Titus 1:12 kjv

One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Titus 1:12 nkjv

One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."

Titus 1:12 niv

One of Crete's own prophets has said it: "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."

Titus 1:12 esv

One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."

Titus 1:12 nlt

Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, "The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons."

Titus 1 verses

Titus 1 12 Meaning

Titus 1:12 states a local assessment, quoted by the Apostle Paul, asserting that Cretans characteristically exhibited traits of deception, unrestrained aggression, and idleness driven by excessive appetites. This declaration, from a respected Cretan "prophet," serves to underscore the moral challenges faced by the burgeoning churches on the island, particularly as Paul prepares Titus to establish righteous leadership and combat rampant false teaching. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin and the need for rigorous adherence to sound doctrine and godly conduct.

Titus 1 12 Context

The Epistle to Titus, written by Paul, outlines instructions for establishing and governing the churches in Crete. Paul had left Titus there to "put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town" (Titus 1:5). This particular verse, Titus 1:12, provides a critical cultural backdrop for understanding the challenging task Titus faced. Paul is confronting deep-seated behavioral issues that were rampant among some Cretans, especially as they were exploited by and manifested in the pervasive problem of false teachers. These deceivers were subverting entire households with their empty talk and insatiable greed (Titus 1:10-11). Paul uses the words of a respected local "prophet" (Epimenides of Knossos) to lend credence to the severity of the problem, indicating that even internal observers recognized the moral failings of many of their countrymen. This context makes the subsequent call for spiritual discipline, sound doctrine, and the careful selection of blameless church leaders all the more urgent.

Titus 1 12 Word analysis

• One of themselves, a prophet of their own: (Greek: ex autōn, idios prophētēs) – This highlights that the critique comes from a Cretan, lending it credibility and removing any accusation of foreign prejudice. 'Idios' emphasizes proprietorship; this was their recognized prophet, suggesting internal validation. Epimenides, a 6th-century BC Cretan poet, philosopher, and religious figure, was indeed considered by many as possessing prophetic or divinely inspired insight. Paul strategically employs a common proverb from their own cultural heritage to confront an ingrained issue.

• said: (Greek: eipen) – A simple statement, affirming the source of the quote without endorsement of the "prophet" beyond his words’ aptness.

• 'Cretans: (Greek: Krētes) – Refers to the inhabitants of Crete. Historically, the island was known for a particular cultural reputation for deceit, as evidenced by the Greek verb 'kretizein' (Κρητίζειν), meaning 'to play the Cretan,' implying lying or deception.

• are always: (Greek: aei) – Signifies a continuous or persistent characteristic. This is not necessarily an absolute condemnation of every individual but describes a strong and pervasive cultural tendency or stereotype. Paul uses it to emphasize the severity of the challenge and the ingrained nature of the behaviors.

• liars: (Greek: pseustai) – From pseustes, one who speaks falsehoods, deceivers. This speaks to a fundamental breach of trust and truthfulness, impacting honesty, integrity, and the very foundation of communal life. In the context of the church, it refers to spiritual deception.

• evil beasts: (Greek: kaka thēria) – Literally "bad wild animals." Kaka denotes moral wickedness, not just mere badness. Theria refers to savage, untamed beasts, unlike domesticated animals. This vivid metaphor implies uncontrolled, fierce, and perhaps predatory behavior; lacking in restraint, driven by instinct rather than reason or morality. It can suggest wildness, rapaciousness, and a destructive nature, reflecting aggressive and brutish tendencies among people.

• lazy gluttons: (Greek: argai gasteres) – Literally "idle bellies." Argai (from argos) means idle, inactive, slothful, unproductive. Gasteres (stomachs or bellies) is a metonymy for those whose primary concern or god is their appetite and physical comfort, leading to excessive consumption (gluttony) and a disinclination to work (laziness/sloth). This describes a parasitic existence, characterized by self-indulgence and unproductivity, burdening others while contributing nothing. It implies a lack of discipline and spiritual vigor.

• 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.': This entire phrase, sourced from a non-Biblical, local authority, acts as Paul's diagnostic statement about the specific challenges Titus faces in Crete. It describes a triple threat: intellectual corruption (liars), moral depravity (evil beasts), and physical/spiritual laziness (lazy gluttons). These characteristics align closely with the vices attributed to the false teachers Paul warns about (Titus 1:10-11, 1:16, 3:3), making the moral climate fertile ground for their destructive influence. The very qualities described here make true evangelism and sound teaching difficult to establish and maintain, necessitating firm and unyielding leadership.

Titus 1 12 Bonus section

The inclusion of Epimenides' quote by Paul demonstrates a practical apostolic strategy. Paul, filled with the Spirit, was not restricted to only quoting Old Testament scripture when addressing specific cultural problems. He utilized local wisdom, even from a non-believing source revered as a "prophet" by the Cretans, to establish common ground and to powerfully illustrate the true condition of some in the society he was ministering to. This shows his rhetorical astuteness and contextual sensitivity. The truth, in this instance, was evident even to some outside of direct divine revelation. It implies that certain behaviors are universally recognized as detrimental, and that a deep-seated spiritual illness often manifests in cultural patterns of dishonesty, wild indulgence, and indolence, necessitating firm correction and repentance. This practice is also seen in Acts 17:28 where Paul quotes Greek poets (Aratus and Cleanthes) to relate the Athenians' beliefs to the truth of the gospel.

Titus 1 12 Commentary

Titus 1:12 presents a sobering reality that Paul, through Titus, must address in the Cretan churches. By quoting Epimenides, Paul leverages a well-known, internal observation about Cretan character – their notorious reputation for deceit, brutish behavior, and self-indulgent sloth. This isn't merely an ethnic slur, but a pointed diagnosis of cultural tendencies that made the Cretan churches particularly vulnerable to corruption and false teaching. The description highlights three core vices: "liars" speaks to an intellectual and moral untrustworthiness that distorts truth; "evil beasts" portrays uncontrolled, perhaps savage, appetites and behavior, lacking civil or spiritual restraint; and "lazy gluttons" points to self-indulgence, idleness, and an aversion to honest labor, implying parasitic and unproductive lives. These pervasive traits among some Cretans directly undermined the establishment of a robust Christian witness. Titus's mission was therefore not just about organizing church structures, but fundamentally about transforming hearts and minds in a challenging spiritual environment. It underscored the necessity for sound doctrine, blameless leadership, and diligent discipleship to counter the deeply ingrained sins threatening the integrity of the nascent Christian communities. Paul's firm counsel (e.g., "This testimony is true," "rebuke them sharply") confirms the urgency of counteracting these vices to foster true godly living.

• Example 1: A church dealing with persistent gossip (liars) and passive attendees who contribute little (lazy gluttons) can reflect these Cretan issues.
• Example 2: Aggressive, untamed online rhetoric or unbridled anger (evil beasts) among professing believers demonstrates the continued relevance of restraining carnal behavior.