Sound Doctrine... What does that mean?

[Indentured Servant]

Both Timothy and Titus use the phrase "sound doctrine" twice in their respective letters.

In the context of each, or all, of these passages of Scripture, what is "sound doctrine?"

What does it mean?

What is the goal of Timothy and Titus by saying this?

 

[Colo Millz]

“Sound doctrine” in Timothy and Titus means healthy, life-giving teaching consistent with the gospel of Christ. It is teaching that nourishes faith and produces godliness, as opposed to false, diseased, or flattering doctrines that destroy the soul. Paul presses this theme because the goal of Timothy and Titus is to guard the gospel, protect the church, and form a community whose life reflects the truth they confess.

 

[Indentured Servant]

“Sound doctrine” in Timothy and Titus means healthy, life-giving teaching consistent with the gospel of Christ. It is teaching that nourishes faith and produces godliness, as opposed to false, diseased, or flattering doctrines that destroy the soul. Paul presses this theme because the goal of Timothy and Titus is to guard the gospel, protect the church, and form a community whose life reflects the truth they confess.

Well stated.

Your response surprised me... Most people don't articulate that well.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Both Timothy and Titus use the phrase "sound doctrine" twice in their respective letters.

In the context of each, or all, of these passages of Scripture, what is "sound doctrine?"

What does it mean?

What is the goal of Timothy and Titus by saying this?

Sound doctrine is what sounds good to a particular denomination or tradition.

The original sound doctrine is lost.

 

[Indentured Servant]

Sound doctrine is what sounds good to a particular denomination or tradition.

The original sound doctrine is lost.

I certainly share that sentiment.

That is, in part, why I chose this question.

It's my way of getting to know people; and, usually, that helps me to gauge their general mindset, and ability to communicate in the love of Christ.

So far, I'm surprised that I haven't been "schooled" by someone with a hardcore doctrinal prowess.

Most of the churches that I used to attend, spoke often of "sound doctrine," but, as you indicated, that only meant "we're right, everyone else is wrong."

I started noticing that every church claimed to only preach "sound doctrine," but it was the pew-warmers from who I kept hearing, "Oh, our pastor only preaches 'sound doctrine'," but no one ever knew what it meant from a Scriptural perspective.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I certainly share that sentiment.

That is, in part, why I chose this question.

It's my way of getting to know people; and, usually, that helps me to gauge their general mindset, and ability to communicate in the love of Christ.

So far, I'm surprised that I haven't been "schooled" by someone with a hardcore doctrinal prowess.

Most of the churches that I used to attend, spoke often of "sound doctrine," but, as you indicated, that only meant "we're right, everyone else is wrong."

I started noticing that every church claimed to only preach "sound doctrine," but it was the pew-warmers from who I kept hearing, "Oh, our pastor only preaches 'sound doctrine'," but no one ever knew what it meant from a Scriptural perspective.

For me, sound doctrine results in a lifestyle that does not hinder, but enhances one's connection and relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said we would know false prophets by their fruit, so it works the other way around too.

 

[martymonster]

Sound doctrine is what sounds good to a particular denomination or tradition.

The original sound doctrine is lost.

What do you mean "the original sound doctrine is lost"

 

[Gregory Thompson]

What do you mean "the original sound doctrine is lost"

The original sound doctrine that existed prior to the church becoming state religions stopped being practiced and thus no longer exists.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

Both Timothy and Titus use the phrase "sound doctrine" twice in their respective letters.

In the context of each, or all, of these passages of Scripture, what is "sound doctrine?"

What does it mean?

What is the goal of Timothy and Titus by saying this?

Here are all the NT instances of ὑγιαίνω (the word translated sound in reference to sound doctrine in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus)...

• Luke 5:31 - Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
• Luke 7:10 - And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
• Luke 15:27 - And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’
• 1 Tim 1:10 - for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
• 1 Tim 6:3 - If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
• 2 Tim 1:13 - Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
• 2 Tim 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
• Titus 1:9 - holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
• Titus 1:13 - This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
• Titus 2:1 - But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
• Titus 2:2 - that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
• 3 John 2 - Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

Sound doctrine is what sounds good to a particular denomination or tradition.

The original sound doctrine is lost.

Well, we still do have a Sure and Steadfast Anchor Who is trustworthy in every regard. And our doctrine is sound if/when we get it from Him.

 

[Richard T]

What do you mean "the original sound doctrine is lost"

Great question and responses.

Here are a few of candidates for what "sound doctrine" can mean.

Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV)
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Though not exactly sound doctrine itself, this scripture struck me as how there are different versions, and different deliveries from men teaching or preaching the word.

Mark 1:22 (KJV)
22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Here is Strong's definition of authority.
exousia
from <G1832> (exesti) (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subject) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (object) mastery (concrete magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence :- authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Too often people teach and preach the word and it is not mixed with the heart and mind of God, but rather the dryness of theology or man's own meaning. Such doctrine can still be right but in addition to merely saying something, God (at least to many) still demonstrates the power of his Spirit. Good doctrine can be conveyed in a manner that is dynamic, influential, and demonstrates the power of God. Though this does not define sound doctrine it does help us to recognize when it is given. Of course, it has to align with the word and bear witness too.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (KJV)
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Zodhiates word study shows that doctrine is associated with how something is taught as well as the content. Note too there are two different but similar words for doctrine in the bible.
"Essentially didaché is the same as didaskalía <G1319>, sometimes meaning the manner of teaching and sometimes the content of teaching. Both are used in the act. and pass. senses, i.e., the act of teaching and the content of what is taught. However, it is to be noted that the pass. sense is predominant in didaché and the act. sense in didaskalía. In didaché, we have incorporated the authority of that which is taught, and didaskalía predominates in the act or art of teaching. Didaché is used only twice in the Pastoral Epistles (2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9) while didaskalía, with a stress on the art of teaching, occurs fifteen times."
Complete Word Study Dictionary,

 

[martymonster]

The original sound doctrine that existed prior to the church becoming state religions stopped being practiced and thus no longer exists.

Can you give me an example of sound doctrine?

 

[martymonster]

Great question and responses.

Here are a few of candidates for what "sound doctrine" can mean.

Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV)
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Though not exactly sound doctrine itself, this scripture struck me as how there are different versions, and different deliveries from men teaching or preaching the word.

Mark 1:22 (KJV)
22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Here is Strong's definition of authority.
exousia
from <G1832> (exesti) (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subject) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (object) mastery (concrete magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence :- authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Too often people teach and preach the word and it is not mixed with the heart and mind of God, but rather the dryness of theology or man's own meaning. Such doctrine can still be right but in addition to merely saying something, God (at least to many) still demonstrates the power of his Spirit. Good doctrine can be conveyed in a manner that is dynamic, influential, and demonstrates the power of God. Though this does not define sound doctrine it does help us to recognize when it is given. Of course, it has to align with the word and bear witness too.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (KJV)
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Zodhiates word study shows that doctrine is associated with how something is taught as well as the content. Note too there are two different but similar words for doctrine in the bible.
"Essentially didaché is the same as didaskalía <G1319>, sometimes meaning the manner of teaching and sometimes the content of teaching. Both are used in the act. and pass. senses, i.e., the act of teaching and the content of what is taught. However, it is to be noted that the pass. sense is predominant in didaché and the act. sense in didaskalía. In didaché, we have incorporated the authority of that which is taught, and didaskalía predominates in the act or art of teaching. Didaché is used only twice in the Pastoral Epistles (2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9) while didaskalía, with a stress on the art of teaching, occurs fifteen times."
Complete Word Study Dictionary,

1Ti 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

So if we look at this verse, we see that sound doctrine is highlighted as being the opposite of what liars teach. So something that is not sound doctrine is just lies.

 

[Indentured Servant]

Here are all the NT instances of ὑγιαίνω (the word translated sound in reference to sound doctrine in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus)...

• Luke 5:31 - Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
• Luke 7:10 - And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
• Luke 15:27 - And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’
• 1 Tim 1:10 - for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
• 1 Tim 6:3 - If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
• 2 Tim 1:13 - Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
• 2 Tim 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
• Titus 1:9 - holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
• Titus 1:13 - This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
• Titus 2:1 - But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
• Titus 2:2 - that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
• 3 John 2 - Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Do you have any thoughts about this one Greek word translated with these five different English words: sound, well, wholesome, safe, and health?

Do you have any thoughts on the meaning of the word "sound" in eight of those twelve references?

Or, do you view this as an inconsistently translated word that has one simple correct translation?

Perhaps, you see them each as correct, and that we're given the liberty to make them "work for us" in English, since there's not always an accurate translation?

 

[Richard T]

1Ti 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

So if we look at this verse, we see that sound doctrine is highlighted as being the opposite of what liars teach. So something that is not sound doctrine is just lies.

Yes, but in the natural it is impossible to know if the doctrine is correct or not. We have the word and for salvation it seems pretty simple for most. However, there are other areas that are not specific enough to know at face value. (the end times for instance) Perhaps God wanted it that way so that we would rely on the teacher of the Holy Spirit?

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Well, we still do have a Sure and Steadfast Anchor Who is trustworthy in every regard. And our doctrine is sound if/when we get it from Him.

Even if said doctrines logically contradict one another.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Can you give me an example of sound doctrine?

Probably not, you seem ready to turn again and rend me.

Even if you don't, there is always someone who will.

Another lesson about sound doctrine: If you understand it, and it produces good fruit, continue producing good fruit. Translating into a human language results in corruption anyway.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

Do you have any thoughts about this one Greek word translated with these five different English words: sound, well, wholesome, safe, and health?

I am not a Koine Greek expert so I rely on expert advice. As in English and other languages, Greek words have a range of meaning. In this case, according to Louw-Nida and BDAG, this particular word can either mean be healthy or be correct. Here is BDAG's entry...

ὑγιαίνω (ὑγιής; Theognis, Hdt.+; ins, pap, LXX, TestSol; TestJob 35, 2; Test12Patr; Philo, Joseph.; Ath., R. 2 p. 49, 30)​

① to be in good physical health, be healthy, lit. Mt 8:13 v.l.; Lk 5:31 (Artem. 4, 22 οὐ τοῖς ὑγιαίνουσιν ἀλλὰ τοῖς κάμνουσιν δεῖ θεραπειῶν); 7:10; 15:27. As a formula in an epistolary greeting (e.g. Ltzm., Griech. Papyri2 [=Kl. T. 14] 1910 no. 1, 3 [=BGU 423]; 2, 3 [=BGU 846]; 8, 3 [=BGU 27]; 9, 4 [=BGU 38] and oft. in pap; cp. EpArist 41) 3J 2.​

② to be sound or free from error, be correct, fig. in the Pastoral Epistles w. ref. to Christian teaching: ὑγιαίνουσα διδασκαλία 1 Ti 1:10; 2 Ti 4:3; Tit 1:9; 2:1. ὑγιαίνοντες λόγοι 1 Ti 6:3; 2 Ti 1:13. ὑγιαίνειν (ἐν) τῇ πίστει Tit 1:13; 2:2 (on its use w. the dat. cp. Jos., C. Ap. 1, 222). Cp. λόγος ὑγιής Tit 2:8 (ὑγιής 2). Thus, in accord w. prevailing usage, Christian teaching is designated as correct instruction, since it is reasonable and appeals to sound intelligence (Plut., Mor. 2f αὗται γάρ εἰσιν ὑγιαίνουσαι περὶ θεῶν δόξαι καὶ ἀληθεῖς ‘these are sound views about the gods and true’; Philo, Abr. 223 al. τοὺς ὑγιαίνοντας λόγους; Jos., C. Ap. 1, 222 οἱ ὑγιαίνοντες τῇ κρίσει [opp. ἀνόητοι]; Ath., R. 2 p. 49, 30 οὐχ ὑγιαινούσῃ κρίσει … χρωμένων. S. also ὑγιής 2).—MDibelius, Hdb. exc. on 1 Ti 1:10.—DELG s.v. ὑγιής. M-M. TW.​

Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). In A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 1023). University of Chicago Press.​

Do you have any thoughts on the meaning of the word "sound" in eight of those twelve references?

I think we see that the basic concept of the word in regard to words, doctrine, and faith is that "sound" means "free from error". This is very similar to how the word is used in regard to physical health in that "healthy" means "free from pathogens, etc". So we might conclude the word means "free from destructive things" and could speak to physical health and spiritual health.

Or, do you view this as an inconsistently translated word that has one simple correct translation?

No, I don't think that.

Perhaps, you see them each as correct, and that we're given the liberty to make them "work for us" in English, since there's not always an accurate translation?

No, I don't think that either. I think we need to try to understand the words themselves. And in this case, the different uses of the word in the NT flavor our understanding in a positive way. And the end-result is that we understand better what is meant by "sound doctrine".

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

Even if said doctrines logically contradict one another.

I pointed to Jesus, our teacher and guide, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3), and who also lives in our hearts (Col 1:27). If any of our doctrines are from Him, then those doctrines are sound. If any of our doctrines are in error, then those doctrines are not from Him.

It is sound doctrine to say that He has the truth, He teaches us the truth, and we have the truth when we learn it from Him.

And as we walk with Him in the newness of life, He leads, guides, directs, corrects, and comforts us from the intimacy of our own hearts. He challenges our false beliefs and inspires us to grasp sound beliefs so that over time a larger body of sound doctrine forms and the instances of false doctrines we hold shrinks.

9 “Whom will he teach knowledge?​

And whom will he make to understand the message?​

Those just weaned from milk?​

Those just drawn from the breasts?​

10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept,​

Line upon line, line upon line,​

Here a little, there a little.”​

​

The New King James Version (Is 28:9–10). (1982). Thomas Nelson.​

 

[Indentured Servant]

I think we see that the basic concept of the word in regard to words, doctrine, and faith is that "sound" means "free from error". This is very similar to how the word is used in regard to physical health in that "healthy" means "free from pathogens, etc". So we might conclude the word means "free from destructive things" and could speak to physical health and spiritual health

I can see where you're coming from; and, I have encountered that view, though always lacking any mention of the Greek translation.

While I do appreciate your full scholarly response, I do not see the "free from pathogens/free from destructive things" connection.

Forgive my following, but it seems contrived. It sounds like a philosophized link between two unrelated words, one of them being a vague English word that's meaning is easily manipulated.

It is an interesting thought, but I don't I see that the Greek language has as many words with as many meanings as we see in our various English translations, or just in the English language, itself

I did thoroughly enjoy reading your entire response. Your research is well done, and formatted intelligently.