What does the Greek word for 'that good thing' in 2 Timothy 1:14 mean?
In 2 Timothy 1:14, the Greek term rendered 'that good thing' means a deposit—something entrusted for safekeeping. It implies both security and expected increase, like dividends or interest. The instruction is to keep the deposit and let it earn a return, not merely hold it idle.
Les explains that the Greek word translated as 'this good thing' in 2 Timothy 1:14 is 'the deposit.' The verse says, 'That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Spirit who dwelleth in us.' When someone deposits something, they first look for security. Second, especially in an age of investments, a good deposit is expected to bring a dividend, interest, or return. Les says the word carries all of that meaning. Timothy was told, in effect, 'Keep the deposit, and let it earn dividends and interest. Don't just sit on it.' Les connects this to Jesus' parable of the talents in the Gospels: He did not want the servants to bury what they were given, but to go out and increase. The same admonition, Les says, is good for all of us.
That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
More Questions
What does 'the good thing committed unto thee' mean in the Greek in 2 Timothy 1:14?
In the Greek, the word 'thing' in 'that good thing which was committed unto thee' is really 'the deposit,' and the deposit is that volume of truth Paul's letters call the mystery.