Titus 1:9 kjv

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.

Titus 1:9 nkjv

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 1:9 niv

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Titus 1:9 esv

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Titus 1:9 nlt

He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

Titus 1 verses

Titus 1 9 Meaning

Titus 1:9 outlines a crucial qualification for an elder or overseer in the church: he must steadfastly uphold the foundational truths of the Christian faith. This commitment enables him to effectively minister the gospel, providing spiritual guidance and encouragement to believers through sound teaching, while also possessing the capability to counter and refute those who contradict or oppose these core doctrines. It emphasizes both the proactive nurturing of truth and the defensive rejection of error, all stemming from a firm grip on the taught word of God.

Titus 1 9 Context

Titus 1 begins with Paul addressing Titus, who has been left in Crete to organize the church by appointing elders in every city (v. 5). Verses 6-9 list the essential qualifications for these elders, encompassing moral character, family management, and spiritual discernment. Verse 9 specifically highlights the doctrinal qualifications: the elder must not only know the true gospel but also hold fast to it firmly, enabling him to teach and defend it. This is particularly crucial given the nature of some believers and false teachers on Crete (as implied by subsequent verses, esp. v. 10-16), who challenged sound doctrine and church order. The verse sets a high standard for leadership in preserving doctrinal integrity amidst spiritual challenges.

Titus 1 9 Word analysis

• Holding fast (ἀντέχομαι - antékhomai): Lit. "to cling to," "to hold against." Implies a tenacious grip, an active and devoted commitment to, and protection of, the faithful word. It's not passive acceptance but a deliberate, steadfast adherence, as if defending it from attack or letting go. It signifies both retention and defense.
• the faithful word (τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου - tou pistou logou): Refers to the true gospel message, the reliable doctrine handed down by the apostles. "Faithful" implies trustworthiness and certainty—it's the word that is believed and is itself believable, enduring, and true. It denotes the complete body of Christian teaching consistent with God's nature and promises.
• as he hath been taught (κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν - kata tēn didachēn): "According to the teaching/doctrine." Emphasizes that the elder's faith and teaching must align with the established apostolic teaching he has received. It's not about personal opinion or new revelation, but fidelity to the revealed truth, preserving its purity and authoritative tradition.
• that he may be able (ἵνα δυνατὸς ᾖ - hina dynatos ē): "In order that he may be able." Indicates purpose and enablement. His firm grasp of the "faithful word" empowers him to perform the subsequent two actions.
• by sound doctrine (καὶ παρακαλεῖν ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ - kai parakalein en tē didaskalia tē hygiainousē): "By the healthy/sound teaching/doctrine." Hygiainousē (healthy/sound) means that the teaching is conducive to spiritual well-being, wholeness, and life, contrasting with "sickly" or corrupting doctrines (cf. 1 Tim 6:3-4). This sound teaching is the means through which the elder performs his functions.
• both to exhort (παρακαλεῖν - parakalein): "To encourage," "to admonish," "to comfort." This involves positive instruction, building up believers, and guiding them in godly living. It’s teaching that edifies and draws people closer to truth.
• and to convince (καὶ ἐλέγχειν - kai elenkhein): "To refute," "to convict," "to expose," "to rebuke." This is the defensive and corrective aspect. It involves demonstrating error, silencing opposition through logical biblical argument, and bringing conviction to those in the wrong.
• the gainsayers (τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας - tous antilegontas): "Those who speak against," "the contradictors," "the opposers." Refers to those who dispute or oppose the sound doctrine of the gospel, particularly false teachers and rebellious individuals. The elder must be prepared to decisively counter their erroneous claims.

Words-Group by Words-Group analysis:

• "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught": This phrase stresses both personal conviction and traditional adherence. It implies guarding what has been received and being unwavering in one's commitment to it. It points to doctrinal integrity and an authoritative grounding in revealed truth, not human wisdom.
• "that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers": This entire clause explains the purpose and practical application of "holding fast the faithful word." The elder's ability to minister—both proactively strengthening believers and defensively refuting opponents—stems directly from his rootedness in and mastery of "sound doctrine." This highlights the dual responsibility of teaching the truth and correcting error.

Titus 1 9 Bonus section

The Greek word for "gainsayers" (antilegontas) carries a strong implication of persistent opposition or contradiction, highlighting that elders will inevitably face individuals who actively resist or dispute sound biblical truth. This term extends beyond mere questioning to open rebellion against accepted doctrine. The elder's role is not simply to be a good teacher, but to be an effective apologist and guardian of truth, often engaging in spiritual warfare against erroneous ideas. The contrast between "exhort" (building up) and "convince" (tearing down error) showcases the elder's dual ministry—both constructive and deconstructive, necessary for maintaining the purity and health of the church in the face of ever-present challenges to the gospel. This qualification underlines that the shepherd must also be a watchman and defender.

Titus 1 9 Commentary

Titus 1:9 functions as a critical sieve for potential church leaders, distinguishing between those merely knowledgeable and those deeply committed and capable of defending the faith. An elder's effectiveness hinges not simply on intellectual assent to truth, but on a steadfast embrace ("holding fast") of the "faithful word." This implies an active devotion to Scripture, living consistently with its principles, and treasuring its divine authority. The source of this truth is vital: it must be "as he hath been taught," linking directly to the apostolic doctrine handed down from Paul. This emphasis counters any form of innovative or self-derived teaching.

The verse then outlines the two key applications of this foundational commitment. Firstly, the elder must "exhort" with "sound doctrine," focusing on positively nurturing the church, encouraging godly living, and comforting believers. This speaks to the pastor's shepherding role in feeding and leading the flock. Secondly, he must "convince the gainsayers." This necessitates a robust intellectual and spiritual capacity to identify and dismantle false teachings, thereby protecting the flock from spiritual poison. It requires not just quoting Scripture, but accurately applying it to refute errors and expose deceptive arguments. This comprehensive expectation reveals that true spiritual leadership demands both edification and correction, a balance achievable only when anchored in God's immutable Word.

Practical examples:

• An elder using Scripture to teach on healthy marriage within the church (exhorting).
• An elder gently but firmly showing, from Scripture, why a novel interpretation about salvation is incorrect (convincing gainsayers).
• An elder preparing a biblical lesson that strengthens believers in a particular area of faith.
• An elder leading a Bible study and addressing a false claim or rumor that contradicts God's Word.