Titus 1:13 kjv

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Titus 1:13 nkjv

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Titus 1:13 niv

This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith

Titus 1:13 esv

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Titus 1:13 nlt

This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith.

Titus 1 verses

Titus 1 13 Meaning

Titus 1:13 instructs Titus to confront those disseminating error and causing disorder in the church on Crete with sternness and firmness. This decisive action is imperative for the spiritual health of these individuals, with the ultimate goal that they may be restored to sound doctrine and authentic Christian living, free from the sickness of false teaching and corrupt practices.

Titus 1 13 Context

Titus 1:13 is part of Paul’s instructions to Titus regarding the establishment and oversight of church leadership on the island of Crete. Paul had left Titus there to "put in order what remained and appoint elders in every town" (Titus 1:5). This verse follows immediately after Paul's characterization of the Cretans, quoting one of their own prophets, Epimenides: "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons" (Titus 1:12). Paul then affirms that "this testimony is true." The need for a sharp rebuke is therefore rooted in the inherent challenges presented by the Cretan cultural context and, more specifically, by certain "insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party" (Titus 1:10). These individuals were subverting households by teaching for dishonest gain, corrupting true faith (Titus 1:11). Thus, the command to "rebuke them sharply" is a pastoral directive to address pervasive moral and doctrinal corruption head-on, protecting the church from destructive influences and ensuring the health and purity of the Christian community.

Titus 1 13 Word analysis

• Therefore (διʼ ἣν αἰτίαν, di' hēn aitían): A strong connective phrase meaning "for which cause" or "for this reason." It directly links the preceding verse, which details the morally compromised nature of many Cretans and the specific problems caused by false teachers (Titus 1:10-12), to the command for sharp rebuke. It highlights the direct necessity arising from the existing situation.
• Rebuke (ἔλεγχε, elegkhe): An imperative verb meaning "to reprove," "to convict," "to expose," "to bring to light." It signifies a reasoned and authoritative confrontation of error, aimed at conviction and change, rather than mere scolding or condemnation. The purpose is not punitive for punishment's sake but corrective, exposing sin or error in a way that aims at restoration or recognition of wrongdoing.
• Them (αὐτοὺς, autous): Refers specifically to the "insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party" mentioned in Titus 1:10, who were "upsetting whole families by teaching things that they ought not to teach for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1:11).
• Sharply (ἀποτόμως, apotomōs): An adverb meaning "severely," "sternly," "unsparingly," or "abruptly." It implies directness, forcefulness, and a lack of compromise or dilly-dallying. It contrasts with a gentle or hesitant approach. This sharpness is necessary because of the deeply rooted nature of the problem, the obstinacy of the individuals, and the severe harm they are causing. It conveys an uncompromising, urgent, and definitive corrective action.
• That (ἵνα, hina): A purpose conjunction, indicating the goal or aim of the sharp rebuke. It shows the ultimate, redemptive intention behind the difficult command.
• They may be sound (ὑγιαίνωσιν, hygiainōsin): From the root hygiēs, meaning "healthy" or "wholesome," the word means "to be healthy," "to be sound," or "to be in good spiritual condition." It signifies freedom from moral and doctrinal disease. It's the opposite of being sick, corrupt, or contaminated by error. This term undergirds the "sound doctrine" theme pervasive in the Pastoral Epistles. The sharp rebuke is likened to a necessary, albeit painful, surgical procedure for spiritual health.
• In the faith (ἐν τῇ πίστει, en tē pistei): Refers to the body of Christian truth, doctrine, or the established Christian message (the objective faith), and possibly also their personal conviction and adherence to that truth (subjective faith). The aim is that they be doctrinally sound and truly faithful in their personal adherence to the gospel.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Therefore rebuke them sharply: This phrase emphasizes the necessity and intensity of the required action. "Therefore" links directly to the specific problem previously described, demonstrating the command is a proportional response. "Rebuke" means more than just a verbal dressing-down; it's a profound, exposing confrontation designed to bring conviction. "Sharply" underscores that a gentle approach will not suffice for the obstinacy and detrimental nature of these individuals' influence. This strong directive ensures the purity and stability of the emerging Cretan churches against internal threats.
• That they may be sound in the faith: This part clearly states the redemptive purpose behind the severity of the rebuke. The "sharp" approach is not for vengeance or ostracism, but for spiritual restoration and healing. To be "sound in the faith" means to be free from error, morally wholesome, and firmly grounded in correct Christian doctrine. It indicates a desire for spiritual health and integrity, contrasting directly with the spiritual "sickness" or corruption they were propagating or suffering from. It underscores the ultimate goal of preserving both doctrinal purity and the well-being of the individuals and the church body.

Titus 1 13 Bonus section

The severity commanded in Titus 1:13 highlights Paul’s conviction that theological error is not a minor issue but a spiritual sickness that can metastasize and destroy the church body. The command to rebuke "sharply" reflects the challenging environment in Crete, where ingrained cultural vices (liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons, per Titus 1:12) mixed with doctrinal subversion posed a grave threat. Paul entrusts Titus, a younger leader, with this difficult task, emphasizing that true pastoral care sometimes requires painful interventions. This directive is a cornerstone of maintaining spiritual discipline and purity within the church. It reminds us that leadership carries the weighty responsibility not only to teach the truth but also to protect the flock by decisively confronting anything that undermines the integrity of the faith or the spiritual health of its members. The goal is always spiritual flourishing, often necessitating courageous confrontation of sin and error.

Titus 1 13 Commentary

Titus 1:13 conveys a strong pastoral imperative for confronting doctrinal error and moral corruption. Following his stern assessment of the Cretans and the specific problems caused by deceptive teachers, Paul charges Titus to "rebuke them sharply." This isn't a suggestion but a direct command to confront these individuals directly and uncompromisingly. The Greek term apotomōs suggests a severe, unsparing, and abrupt manner, indicative of the seriousness of the false teaching and the damage it inflicted. This severity is crucial not out of anger or vindictiveness, but out of necessity, akin to a surgeon performing a sharp cut to remove a life-threatening disease.

The explicit purpose (ἵνα – "that") of this strong rebuke is restorative: "that they may be sound in the faith." The term hygiainōsin for "be sound" signifies spiritual health and wholeness, freedom from corruption and error, much like physical well-being. It relates directly to the concept of "sound doctrine" prevalent throughout the Pastoral Epistles. Paul envisions the sharp rebuke as a painful but vital intervention, necessary to bring those led astray—and potentially the teachers themselves—back to doctrinal integrity and genuine faith. This verse thus champions robust pastoral leadership willing to apply firm correction for the spiritual flourishing of individuals and the church.

Examples for practical usage:

• A church elder firmly, yet lovingly, addresses a member spreading a clear false doctrine contrary to scripture, explaining why it's harmful, to guide them back to truth.
• A leader takes decisive action to stop gossip or divisive behavior within a ministry, confronting individuals directly and clearly explaining the negative impact.
• A parent directly addresses persistent disrespectful or disobedient behavior in their child, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions to instill proper character.