King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:20 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:20 in the King James Version says “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science fa...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: science: Gr. knowledge”

1 Timothy 6:20 · KJV

Context

18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute , willing to communicate; willing: or, sociable

19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: science: Gr. knowledge

21

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust (Ὦ Τιμόθεε, τὴν παρακαταθήκην φύλαξον, Ō Timothee, tēn parakatathēkēn phylaxon)—'O Timothy, guard the deposit.' Parakatathēkē means a deposit, something entrusted for safekeeping—the gospel and sound doctrine Paul has entrusted to Timothy. Phylassō means to guard, protect, keep safe. Avoiding profane and vain babblings (ἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας, ektrepomenos tas bebēlous kenophōnias)—'avoiding godless chatter.' Ektrepomai means to turn away from, avoid. Kenophōnia means empty talk, meaningless discussion—from kenos (empty) and phōnē (sound).

And oppositions of science falsely so called (καὶ ἀντιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως, kai antitheseis tēs pseudōnymou gnōseōs)—'and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.' Antithesis means opposition, contradiction. Pseudōnymos means falsely named, misnamed. Gnōsis means knowledge—possibly early Gnosticism, which claimed secret knowledge.

Timothy must guard the gospel deposit against corruption. Avoid empty speculation and false 'knowledge' (proto-Gnostic teaching). Focus on truth entrusted to you, not novel ideas. Ministry requires both positive (guard truth) and negative (avoid error) vigilance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul uses parakatathēkē, a banking term for valuable deposits entrusted to another's care. Timothy holds the gospel in trust—he must protect it from corruption and faithfully transmit it to the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). The false teachers offered impressive-sounding 'knowledge' (gnōsis) that contradicted apostolic teaching. Timothy must avoid their empty chatter and guard sound doctrine.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'deposit' has been entrusted to pastors and teachers—why is 'guarding' it essential?
  2. What contemporary 'falsely called knowledge' threatens to corrupt biblical truth?
  3. How do we balance avoiding error with engaging culture and answering honest questions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Ὦ1 of 14

“O”

G5599

as a sign of the vocative case, o; as a note of exclamation, oh

Τιμόθεε2 of 14

“Timothy”

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

τὴν3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παρακαταθήκην4 of 14

“that which is committed to thy trust”

G3872

something put down alongside, i.e., a deposit (sacred trust)

φύλαξον5 of 14

“keep”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

ἐκτρεπόμενος6 of 14

“avoiding”

G1624

to deflect, i.e., turn away (literally or figuratively)

τὰς7 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βεβήλους8 of 14

“profane”

G952

accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked

κενοφωνίας9 of 14

“and vain babblings”

G2757

empty sounding, i.e., fruitless discussion

καὶ10 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀντιθέσεις11 of 14

“oppositions”

G477

opposition, i.e., a conflict (of theories)

τῆς12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψευδωνύμου13 of 14

“falsely so called”

G5581

untruly named

γνώσεως14 of 14

“of science”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 6:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 6:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:82 Timothy 2:162 Timothy 1:12-14Romans 3:2Colossians 2:181 Timothy 6:14

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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