Written by Paul J Bucknell on July, 01, 2023

Sound Doctrine: A Word Study on Sound Teaching

Christians and churches sometimes use the phrase ‘sound doctrine’ to express their commitment to be theologically accurate. In some circles, the term has come to carry an extra meaning: that our group is better because we are more committed to keeping what is proper theology. 

Let’s examine what the Bible teaches about ‘sound doctrine.’

A Word Study on Sound Doctrine

Six times versions of this phrase, sound doctrine, are used, all in the pastoral epistles. I have taken the liberty to include the one verse (1 Tim 6:3) to the list even though ‘words’ is used instead of ‘teaching.’ Likewise, I have also included 1 Tim 4:6, where Paul used ‘good’ instead of the regular word healthy (i.e., sound). 

The six verses below include the Greek translation for the emboldened words. In the final reference section, we include the complete Greek text and the NET version. A brief reading of the pastoral epistles would also be helpful.

1 Timothy 1:10: “And immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.” [ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ]

1 Timothy 4:6: “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.” [καλῆς διδασκαλίας]

1 Timothy 6:3: “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness.” [ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις]

2 Timothy 4:3: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires.” [ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας]

Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” [διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ]

Titus 2:1 “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” [τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ]

A narrow view of these verses shows that the phrase ‘sound doctrine’ speaks about being theologically sound. However, examining each word’s definition and usage, we see a more complete understanding of the term.

Definitions of Sound Doctrine

The pair of words, sound doctrine, is often used to refer to solid biblical teaching, but its actual meaning and usage reflect a broader understanding with greater emphasis on application. Like James, Paul says that without using the teaching in our lives, it does us no good and is dead (Jam 2:17).

• The word for doctrine, in all cases, is a more broadly-used word for teaching (Gr: didaskalos): sound teaching. Teaching brings a broader concept than stated theological doctrines, including the actual emphasis of instruction. Doctrine does not, being narrowed down through time to accurate theological statements. (See more.)
• The adjective “sound” (ὑγιαινούσῃ) or “good” means healthy, sound, and well. Healthy speaks of robust and fullness rather than correctness. (See more.)

The definitions infer that teachings are considered unsound or unhealthy if not lived out. Soundness does not emphasize accuracy or correctly stated teaching but is rightly lived out. The word usage and larger context bear out this summary.

The Context for Sound Doctrine

Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus to confront a serious deviation among the churches. Teachers with false teaching of strange doctrines separated holy living from the faith—similar to what is happening in our present culture. They emphasized how faith, not life, would save them. They could and started to live reckless lives. Paul resoundingly denounces this teaching of faith as “mere speculation.” 

There is much emphasis throughout these epistles on righteous living, hence, the common use of “sound teaching”—not a focus on right doctrine but reasonable doctrine that produces godly lives. Those who “rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith” departed from upright living, not only false teaching (1 Tim 1:19).

Even when summarizing the basic pillar and support of the truth, Paul says, “You will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God” (1 Tim 3:15). His emphasis on conduct and conscience again points to moral decisions (4:2-3). Although the root word ‘healthy’ is associated with the correct teaching, and indeed depends on the main focus of a lifestyle that matches proper teaching.

“²…Seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth” (1 Tim 4:2-3).

This theme, seen in the above verses, is commonly repeated in the pastoral letters.

“But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim 4:7).

“¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example…” (1 Tim 4:11-12).

“⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith” (2 Tim 3:7-8).

Paul regularly emphasizes and uses the term “sound teaching” characteristically to refer to godly living. 

“If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness” (1 Tim 6:3).

Quotes on Sound Doctrine

Sound teaching’s chief emphasis is on a matching godly lifestyle.

“The concern of this teaching is not with a speculative soteriology slanted away from the world but with true, rational and proper life in the world, which as creation is characterized by order and reason. Here, then, we have a non-speculative, pragmatic usage.” (TDNT - 8:312  on the word ‘sound’)

“Teaching now meant the “sum of teaching,” and especially of that which had come down from the lips of the apostles. Instead of pastors and advisers of their congregations the apostles had now become the teachers of the Church, which was permanently ground in their teaching.” (TDNT - 2:163 on the word ‘teaching’)

Biblical Hermeneutics

“Paul makes it crystal clear that 'sound doctrine' involves teaching the whole church from top to bottom how to be: how to live good lives in accordance with sound teaching. If that's not clear enough, this is underlined yet again shortly thereafter:” Titus 2:11-12, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age….”

“Sound Doctrine” and False Teachers

“The apostle reminds Timothy that he was left behind in Ephesus to ensure that those who wanted believers to return to the bondage of the Law did not counter Paul’s doctrine. For Paul, the Law is good and produces love and a good conscience. It functions to expose sin and lifestyles that are contrary to sound doctrine.”

Summary

In some circles, sound doctrine has embodied unsound emphasis and interpretation. First, Pau’s sound doctrine shouldn’t include or refer to teaching that was never taught in the first century by Paul and others. They were teachings from Jesus and His apostles—not later added doctrine. Second, ‘sound doctrine,’ as used by many today, focuses on correct teaching but excludes the proper emphasis the term and context require regarding a godly lifestyle.

A wayward life provides evidence of false teaching. The pastoral letters’ emphasis is to match godly living with good teaching. Check the fruit, that is, the life. Those strange teachings, in this case, probably a variation of incipient Gnosticism, permitted open lifestyles and teachings departed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The proper use of “sound teaching” or “sound doctrine,” then, should focus on proper teaching that leads to godly living.

Although we all must constantly believe and teach correct doctrine, it would be better to focus on living out a life in conformity with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After all, this is the meaning of the term ‘sound doctrine.’

References on Sound Doctrine

Sound (ηυγιαινο) (Net Bible)

“1) to be sound, to be well, to be in good health 2) metaph. 2a) of Christians whose opinions are free from any mixture of error 2b) of one who keeps the graces and is strong

from 5199; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):-be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole(-some). see GREEK for 5199: TDNT - 8:308,1202, Count 12.

Teaching (διδασκαλια)

teaching, instruction 2) teaching 2a) that which is taught, doctrine 2b) teachings, precepts

from 1320; instruction (the function or the information):-doctrine, learning, teaching. see GREEK for 1320

TDNT - 2:160,161

“The connexion with the historical revelation of God as attested by Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus is often plain from the context, as in 1 Tm 4:13….” (TDNT - 2:162).

 

Passages with Sound Doctrine (NASB, Greek, NET)

1 Tim 1:10

“And immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching” NASB

10 πόρνοις ἀρσενοκοίταις ἀνδραποδισταῖς ψεύσταις ἐπιόρκοις, καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται 

10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching

 

1 Tim 4:6

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. NASB

6 Ταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καλὸς ἔσῃ διάκονος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας· 

6 By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

 

1 Tim 6:3

“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness” NASB

3 εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ καὶ μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις (τοῖς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) καὶ τῇ κατ᾿ εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ,

“If someone spreads false teachings and does not agree with sound words (that is, those of our Lord Jesus Christ) and with the teaching that accords with godliness”

2 Tim 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. nasb

3 Ἔσται γὰρ καιρὸς ὅτε τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας οὐκ ἀνέξονται ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοὴν 

3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. NET

 

Titus 1:9

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. nasb

9 ἀντεχόμενον τοῦ κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν πιστοῦ λόγου, ἵνα δυνατὸς ᾖ καὶ παρακαλεῖν ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ καὶ τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας ἐλέγχειν.

9 He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it. net

 

Titus 2:1

But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. nasb

1 Σὺ δὲ λάλει ἃ πρέπει τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ. 

1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching NET