Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Holding fast - firmly to (cf. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). The faithful - true and trustworthy (1 Timothy 1:15). Word as he hath been taught - `the faithful word (which is) according to the (apostolic) teaching' (cf. 1 Timothy 4:6, end; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:14).
By - `to exhort in х en (G1722)] doctrine (instruction) which is sound:' the element IN which his exhorting is to have place. On "sound" (unique to the pastoral letters), see 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 6:3.
Convince, х elengchein (G1651)] - 'confute' (Titus 1:13).