### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G3866}}` παραθήκη (parathēkē) derives from the verb `{{G3908}}` παρατίθημι (paratithēmi), which means "to place beside," "to commit," or "to entrust." Therefore, parathēkē fundamentally signifies "a deposit" or "something placed alongside for safekeeping." Its semantic range extends from a literal financial or material deposit to a more profound, figurative sense of a sacred trust or charge. This implies a high degree of confidence on the part of the one entrusting and a weighty obligation of faithfulness on the part of the one receiving the deposit. It is a valuable item or concept that is committed to another's care, with the expectation that it will be guarded, preserved, and perhaps returned or passed on intact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G3866}}` παραθήκη appears twice in the New Testament, exclusively within Paul's pastoral letters to Timothy, highlighting its specific theological importance in the context of ministry and the preservation of truth.
1. [[1 Timothy 6:20]]: "O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called 'knowledge'..." Here, Paul directly charges Timothy to "guard" (φυλάσσω) the parathēkē. The context strongly suggests that this "deposit" refers to the sound doctrine, the gospel truth, or the very ministry of the gospel that Paul has committed to Timothy. It is something precious and vulnerable to corruption by false teachings and empty philosophical debates. The imperative to "guard" underscores the active and vigilant responsibility required to protect this sacred trust.
2. [[2 Timothy 1:12]]: "for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." In this poignant declaration, Paul speaks of his *own* parathēkē—his life, his ministry, his eternal destiny—which he has entrusted *to God*. This is a significant reversal of the previous usage, demonstrating Paul's ultimate confidence in God's faithfulness and power to preserve what has been committed to Him. It speaks of a deep, personal trust in God's sovereign care amidst suffering and impending death.
3. [[2 Timothy 1:14]]: "By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." This verse echoes the charge from [[1 Timothy 6:20]] but adds a crucial dimension: the enabling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The "good deposit" (καλὴν παραθήκην) is again the gospel message and Christian truth. The addition of the Holy Spirit emphasizes that the monumental task of guarding this sacred trust is not accomplished by human strength alone, but by divine empowerment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{G3908}}` παρατίθημι (paratithēmi): The verbal root of parathēkē, meaning "to commit," "to entrust," "to place beside." Understanding the action of entrusting helps illuminate the nature of the object entrusted. For instance, Jesus committing His spirit to the Father ([[Luke 23:46]]) or the apostles committing themselves to God's grace ([[Acts 14:23]]).
* `{{G4102}}` πίστις (pistis): Faith, trust, faithfulness. The concept of parathēkē is intrinsically linked to pistis—both the faith of the one entrusting and the faithfulness required of the one receiving the trust.
* `{{G2098}}` εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion): Gospel. The "deposit" often refers to the content of the gospel message, the truth about Jesus Christ, which must be preserved and propagated.
* `{{G1319}}` διδασκαλία (didaskalia): Teaching, doctrine. The parathēkē includes sound Christian teaching, which must be protected from corruption and false interpretations.
* Stewardship: The biblical concept of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources, responsibilities, or truths by God and are accountable for their management, closely aligns with the meaning of parathēkē.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{G3866}}` παραθήκη carries profound theological significance, illuminating several key aspects of Christian life and ministry:
1. **The Sacredness of Divine Truth:** The repeated exhortation to "guard the deposit" underscores the immense value and sacredness of the gospel message and sound doctrine. It is not something to be trifled with or altered, but a precious trust to be preserved in its purity. This highlights the importance of theological fidelity and the dangers of doctrinal drift.
2. **Human Responsibility in Ministry:** For Timothy, the parathēkē represents a solemn charge from God, mediated through Paul. It emphasizes the weighty responsibility of ministers and all believers to uphold, protect, and faithfully transmit the truth of God's Word to future generations. This is a call to vigilance against false teachings and a commitment to sound biblical instruction.
3. **God's Unwavering Faithfulness:** Paul's personal parathēkē in [[2 Timothy 1:12]] reveals a deep theological truth: God is utterly trustworthy. He is able to guard what is committed to Him, providing ultimate security and assurance for believers. This serves as a powerful source of comfort and hope, knowing that our eternal destiny rests securely in God's capable hands.
4. **The Empowering Role of the Holy Spirit:** The explicit mention of the Holy Spirit in [[2 Timothy 1:14]] signifies that the task of guarding the parathēkē is not accomplished by human effort alone. It is a divine work, enabled and sustained by the indwelling Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and empowers them for faithful service.
5. **The Continuity of the Gospel:** The concept of a "deposit" implies something passed down. Paul entrusted the parathēkē to Timothy, who in turn was to entrust it to faithful men who would be able to teach others also ([[2 Timothy 2:2]]). This establishes a vital principle of spiritual succession and the ongoing transmission of the gospel through the generations.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3866}}` παραθήκη (parathēkē) denotes a sacred deposit or trust, derived from the verb `{{G3908}}` παρατίθημι meaning "to commit" or "to entrust." In the pastoral epistles, it primarily refers to the gospel truth, sound doctrine, or the ministry itself, which Timothy is charged to "guard" diligently from corruption ([[1 Timothy 6:20]]; [[2 Timothy 1:14]]). This highlights the profound human responsibility to preserve divine revelation and maintain theological purity, a task enabled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Conversely, Paul also employs parathēkē to describe his own life and eternal destiny, which he has entrusted to God's unfailing ability to guard until the Day of Christ ([[2 Timothy 1:12]]). This usage underscores God's perfect faithfulness and provides immense comfort in His sovereign care. Thus, parathēkē encapsulates both the weighty stewardship of divine truth entrusted to humanity and the comforting assurance of God's secure custody over those who place their ultimate trust in Him.
TRV