Qualifications for Elders and Rebuke of False Teachers
Titus 1:1-16
Titus.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δουλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αποστολος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εκλεκτων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- επιγνωσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- κατ᾽ευσεβειαν: PREP
Parallels
- Romans 1:1 (verbal): Paul’s self-designation as a servant/apostle parallels Romans where he calls himself 'a servant of Jesus Christ' and 'called to be an apostle'—similar opening formulae of authority and service.
- Colossians 1:1 (verbal): Colossians 1:1 echoes the apostolic title ('Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God'), paralleling Titus’s emphasis on apostleship rooted in divine commission.
- 1 Timothy 2:4 (verbal): Shares the phrase 'knowledge of the truth' (ἐπὶ τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν τῆς ἀληθείας) and the goal of truth leading to salvation/godliness, paralleling Titus’s link between truth and piety.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (thematic): Speaks of God’s choosing and 'belief in the truth' that results in sanctification—closely parallels Titus’s coupling of 'the faith of God’s elect' with knowledge of truth producing godliness.
- 1 Peter 1:1–2 (thematic): Uses 'elect' language and frames the audience as God's chosen, connecting the concept of God's elect in Titus with the Pauline/Petrine theme of divine election and its ethical implications.
Alternative generated candidates
- Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that accords with godliness,
- Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
Titus.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επ᾽ελπιδι: PREP+NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ζωης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αιωνιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- επηγγειλατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αψευδης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προ: PREP
- χρονων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αιωνιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 6:13-18 (verbal): Speaks of God's promise and oath and states that it is impossible for God to lie—parallels Titus' language about the 'God who does not lie' and the certainty of the promised hope.
- Titus 3:7 (structural): Within the same letter: believers are described as 'heirs of eternal life' or heirs according to the hope of eternal life, echoing Titus 1:2's phrase 'hope of eternal life.'
- 2 Timothy 1:1 (verbal): Paul speaks 'according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus'—similar pairing of 'promise' and 'life' that undergirds Titus' reference to God's promised eternal life.
- Ephesians 1:4-5 (allusion): Describes God's eternal purpose/choice 'before the foundation of the world'—parallels the idea that the promise of life was given 'before eternal times' in Titus 1:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began,
- in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the ages began,
Titus.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εφανερωσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- καιροις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- ιδιοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- κηρυγματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- επιστευθην: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,sg
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- κατ᾽επιταγην: PREP+NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωτηρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 1:1 (verbal): Paul uses nearly identical phrasing: he is 'an apostle... by the commandment of God our Savior,' matching Titus' 'κατ᾽επιταγην του σωτηρος ημων θεου' (by the command/commandment of our Savior God).
- 1 Timothy 1:11 (verbal): Speaks of 'the glorious gospel... which was committed to my trust,' paralleling Titus' 'τον λογον... ο επιστευθην εγω' (the word entrusted to me).
- Galatians 1:12 (allusion): Paul insists his gospel was received 'not of man, neither by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,' echoing Titus' claim that the message was revealed and entrusted to him by divine command/revelation.
- Romans 16:25-26 (structural): Describes God's revelation of the 'mystery' now made manifest 'according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret... but now made manifest,' resonating with Titus' 'εφανερωσεν δε καιροις ιδιοις' (revealed in his own times).
- Ephesians 3:3-5 (thematic): Paul speaks of a mystery 'made known to me by revelation' and 'not made known to the sons of men in other generations,' closely paralleling Titus' emphasis on divine timing and revelation entrusted to the apostolic messenger.
Alternative generated candidates
- and at the proper time manifested his word in the preaching entrusted to me by command of God our Savior,
- and at the proper time manifested his word in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, to produce the obedience of faith among all the nations.
Titus.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τιτω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- γνησιω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- τεκνω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- κατα: PREP
- κοινην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν·χαρις: NOUN,acc,sg,f+NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ειρηνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- απο: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πατρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σωτηρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Paul addresses Timothy as a 'son in the faith' and uses the same greeting pattern (χάρις ... εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ), closely matching Titus' address and blessing.
- 2 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Nearly identical salutation—'Grace, mercy, peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord'—showing the same Pauline wording and theology of salvation in the Pastorals.
- Philemon 1:3 (verbal): Uses the same 'grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ' formula, a close verbal parallel to Titus' blessing.
- Romans 1:7 (structural): Exemplifies the standard Pauline epistolary greeting ('Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'), the broader structural background for Titus' salutation.
- Ephesians 1:2 (structural): Another instance of the Pauline 'grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ' formula, reflecting the common opening blessing found in Paul's letters including Titus.
Alternative generated candidates
- to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
- To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Titus.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τουτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- απελιπον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- εν: PREP
- Κρητη: PROPN,dat,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- λειποντα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- επιδιορθωση: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- καταστησης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- κατα: PREP
- πολιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πρεσβυτερους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- διεταξαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Acts 14:23 (verbal): Paul and Barnabas 'appointed elders in every church' — a near verbal and functional parallel to Titus being told to appoint elders in every town.
- 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (thematic): Sets out qualifications for an overseer/elder, paralleling Titus' subsequent instructions about appointing and qualifying elders.
- Titus 1:7-9 (structural): Immediate internal parallel within the same epistle; verses that elaborate the qualifications and duties of the elders Titus is to appoint.
- 1 Peter 5:1-2 (thematic): Peter's exhortation to 'shepherd the flock' and exercise oversight echoes the pastoral and supervisory role implied in appointing elders.
- Acts 6:3-6 (thematic): The selection and laying on of hands to designate servants/leaders in the early church provides a precedent for appointing leaders to meet local needs.
Alternative generated candidates
- I left you in Crete so that you might put in order what remained and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you—
- For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should put in order what remains and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
Titus.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ανεγκλητος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μιας: NUM,gen,sg,f
- γυναικος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ανηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- εχων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- πιστα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- μη: PART
- εν: PREP
- κατηγορια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ασωτιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ανυποτακτα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (verbal): Uses the same qualification formula for an overseer/elder—'husband of one wife'—linking Titus’ qualification for an unblamable leader to the Pastoral Epistles' leadership criteria.
- 1 Timothy 3:12 (verbal): Applies the same marital requirement to deacons ('husband of one wife'), reinforcing the repeated criterion for church officers in Pauline instruction.
- 1 Timothy 5:9 (verbal): Speaks of a widow being 'the wife of one man,' employing a comparable phrase about marital singularity and faithfulness that echoes the marital integrity demanded of leaders.
- Matthew 19:5-6 (thematic): Affirms the one-flesh marital union and the permanence/faithfulness of marriage, providing theological background for the expectation that leaders be devoted to a single spouse.
Alternative generated candidates
- if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, whose children are believers and are not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
- If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having believing children who are not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
Titus.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- επισκοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανεγκλητον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ως: ADV
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- οικονομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μη: PART
- αυθαδη: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- οργιλον: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- παροινον: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- πληκτην: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- αισχροκερδη: ADJ,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2-3 (verbal): Gives the qualifications for an overseer/episkopos (blameless, sober-minded, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money), closely matching the language and virtues listed in Titus 1:7.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 (verbal): Lists qualifications for deacons (not indulging in much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain), echoing Titus 1:7's prohibitions against drunkenness and avarice.
- Titus 1:8 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same exhortatory section: continues the character qualifications for an elder/teacher, complementing v.7's negative restraints with positive virtues (hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy).
- Luke 12:42 (allusion): Describes the 'faithful and wise manager' (steward), paralleling Titus 1:7's characterization of the overseer as God's steward (οἰκονόμον θεοῦ) and the associated responsibility.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (verbal): Urges elders to 'shepherd the flock' willingly and 'not lording it over' them, corresponding to Titus 1:7's prohibitions against being overbearing/arrogant and emphasizing servant leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
- For an overseer must be above reproach, as God's steward; he must not be arrogant, nor quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for shameful gain,
Titus.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- φιλοξενον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- φιλαγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- σωφρονα: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- δικαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- οσιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εγκρατη: ADJ,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2-3 (verbal): Lists qualifications for an overseer/elder using similar vocabulary (hospitable, temperate/self-controlled, respectable), closely paralleling Titus' descriptive traits.
- Titus 2:2 (verbal): Instructions to older men include 'sober-minded' and 'self-controlled' (ἐγκρατεῖς), echoing Titus 1:8's emphasis on self-control and dignified conduct.
- 2 Peter 1:5-7 (verbal): A moral-progress list that includes adding self-control (ἐγκράτεια) and godliness (εὐσέβεια), paralleling the virtues 'εγκρατη' and 'οσιον' in Titus 1:8.
- Galatians 5:22-23 (thematic): The fruit of the Spirit includes goodness (ἀγαθωσύνη) and self-control (ἐγκράτεια), matching Titus' call to be a 'lover of good' and self-controlled.
- Romans 12:9 (thematic): Commands genuine love and devotion to what is good ('τῷ ἀγαθῷ'), resonating with Titus' description of a leader as φιλαγαθον (lover of good) and morally upright.
Alternative generated candidates
- but hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, and self-controlled.
- but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined,
Titus.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αντεχομενον: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- διδαχην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πιστου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- λογου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- δυνατος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παρακαλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διδασκαλια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- υγιαινουση: PART,pres,act,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αντιλεγοντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- ελεγχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 1:13 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language—'hold fast the pattern/ form of sound words'—emphasizing steadfast adherence to sound teaching.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 (verbal): Commands to 'preach the word' and to 'reprove, rebuke, exhort,' paralleling Titus' ability to exhort and refute those who oppose sound doctrine.
- Titus 2:1 (thematic): Within the same letter: instructs to 'speak what accords with sound doctrine,' echoing the central concern for healthy teaching.
- 1 Timothy 6:3-4 (thematic): Warns against teachers who 'teach otherwise' and contrasts them with 'sound words,' paralleling Titus' charge to confront opponents of the faithful teaching.
- Acts 20:27-31 (structural): Paul’s charge to elders to declare the whole counsel and to warn against false teachers parallels Titus’ pastoral responsibility to uphold doctrine and refute opposers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
- holding fast the faithful word as taught, so that he may be able both to encourage in sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- γαρ: PART
- πολλοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ανυποτακτοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ματαιολογοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- φρεναπαται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- μαλιστα: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- εκ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- περιτομης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 2:16 (verbal): Uses the phrase for 'vain babblings' (similar Greek vocabulary) and warns to avoid idle, ungodly talk—verbal parallel to ματαιολογοι (vain talkers).
- 1 Timothy 6:20 (verbal): Pauline admonition to Timothy to 'guard what was committed' and avoid 'profane and vain babblings'—similar vocabulary and concern about deceptive/idle speech.
- Galatians 2:4 (thematic): Speaks of 'false brethren' brought in secretly who would spy out the liberty in Christ to bring believers into bondage—parallels Titus' critique of agitators 'especially those of the circumcision.'
- Acts 15:1 (structural): Reports men from Judea teaching that circumcision is necessary for salvation—an early, concrete instance of the circumcision party that Titus condemns as unruly and deceptive.
Alternative generated candidates
- For there are many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
- For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
Titus.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- επιστομιζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ολους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- οικους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ανατρεπουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- διδασκοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αισχρου: ADJ,gen,sg,n
- κερδους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 20:29-30 (thematic): Paul warns that ‘savage wolves’ will arise from among the church who will speak perverse things and draw away disciples—parallel to teachers who overthrow households and must be silenced.
- 1 Timothy 1:3-7 (verbal): Paul instructs Timothy to command certain persons to teach no other doctrine, because some desire to be teachers without understanding and promote controversies for sordid gain—language and concern closely parallel to Titus 1:11.
- 2 Timothy 2:16-18 (verbal): Warning against ‘profane babblings’ that spread ungodliness and the example of Hymenaeus and Philetus who upset the faith—reflects the danger of false teachers who subvert households.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 (thematic): Peter describes false teachers introducing destructive heresies and exploiting people with fabricated words for gain—themewise correspondence with those teaching what ought not to be taught for dishonest gain.
- Jude 4 (thematic): Jude denounces certain men who pervert the grace of God into licentiousness and deny Christ, indicating deceitful teachers destined for judgment—another New Testament rebuke of corrupt teachers who destabilize the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- who must be silenced—people who subvert whole households by teaching for dishonest gain what they ought not to teach.
- who overturn whole households by teaching what they ought not to teach, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Titus.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- εξ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ιδιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- προφητης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Κρητες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- αει: ADV
- ψευσται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- κακα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- θηρια: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- γαστερες: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- αργαι·: ADJ,nom,pl,f
Parallels
- Epimenides, Cretica (fragment) (quotation): The source of Paul's citation — a pagan poet/proclaimer: 'Cretans are always liars...' quoted directly by Titus 1:12.
- Titus 1:13 (structural): Paul (the author) immediately applies the quotation as a corrective rebuke to Cretan false teachers, continuing the argument begun in 1:12.
- Titus 1:16 (thematic): Echoes the charge of false profession and corrupt conduct — those who 'profess to know God' yet by works deny him, resonating with 'liars... evil beasts... lazy gluttons.'
- 2 Peter 2:12 (thematic): Uses animalistic imagery for false teachers ('brute beasts,' 'creatures of instinct'), paralleling Titus' metaphor of Cretans as 'evil beasts.'
- Romans 3:4 (verbal): Paul's statement 'let God be true though every man a liar' connects to the theme of human falsehood highlighted in 'Cretans are always liars,' contrasting divine truth with human deceit.
Alternative generated candidates
- One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’
- One of them, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'
Titus.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μαρτυρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αληθης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- δι᾽ην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- αιτιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ελεγχε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- αποτομως: ADV
- ινα: CONJ
- υγιαινωσιν: VERB,pres,act,sub,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Titus 2:15 (structural): Same epistle and closely related pastoral injunction—commands to speak, exhort, and rebuke with authority, reinforcing the call to correct for the health of the faith.
- 2 Timothy 4:2 (verbal): Uses the same pastoral verbs ('reprove, rebuke, exhort') in the context of proclaiming the word and correcting error so that the community remains faithful.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (thematic): Describes Scripture's purpose as teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness—connecting reproof with making believers 'sound' and equipped in faith.
- Titus 2:1 (thematic): Calls for teaching what accords with 'sound doctrine'; parallels Titus 1:13's aim that correction lead to soundness in the faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
- This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
Titus.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- προσεχοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- Ιουδαικοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- μυθοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εντολαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αποστρεφομενων: PART,pres,mid,gen,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αληθειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:4 (verbal): Speaks of turning away from the truth and being turned aside to myths/fables—close verbal and thematic parallel to ‘myths’ and ‘turning away from the truth’ in Titus 1:14.
- 1 Timothy 1:4 (verbal): Warns against devoting oneself to myths and endless genealogies—uses the same concern about ‘myths’ as a danger to sound teaching.
- Mark 7:8 (quotation): Jesus condemns abandoning God's commandments and holding to ‘the tradition of men’—parallels Titus’s criticism of ‘commandments of men’ that oppose truth.
- Colossians 2:8 (thematic): Warns against being taken captive by human tradition, philosophy, and empty deceit rather than Christ—echoes Titus’s rejection of human commandments and myths that estrange from truth.
Alternative generated candidates
- not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who turn away from the truth.
- not paying attention to Jewish myths and the commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
Titus.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- καθαρα: ADJ,nom,pl,neut
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- καθαροις·τοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- μεμιαμμενοις: PART,perf,pass,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- απιστοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- καθαρον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- αλλα: CONJ
- μεμιανται: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,pl
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- νους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- συνειδησις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Romans 14:20 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and idea: 'All things are pure... but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; their mind and conscience are defiled.' Titus appears to echo or draw on this Pauline formulation about purity and a defiled conscience.
- Mark 7:15, 20-23 (thematic): Jesus teaches that defilement arises from within (from the heart) rather than from external things, which resonates with Titus' contrast between outward/absolute purity and inward moral/mental defilement.
- 1 Corinthians 8:7-12 (thematic): Discussion of food, knowledge, and conscience: what may be 'clean' for some can defile a weaker brother; links the concept of purity to the state of a person's conscience and mind.
- Acts 10:15 (allusion): Peter's vision 'What God has cleansed you must not call common' echoes the theme that some things are declared clean—paralleling the claim that 'all things are clean to the pure.'
- 1 Timothy 4:2 (thematic): Speaks of people whose consciences are seared or corrupted by false teaching—complements Titus' concern that the mind and conscience of the defiled are themselves defiled.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the pure all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; both their minds and consciences are defiled.
- To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure. Indeed both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
Titus.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ομολογουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ειδεναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- εργοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- αρνουνται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- βδελυκτοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- απειθεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- αδοκιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 John 2:4 (verbal): 'Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar' — directly parallels professing knowledge of God while denying him by conduct.
- 1 John 3:10 (verbal): 'Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God' — links true knowledge of God to righteous deeds, as Titus contrasts profession and works.
- 2 Timothy 3:5 (allusion): 'Having a form of godliness but denying its power — avoid such people' — echoes the idea of outward profession of Godliness while being morally disqualified by their works.
- James 2:14-17 (thematic): Faith without works is dead — stresses that mere profession (faith/knowledge) without corresponding good works is invalid, paralleling Titus' charge.
- Romans 1:28-32 (thematic): Paul lists those given over to a debased mind and described as unfit for good works (often rendered 'reprobate') — language and theme mirror Titus' depiction of those who are 'reprobate' toward every good work.
Alternative generated candidates
- They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny him—being detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
- They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny him— they are detestable, disobedient, and rejected for every good work.
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began,
and at his appointed time he manifested his word through the preaching entrusted to me according to the command of God our Savior,
To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might put in order what remained and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
For an overseer must be above reproach, as God's steward; not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to much wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain. But hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, upright, holy, self-controlled.
Holding fast the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he may be able both to encourage in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
For there are many insubordinate people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.
They must be silenced—men who overturn whole households, teaching things they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain.
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
not paying attention to Jewish myths and the commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure—indeed their minds and consciences are defiled.
They profess to know God, but by their works they deny him; they are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for every good work.