - Holding Fast to Sound Words")). Verse 14 directly follows this exhortation, providing the means and power by which Timothy can uphold the truth he has received, emphasizing that this is a divine, not merely human, task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 2 Timothy during a period of intense persecution for Christians under Emperor Nero, likely around A.D. 66-67. Paul himself was imprisoned, facing imminent martyrdom. Timothy, serving in Ephesus, a bustling metropolis known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical currents, was contending with false teachers and internal pressures that threatened the purity of the gospel. In this environment, the concept of a "deposit" (Greek: _parakatathēkē_) was culturally significant. It referred to a valuable item or sum of money entrusted to another for safekeeping, often with legal implications and a high expectation of fidelity. This cultural understanding underscored the immense responsibility placed upon Timothy to guard the sacred truth of the gospel, which was far more valuable than any material treasure. The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers was also a foundational truth for the early church, providing comfort, guidance, and power in a hostile world.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit") contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. The primary theme is the **Stewardship of Truth**, emphasizing that the gospel and sound doctrine are not human inventions but a divine trust committed to believers, especially leaders, to be preserved and passed on faithfully. This ties into the theme of **Faithfulness in Ministry**, as Timothy is called to endure hardship and remain loyal to Christ and His truth ([2 Timothy 2:3](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Enduring Hardship as a Good Soldier")). Crucially, the verse highlights **Divine Empowerment**, asserting that the monumental task of guarding this truth is not accomplished through human effort alone but "by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." This underscores the **Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit** as the source of spiritual strength, wisdom, and discernment for all believers, enabling them to live out their calling and contend for the faith ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Indwelling Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **committed (Greek, _parakatathḗkē'_):** This term (G3872), translated as "that good thing which was committed unto thee," literally means "something put down alongside, i.e., a deposit (sacred trust)." It signifies a precious, valuable item entrusted to someone for safekeeping, implying a solemn responsibility and a high degree of fidelity required from the one receiving the trust. In this context, it refers to the body of Christian truth—the gospel, sound doctrine, and the pattern of healthy teaching—that Paul had imparted to Timothy.
* **keep (Greek, _phylássō'_):** The verb (G5442) means "to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid." It conveys the active, diligent protection of something valuable from harm, loss, or corruption. This is not a passive preservation but an active defense against error, compromise, and neglect, often used in a military context for guarding a post or treasure.
* **dwelleth (Greek, _enoikéō'_):** This verb (G1774), formed from _en_ ("in") and _oikéō_ ("to inhabit"), means "to inhabit (figuratively)." It strongly emphasizes the permanent, intimate, and abiding presence of the Holy Spirit within believers, signifying that the Spirit has taken up residence and continually indwells them, rather than merely visiting temporarily.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That good thing which was committed unto thee":** This phrase refers to the sacred trust of the gospel and sound doctrine that Paul had personally entrusted to Timothy. It is a precious deposit, a body of truth that is inherently "good" (Greek: _kalós_, G2570), meaning beautiful, valuable, and morally excellent. This "good thing" encompasses the entirety of the Christian faith, its core tenets, and the pattern of healthy teaching that Timothy had learned from Paul.
* **"keep by the Holy Ghost":** This is the central command and its divine enablement. Timothy is commanded to "keep" (guard, preserve, protect) this sacred deposit. The crucial qualifier "by the Holy Ghost" indicates that this preservation is not accomplished through human effort or intellectual prowess alone, but through the power, guidance, and enablement of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the divine sufficiency for a human task.
* **"which dwelleth in us":** This clause clarifies the source of the Holy Spirit's power and underscores a foundational New Testament truth. The Holy Spirit is not an external force that occasionally assists but a divine Person who permanently "dwells in" (indwells) believers. The plural "us" indicates that this indwelling is a reality for all believers, not just Timothy, making the Spirit's power universally accessible for guarding the truth and living the Christian life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is central, as "that good thing" functions as a metaphor for the gospel and sound doctrine, likening it to a valuable "deposit" or "sacred trust" that must be guarded. This evokes images of ancient banking or legal practices, emphasizing the immense value and the high degree of responsibility associated with it. The phrase "keep by the Holy Ghost" uses **Synecdoche**, where "Holy Ghost" represents the divine power and enablement necessary for the task, implying the entire person and work of the Spirit. Furthermore, the verse uses **Imperative Mood** ("keep"), which is a direct command, conveying urgency and authority. The repetition of the idea of "trust" or "deposit" from the preceding verses ([2 Timothy 1:12](/2_timothy/1-12 "2 Timothy 1:12 - Paul's Trust in God")) creates a **Thematic Linkage**, reinforcing the continuity of divine entrustment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit") profoundly shapes our understanding of the nature of truth, the responsibility of stewardship, and the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. It posits that Christian truth is not a fluid, evolving concept but a fixed, valuable deposit to be preserved. This preservation is not merely intellectual but involves actively defending the gospel against error and living in accordance with its principles. The verse also underscores the reality of the indwelling Holy Spirit as the divine enabler, reminding believers that while the task of guarding the truth is immense, they are never left to their own limited strength. This divine empowerment ensures that the integrity of God's Word can be maintained through generations, even in the face of opposition.

* [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Indwelling Spirit")
* [1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Deposit")
* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit") serves as a timeless charge for every believer, not just pastors like Timothy. We are all entrusted with the "good thing"—the gospel message, the truth of God's Word, and the pattern of sound doctrine. In an age characterized by shifting moral landscapes, diverse interpretations, and the proliferation of information (and misinformation), the call to "keep" or guard this sacred deposit is more urgent than ever. This involves diligently studying Scripture, discerning truth from error, and courageously upholding biblical principles in our lives and conversations. Crucially, the verse reminds us that this is not a burden to be carried in our own strength. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Timothy indwells every follower of Christ, providing the wisdom, discernment, and spiritual fortitude needed to understand, defend, and live out the truth. Our reliance on the Spirit is paramount for faithful stewardship of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "good things" (truths, doctrines, spiritual gifts) has God entrusted to you personally?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel the greatest challenge to "keep" or guard the truth?**
* **How can you more intentionally rely on the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower you to guard and live out the truth?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better discern truth from error in today's complex world?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is "that good thing" that Timothy was to keep?**
Answer: "That good thing" (Greek: _parakatathḗkē_) refers to the sacred trust or deposit of Christian truth, encompassing the gospel message, sound doctrine, and the pattern of healthy teaching that Paul had imparted to Timothy. It's the sum total of the pure, uncorrupted faith and the divine revelation entrusted to him for preservation and proclamation. It is the truth concerning God's plan of salvation through Christ, the nature of God, and the way of life for believers, all rooted in the teachings of the apostles.

**How does the Holy Spirit help believers "keep" this good thing?**
Answer: The Holy Spirit helps believers "keep" this good thing by providing divine enablement, wisdom, discernment, and power. As the indwelling Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Spirit of Truth")), He guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit Guides into All Truth")), reminds them of Christ's teachings ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Spirit, the Helper")), and empowers them to stand firm against false doctrine and live righteously ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Living by the Spirit")). This divine assistance ensures that the preservation of truth is not a human burden but a Spirit-empowered mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in recognizing that the "good thing" to be guarded is fundamentally the truth about Jesus Christ Himself. He is the **Truth** incarnate ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and the **fullness of the Godhead bodily** ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Christ")). Therefore, to "keep" the good deposit is to guard the revelation of Christ, His person, His saving work, and His ongoing Lordship. The Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, is the **Spirit of Christ** ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")), whose primary mission is to glorify Jesus ([John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Glorifies Christ")) and lead believers into a deeper understanding of Him. Thus, the command to guard the truth by the Spirit is a call to preserve and proclaim the centrality of Christ, ensuring that the church's message remains anchored in Him, the ultimate "good thing" given to humanity.

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

John 14:17

[Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

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:

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.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: