King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 1:13 Mean?

2 Timothy 1:13 in the King James Version says “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

FaithLove

Context

11

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

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. believed: or, trusted

13

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14

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

15

This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Read 2 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Paul commands Timothy to "hold fast" (echō, ἔχω combined with imperative force)—grasp firmly, maintain tenaciously. The object is "the form of sound words" (hypotypōsin hygiainontōn logōn, ὑποτύπωσιν ὑγιαινόντων λόγων). The noun hypotypōsis (ὑποτύπωσις) means "pattern, model, standard"—a reliable template or outline. "Sound" (hygiainontōn, ὑγιαινόντων) literally means "healthy" (from which we get "hygiene")—doctrine promoting spiritual health versus error that corrupts.

Paul refers to the apostolic teaching Timothy received directly from him—not novel speculation but transmitted truth. In an era without New Testament Scriptures widely available, oral apostolic tradition was crucial. Timothy must faithfully preserve and transmit this "pattern of sound words" without addition, subtraction, or distortion. This protects against both liberalism (abandoning core doctrine) and innovation (adding non-apostolic teaching).

This holding fast must occur "in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (en pistei kai agapē tē en Christō Iēsou, ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). Faith and love form the indispensable context for maintaining sound doctrine. Faith alone without love becomes cold orthodoxy producing arrogant heresy hunters. Love without faithful doctrine becomes sentimental compromise tolerating soul-destroying error. Both faith and love must be "in Christ Jesus"—rooted in union with Him, not human achievement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church faced constant threats to doctrinal purity. False teachers in Ephesus taught "profane and vain babblings" (2:16), denying bodily resurrection (2:18) and promoting asceticism based on proto-Gnostic dualism (1 Timothy 4:3). Without completed New Testament canon, churches relied on apostolic teaching transmitted orally and through letters. The "pattern of sound words" Paul mentions represents early creedal formulations and hymns (like Philippians 2:6-11, 1 Timothy 3:16) summarizing core gospel truth. Timothy's responsibility was preserving this deposit against corruption and passing it faithfully to the next generation of teachers (2:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific doctrines constitute the "pattern of sound words" you must hold fast against contemporary challenges to biblical truth?
  2. How can you balance contending for sound doctrine (faith) while maintaining Christlike love, avoiding both compromise and loveless orthodoxy?
  3. Who are you teaching and training to preserve and transmit sound doctrine faithfully to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὑποτύπωσιν1 of 16

“the form”

G5296

typification under (after), i.e., (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation

ἔχε2 of 16

“Hold fast”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὑγιαινόντων3 of 16

“of sound”

G5198

to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)

λόγων4 of 16

“words”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ὧν5 of 16

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρ'6 of 16

“of”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἐμοῦ7 of 16

“me”

G1700

of me

ἤκουσας8 of 16

“thou hast heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐν9 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πίστει10 of 16

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

ἀγάπῃ12 of 16

“love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τῇ13 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν14 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ15 of 16

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ·16 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 1:13 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 2 Timothy 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 1:92 Timothy 3:14Philippians 4:9Romans 6:172 Timothy 2:2Revelation 3:11

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes