2 Timothy 1 13

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.

2 Timothy 1:13 nkjv

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13 niv

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13 esv

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13 nlt

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me ? a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 13 Meaning

This verse instructs Timothy to actively retain and uphold the established, wholesome pattern of doctrine that he received directly from Paul. This retention is not merely intellectual, but must be founded and maintained within a sphere of true faith and Christ-centered love, emphasizing that sound teaching and proper spiritual disposition are inseparable, both ultimately derived from union with Christ Jesus. It calls for guarding the true Christian faith against deviation by holding to its foundational apostolic blueprint.

2 Timothy 1 13 Context

Paul's second letter to Timothy is his final inspired writing, penned from a Roman prison and reflecting the anticipation of his impending martyrdom. He encourages Timothy, his spiritual son, to persevere in ministry amidst rising opposition and false teaching. Chapter 1 begins with a call for Timothy to stir up the gift within him (v. 6), emphasizing the power, love, and self-control that come from God, contrasting with a spirit of timidity (v. 7). Paul models boldness in proclaiming the gospel and enduring suffering (vv. 8-12), reminding Timothy of the foundational truths he has received. Verse 13, therefore, directly follows Paul's personal testimony and charge, serving as a vital command to Timothy regarding the faithful preservation and transmission of the sound doctrine (the "deposit" mentioned in v. 14) that Paul had delivered to him. This charge is especially crucial given the challenges posed by pervasive false teachings (e.g., 2 Tim 2:16-18, 3:1-9, 4:3-4) threatening the integrity of the Christian message and the spiritual health of the church in Ephesus, where Timothy served.

2 Timothy 1 13 Word analysis

• Hold fast (ἔχε - eche): This is a strong imperative, meaning "to continue to possess," "to retain," "to keep," or "to adhere firmly to." It's not a passive act of remembering, but an active, continuous engagement to maintain ownership and grip on the truth. It suggests diligent safeguarding against compromise or erosion.
• the form (ὑποτύπωσιν - hypotyposin): This Greek word signifies a "pattern," "outline," "model," "standard," or "exemplar." It denotes an accurate and foundational sketch or template, not just random ideas, but an underlying structure or essence of truth. It implies a definitive mold for sound teaching.
• of sound (ὑγιαινόντων - hygiainontōn): Derived from hygiainō, meaning "to be healthy" or "to be well." When applied to words or doctrine, it describes teaching that is wholesome, robust, nourishing, and promotes spiritual health and vitality. It contrasts sharply with sickly, diseased, or corrupt doctrines that bring spiritual harm.
• words (λόγων - logōn): Refers to "teachings," "doctrines," or the comprehensive "message." It encompasses the full body of Christian truth as communicated and preached.
• which thou hast heard of me (ὧν παρ’ ἐμοῦ ἤκουσας - hōn par’ emou ēkousas): This highlights the direct, apostolic origin and authority of the doctrine Timothy received. It connects the "sound words" to Paul, an apostle uniquely commissioned by Christ, grounding the truth in divine revelation conveyed through a legitimate and authoritative human channel.
• in faith and love (ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ - en pistei kai agapē): These are not merely conditions, but the spiritual sphere or disposition in which the holding fast must occur.
  • faith (pistis): Signifies trust, belief, and reliance on God and His Word. It's the conviction necessary to receive and embrace divine truth.
  • love (agape): Refers to self-sacrificial, divine love. It's the benevolent disposition towards God and fellow believers, crucial for proper understanding and application of truth. These virtues are essential for a non-intellectualized, lived appropriation of doctrine.
• which is in Christ Jesus (τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ - tē en Christō Iēsou): This phrase indicates that both the "faith" and "love" mentioned are not humanly generated or innate qualities, but are divinely empowered, originate from, and exist solely by virtue of union with Christ Jesus. Christ is the sphere, the source, and the essence of this true faith and divine love. It underscores that spiritual capabilities and sound doctrine are entirely Christ-centered.

• The pattern of sound words: This phrase stresses that Paul's teaching was not chaotic but orderly and foundational. It was a clear, discernable blueprint for the entire Christian faith, vital for building and maintaining healthy Christian living and churches, especially in times when the essence of truth was being challenged. This "pattern" provided both content and structure to true belief.
• Heard of me in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus: This grouping emphasizes that the reception and retention of true doctrine is both experiential (heard from a reliable source, Paul) and spiritual. It’s not just a cognitive exercise. The divine qualities of faith and love, which flow from one's union with Christ, enable one to genuinely grasp and cling to the "sound words," contrasting with those who hold truth intellectually but without true spiritual commitment.

2 Timothy 1 13 Bonus section

The concept of "holding fast the form" can be understood in the context of ancient education, where students would commit a "typology" or pattern to memory as the foundation for further study and application. This implies that the initial, core instruction was paramount and must be mastered. Paul uses the term hypotyposis (pattern/example) elsewhere in 1 Tim 1:16 to describe himself as an "example" (hypotyposis) of God's patience for those who believe, indicating that the concept applies to both doctrine and Christian character. Thus, holding fast to the "pattern of sound words" also means holding fast to the character exemplified by those who teach these sound words faithfully. The enduring nature of truth necessitates a strong, active grip to prevent drift in an age susceptible to doctrinal innovation and spiritual laxity. The presence of true faith and love, springing from Christ Jesus, functions as the spiritual "glue" and "guardian" for this adherence. Without these foundational spiritual realities, even intellectually "sound" words can become barren or distorted.

2 Timothy 1 13 Commentary

In 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul gives Timothy a crucial, concise command for spiritual fidelity: "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." This verse encapsulates the apostolic concern for doctrinal purity and its organic connection to practical Christian living.

The core instruction is to "hold fast" (eche), an active and continuous act of clinging, preserving, and upholding. It's an urgent charge to safeguard a precious possession. This possession is described as "the form of sound words" (hypotyposis hygiainontōn logōn). "Form" implies a distinct and accurate pattern or blueprint, suggesting that Paul's teachings were not random but conveyed a structured, authoritative summary of the gospel. "Sound" describes this teaching as wholesome and healthy, directly contributing to spiritual vitality, contrasting with doctrines that lead to spiritual illness or decay. This "sound doctrine" represents the life-giving truth of the gospel and its implications for faith and practice.

The origin of these words is personal and authoritative: "which thou hast heard of me." This grounds Timothy's commitment in Paul's direct apostolic instruction, underscoring the authenticity and divinely revealed nature of the truth. Paul's personal discipleship of Timothy is a model for passing down true doctrine.

Finally, the verse clarifies how this holding fast is to occur: "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." This is critical. It’s not merely an intellectual assent to correct propositions, but a living adherence that is nourished and empowered by genuine faith in God and sacrificial love for others. Crucially, these virtues themselves are not humanly manufactured but have their source and sphere "in Christ Jesus." Union with Christ is the spiritual power house for both the understanding and the lived application of sound doctrine. It signifies that theological orthodoxy must be embedded within spiritual vitality, and both originate from our union with the Lord Jesus Christ. This means sound doctrine should lead to a life characterized by Christ-like faith and love, demonstrating its truth and power.

Practically, this verse calls believers to:

• Discern and grasp core biblical truth: Understand the "pattern" of fundamental Christian teaching, rather than being swayed by every novel idea.
• Guard what has been entrusted: Actively protect pure doctrine within personal belief and the community of faith, being wary of false teachings that corrupt spiritual health.
• Live out doctrine in love and faith: Ensure that theological understanding translates into a life marked by deep trust in Christ and genuine affection for God and others, knowing these spiritual graces are empowered by Christ Himself.