1 Timothy 6:20
What does 1 Timothy 6:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:20 means
Paul’s closing appeal is urgent and intimate: “O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee.” The “deposit” is the gospel and the sound teaching entrusted to him. Guarding it means holding it faithfully, teaching it clearly, and refusing corrupt mixtures. Timothy must turn away from “profane babblings” and the contentious “oppositions” of so-called “knowledge.” Not all learning is wisdom; some claims to insight are irreverent noise that undermine faith. The pastor’s task includes discerning avoidance—refusing to dignify empty talk with attention—and careful vigilance over the treasure of truth, for the health of the church and the honor of Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
KJV
King James Version · 1611O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949O Timothy, take good care of that which is given to you, turning away from the wrong and foolish talk and arguments of that knowledge which is falsely so named;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the profane vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding the profane novelties of words and oppositions of knowledge falsely so called.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890O Timotheus, keep the entrusted deposit, avoiding profane, vain babblings, and oppositions of false-named knowledge,
Context
After addressing the wealthy (verses 17–19), Paul returns to Timothy personally. Verse 20 summarizes the letter’s burden: protect the entrusted gospel and avoid the false teaching that breeds disputes. The phrase “falsely so called” rebukes pretentious claims to superior knowledge tearing at the church in Ephesus. The final verse (21) will note that some, professing such knowledge, have missed the mark and wandered from the faith, and will close with a benediction of grace—fitting, since God’s grace is the supply Timothy needs to persevere in this stewardship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:6
from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking;
- 1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
- 1 Timothy 1:4
neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.
- Romans 3:2
Much every way: first of all, that they were intrusted with the oracles of God.
- 2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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