1 Timothy 6:20
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just telling Timothy to protect a set of facts; he's urging him to safeguard a precious, entrusted "deposit" of truth that belongs to God and is meant for all generations. What's really striking is that this "knowledge" the world offers, which seems so impressive, is described as falsely called knowledge, highlighting its deceptive and ultimately empty nature compared to God's truth.
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to his protégé Timothy, who is pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy is facing pressure from false teachers who are spreading damaging ideas, so Paul's letter is filled with instructions on how to lead and protect the church. This verse immediately follows warnings about the dangers of greed and a charge to pursue righteousness, and it directly precedes exhortations to fight the good fight of faith.
Paul doesn't just tell Timothy to know something, but to guard it. What is this precious 'deposit' he's talking about, and why is it so vital?
What is the 'Deposit'?
This isn't just a collection of facts. Paul refers to the core truths of the Gospel, the teachings he himself had received and passed on to Timothy. Think of it like a sacred heirloom, passed down through generations, entrusted to your care. It's the pure, unadulterated message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Why Guard It?
Paul's urgency comes from the real dangers Timothy faced. False teachers were twisting the truth, leading people astray with fancy words and confusing ideas. Guarding the deposit meant faithfully preserving and proclaiming the truth, even when it was unpopular or difficult.
The world is full of noise – opinions, theories, and 'alternative facts.' Paul warns Timothy about a specific kind of talk that undermines truth. What should we listen for?
The Danger of 'Falsely Called Knowledge'
Paul calls these teachings 'irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called 'knowledge'.' These weren't just honest mistakes; they were deliberately misleading ideas disguised as wisdom. They were 'falsely called knowledge' because they lacked true substance and led people away from God.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Ask a follow-up
Paul urges Timothy to avoid them. This isn't about engaging in endless debates, but about discerning truth from error and steering clear of those who promote falsehood.
Understand the original words
parathēkē · Greek Noun
The Gospel message or apostolic truth committed to a believer’s care; it carries the responsibility of protection, preservation, and faithful transmission.
bebēlous kenophōnias · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to empty, godless, or profane talk that lacks spiritual value; it is often contrasted with the sound doctrine of the Gospel.
gnōsis · Greek Noun
The Greek word 'gnōsis', which in this context refers to elitist, human-centered systems of belief or esoteric claims to superior wisdom that oppose apostolic truth.
The 'knowledge' Paul warns against likely refers to early speculative philosophies that were beginning to subtly infiltrate Christian communities, promising deeper spiritual insight but distorting the core gospel message.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent significant time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, establishing a strong church and combating false teachings. This period laid the groundwork for the pastoral concerns addressed in 1 Timothy.
c. AD 62-64— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Letter to Timothy
During his imprisonment, possibly in Rome, Paul wrote 1 Timothy, addressing it to his young protégé, Timothy. The letter offers guidance on church leadership, doctrine, and combating error.
Early 2nd century AD
Rise of Early Gnostic Ideas
Though not fully developed as Gnosticism, early forms of speculative and 'knowledge'-focused religious thought began to emerge. These ideas often contrasted with the simple, apostolic faith.
c. AD 110
Ignatius of Antioch's Letters
Writings from church leaders like Ignatius show ongoing struggles against heresy and a strong emphasis on guarding the true apostolic tradition, mirroring Paul's concerns.
This passage also speaks to the importance of guarding sound teaching, highlighting that Timothy should hold fast to the 'form of sound words' and guard the 'good deposit' entrusted to him through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 1:9This verse emphasizes the need for church leaders to hold firm to the trustworthy word of God, which aligns with guarding the deposit against false teachings and empty chatter.
Acts 20:29-30Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the danger of 'grievous wolves' entering the flock and speaking distortions, which directly mirrors the warning against 'false knowledge' and its contradictions.
1 John 4:1John advises believers to 'test the spirits to see whether they are from God,' a vital principle for discerning and guarding against the 'falsely called knowledge' mentioned in Timothy.
Paul isn't just telling Timothy to protect a set of facts; he's urging him to safeguard a precious, entrusted "deposit" of truth that belongs to God and is meant for all generations. What's really striking is that this "knowledge" the world offers, which seems so impressive, is described as falsely called knowledge, highlighting its deceptive and ultimately empty nature compared to God's truth.
Paul is writing to his protégé Timothy, who is pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy is facing pressure from false teachers who are spreading damaging ideas, so Paul's letter is filled with instructions on how to lead and protect the church. This verse immediately follows warnings about the dangers of greed and a charge to pursue righteousness, and it directly precedes exhortations to fight the good fight of faith.
Paul is writing to his protégé Timothy, who is pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy is facing pressure from false teachers who are spreading damaging ideas, so Paul's letter is filled with instructions on how to lead and protect the church. This verse immediately follows warnings about the dangers of greed and a charge to pursue righteousness, and it directly precedes exhortations to fight the good fight of faith.
"O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”" — Paul isn't just telling Timothy to protect a set of facts; he's urging him to safeguard a precious, entrusted "deposit" of truth that belongs to God and is meant for all generations. What's really st…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
