2 Timothy 1:13 - Exposition

Hold for hold fast, A.V.; pattern for form, A.V.; from for of, A.V. Hold ( ἔχε ). This use of ἔχειν in the pastoral Epistles is somewhat peculiar. In 1 Timothy 1:19 , ἔχων πίστιν , "holding faith;" in 1 Timothy 3:6 , ἔχοντας τὰ μυστήριον , "holding the mystery of the faith; ' and here, "hold the pattern," etc. It seems to have a more active sense than merely "have," and yet not to have the very active sense of "hold fast." It may, however, well be doubted whether ἔχε here is used in even as strong a sense as in the other two passages, inasmuch as here it follows instead of preceding the substantive (see Alford, in loc. ) . The pattern ( ὑποτύπωσιν ); only here and 1 Timothy 1:16 (where see note), where it manifestly means a "pattern," not a "form." The word signifies a "sketch," or "outline." St. Paul's meaning, therefore, seems to be: "For your own guidance in teaching the flock committed to you, and for a pattern which you will try and always copy, have before you the pattern or outline of sound words which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." Sound words ( ὑγιαινόντων λόγων ); see 1 Timothy 1:10 , note. In faith and love ; either hold the pattern in faith and love, or which you have heard in faith and love.