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Titus 1:12 As one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
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href="/bsb/titus/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/titus/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/titus/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/titus/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/titus/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/titus/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans <i>are</i> always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/titus/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />One of themselves, <i>even</i> a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians <i>are</i> alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/titus/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans <i>are</i> always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/titus/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/titus/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/titus/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/titus/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/titus/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />One of them [Epimenides, a Cretan], a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/titus/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One of their very own prophets said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/titus/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />One of their very own prophets said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/titus/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/titus/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It is like one of their own prophets once said, "The people of Crete always tell lies. They are greedy and lazy like wild animals." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/titus/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are alway liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/titus/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Even one of their own prophets said, "Cretans are always liars, savage animals, and lazy gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/titus/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />One of their very own prophets said, "Liars ever, men of Crete, savage brutes that live to eat." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/titus/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />As one of their own prophets has said, ?Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/titus/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/titus/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/titus/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/titus/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />One of their own number--a Prophet who is a countryman of theirs--has said, "Cretans are always liars, dangerous animals, idle gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/titus/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/titus/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A certain one of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans! Always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/titus/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans <i>are</i> always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/titus/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A certain one of them, a prophet of their own, said -- 'Cretans! always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/titus/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A certain of them said, their own prophet, The Cretians always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/titus/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />One of them a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slothful bellies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/titus/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A certain one of these, a prophet of their own kind, said: “The Cretans are ever liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/titus/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One of them, a prophet of their own, once said, “Cretans have always been liars, vicious beasts, and lazy gluttons.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/titus/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said, “Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/titus/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />One of them, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cre’tians are always liars, vicious beasts with empty bellies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/titus/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />One man among them, their own Prophet said, “The children of Crete are always liars, wicked beasts and idle bellies.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/titus/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, has said: The Cretans are always liars, evil wild beasts, lazy gluttons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/titus/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />A certain one of them, their own prophet, said, The Cretans are all liars, evil beasts, slow stomachs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/titus/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />One of them, a poet of their own nation, hath said, The Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, slothful gluttons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/titus/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />one of their own prophets said, "the Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/titus/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />One of their own number--a Prophet who is a countryman of theirs--has said, "Cretans are always liars, dangerous animals, idle gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/titus/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans <i>are</i> always false, evil beasts, idle gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/titus/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>as</i> said one of themselves, a prophet of their own, "The Cretans <i>are</i> always liars, mischievous beasts, sluggish gluttons."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/titus/1-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUo2G9e65Ig?start=111" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/titus/1.htm">Correcting False Teachers</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">As one</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idios (Adj-NMS) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">own</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētēs (N-NMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophets</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">has said,</a> <a href="/greek/2912.htm" title="2912: Krētes (N-NMP) -- A Cretan, an inhabitant of Crete. From Krete; a Cretan, i.e. Inhabitant of Crete.">“Cretans</a> <a href="/greek/104.htm" title="104: aei (Adv) -- From an obsolete primary noun; ever, by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly.">are always</a> <a href="/greek/5583.htm" title="5583: pseustai (N-NMP) -- A liar, deceiver. From pseudomai; a falsifier.">liars,</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kaka (Adj-NNP) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil</a> <a href="/greek/2342.htm" title="2342: thēria (N-NNP) -- Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.">beasts,</a> <a href="/greek/692.htm" title="692: argai (Adj-NFP) -- Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless.">lazy</a> <a href="/greek/1064.htm" title="1064: gasteres (N-NFP) -- The stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand.">gluttons.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a></span><br />‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2-4</a></span><br />For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Matthew 15:19</a></span><br />For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a></span><br />Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Ephesians 4:17-19</a></span><br />So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. / They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. / Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity, with a craving for more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Colossians 3:5-8</a></span><br />Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: / “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-6</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a></span><br />As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1-3</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. / The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God. / All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2-4</a></span><br />The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. / Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. / The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.</p><p class="hdg">of.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a></b></br> For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.</p><p class="hdg">liars.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></b></br> For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">1 Timothy 4:2</a></b></br> Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12,15</a></b></br> But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-39.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-39.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Bellies</a> <a href="/jude/1-10.htm">Brutes</a> <a href="/romans/16-11.htm">Countryman</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">Cretans</a> <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Crete</a> <a href="/acts/27-9.htm">Dangerous</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">False.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Gluttons</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-3.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Liars</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Theirs</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/3-10.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Always</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-11.htm">Animals</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-11.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Bellies</a> <a href="/jude/1-10.htm">Brutes</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Countryman</a> <a href="/acts/2-10.htm">Cretans</a> <a href="/acts/2-11.htm">Crete</a> <a href="/matthew/8-28.htm">Dangerous</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">False.</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Gluttons</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Hating</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Liars</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Theirs</a> <a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Wild</a><div class="vheading2">Titus 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/titus/1-6.htm">How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/titus/1-11.htm">The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/titus/1-12.htm">and what manner of men they be.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Paul uses this quote to address the character of the Cretans, showing his familiarity with their culture and literature. The use of a Cretan source adds credibility to his critique, as it comes from within their own society. This approach is similar to Paul's use of Greek poets in <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a>, where he connects with his audience by referencing familiar cultural figures.<p><b>“Cretans are always liars</b><br>The reputation of Cretans as liars was well-known in the ancient world, so much so that the term "to Cretize" meant to lie. This stereotype is rooted in the myth that the Cretans claimed the tomb of Zeus was on their island, contradicting the belief in Zeus's immortality. This phrase highlights the importance of truthfulness in Christian conduct, contrasting the deceitful nature attributed to the Cretans with the call for integrity in <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7-9</a>, where church leaders are urged to be blameless and honest.<p><b>evil beasts</b><br>This metaphor suggests a lack of moral restraint and civility, likening the Cretans to wild animals driven by base instincts. In the cultural context, this reflects the perception of Cretans as unruly and undisciplined. The imagery of "beasts" is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a>, to describe those who act contrary to God's will. It underscores the need for transformation through the Gospel, which calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling (<a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>).<p><b>lazy gluttons.”</b><br>This phrase criticizes the Cretans for their indulgence and lack of industriousness. Gluttony and laziness are often condemned in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Proverbs 23:21</a>, which warns that such behaviors lead to poverty and ruin. The emphasis on self-control and diligence is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in the pastoral epistles, where leaders are encouraged to model these virtues (<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a>). This critique serves as a backdrop for the exhortations in <a href="/titus/2-11.htm">Titus 2:11-14</a>, where believers are called to live disciplined and upright lives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a></b><br>A trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, Titus was a Greek believer who played a significant role in the early church. Paul left him in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The Apostle Paul is the author of the letter to Titus. He was a key figure in the spread of Christianity in the first century and wrote many of the New Testament epistles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/cretans.htm">Cretans</a></b><br>The inhabitants of Crete, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. In this context, they are described using a quote from one of their own prophets.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/epimenides.htm">Epimenides</a></b><br>A 6th-century BC philosopher and poet from Crete, traditionally credited with the statement quoted by Paul. He was known for his paradoxical statements and insights.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete</a></b><br>An island in the Mediterranean, known in ancient times for its moral and ethical challenges, which is why Paul addresses these issues in his letter to Titus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/cultural_context_and_truth.htm">Cultural Context and Truth</a></b><br>Understanding the cultural context of Crete helps us see why Paul emphasized the need for strong leadership and sound doctrine. We must discern cultural influences in our own lives and align them with biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Even secular or non-biblical prophets can sometimes speak truth that aligns with God's perspective. We should be discerning about where we find truth and always measure it against Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_character.htm">The Importance of Character</a></b><br>The negative traits attributed to Cretans serve as a warning about the importance of character in Christian leadership. We should strive to cultivate virtues that reflect Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_stereotypes.htm">Guarding Against Stereotypes</a></b><br>While Paul quotes a Cretan prophet, it is important to remember that not all individuals fit cultural stereotypes. We should be cautious about making broad generalizations and instead focus on individual character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_redemption.htm">The Need for Redemption</a></b><br>The description of Cretans underscores the universal need for redemption and transformation through Christ. We are all in need of God's grace to overcome our sinful nature.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_titus_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Titus 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'all_cretans_are_liars'_true.htm">Is the Cretan's statement "All Cretans are liars" true?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_titus_1_12_a_paradox_or_contradiction.htm">Titus 1:12 – Does quoting a Cretan author calling Cretans “always liars” create a paradox or contradiction, especially considering biblical exhortations against false judgments? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_trust_bible_with_missing_books.htm">How can we trust the Bible when there are missing books (e.g., the Book of Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_quote_greek_philosophers_in_acts_17_28.htm">Why does Paul quote Greek philosophers (e.g., in Acts 17:28) without distinguishing them from biblical teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/titus/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said.</span>--St. Paul had spoken (<a href="/context/titus/1-10.htm" title="For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:">Titus 1:10-11</a>) in the severest terms of certain influential members of the Cretan Church; he had even alluded to their disastrous teaching ruining whole families, evidently implying that he had perceived among the Cretans a readiness to welcome a teaching which countenanced a laxer moral tone, the invariable result of perverted doctrine; and now he supports his own condemning words by a reference to a well-known Cretan poet--to one who, according to tradition, was even honoured by them as a god. The verse quoted is an hexameter, written by the famous Epimenides, of Gnossus, in Crete. He flourished some 600 years B.C., and is said to have lived to the strange age of 150 years or more. He appears to have deserved the title of prophet in its fullest sense--Plato speaking of him as a "divine man," and Cicero coupling him with the Erythaean Sibyl. The first three words were well known, and even used by Callimachus in his hymn to Zeus, "Cretans always liars." St. Paul's knowledge of the poem where the verse occurs is one of the several instances which we meet with in his writings indicating his familiarity with profane literature. The quotation, occurring as it does in the midst of an inspired writing, was the occasion of Calvin's wise, brave words, which style those who decline to avail themselves of the learning and research of profane writers as superstitious. Nothing wise and learned, he says, should be rejected, even though it proceed "ab impiis."<p><span class= "bld">The Cretians are alway</span> <span class= "bld">liars.</span>--This terrible estimate of the national Cretan character is amply borne out by the testimony of many profane writers, such as Callimachus, Plato, Polybius, Ovid, &c. The very word "to Cretize" (<span class= "ital">kretizein</span>), or to play the part of a Cretan, was invented as a word synonymous with "to deceive," "to utter a lie;" just as <span class= "ital">corinthiazein.</span> "to play the part of a Corinthian," signified to commit a still darker moral offence. Some writers suggest that this despicable vice of lying was received as a bequest from the early Ph?nician colonists.<p><span class= "bld">Evil beasts.</span>--These words refer to their wild, fierce nature, their ferocity, their love of cruelty.<p><span class= "bld">Slow bellies.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">idle bellies.</span> These terms paint with sharp accuracy another of the evil characteristics of the Cretan peoples--their dull gluttony, their slothful sensuality. The words are used especially of those who, by indulging their bodily appetites, become corpulent and indolent.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/titus/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - A <span class="accented">prophet</span> for <span class="accented">even a prophet</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">Cretan, s</span> for <span class="accented">the Cretinous</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">idle gluttons</span> for <span class="accented">slow bellies</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">A prophet of their own</span>; viz. Epimenides, a native either of Phaestus or of Cnossus in Crete, the original author of this line, which is also quoted by Callimachus. Epimenides is here called a prophet, not simply as a poet, but from his peculiar character as priest, bard, and seer; called by Plato <span class="greek">θεῖος ἀνήρ</span>, and coupled by Cicero with Bacis the B.C.eotian prophet, and the sibyl (Bishop Ellicott); described by other ancient writers as a prophet (Alford); "everything we hear of him is of a priestly or religious nature" ('Dict. of Gr. and Romans Biogr. and Mythol.'). <span class="cmt_word">Cretans are always liars</span>, etc. So truly was this their characteristic, that <span class="greek">κρητίζειν</span> was used to denote" telling lies" - "to lie like a Cretan" (Plutarch, etc.). From their general bad character arose the line, <span class="greek">Κρῆτες Καππάδοκοι</span>, <span class="greek">Κίλικες τρία κάππα κάκιστα</span>; and Livy, Polybius, and Plutarch alike hear witness to their covetousness and dishonesty: <span class="greek">Τις</span> <span class="greek">Κρητῶν οἴδε δικαιοσύνην</span>; "When was there ever an upright Cretan?" asks Leonides in an ' Epigram' (Farrar, ' St. Paul,' vol. it. p. 534). <span class="cmt_word">Evil beasts</span>. <span class="greek">Θήριον</span> is "a wild beast;" applied to men as a term of reproach (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-32.htm">1 Corinthians 15:32</a>), it implies brutality, stupidity, unreasonableness, and, with the epithet <span class="greek">κακά</span>, mischief, like the French <span class="accented">mechante bete.</span> The 'Epigram' above quoted calls them <span class="greek">ληισταὶ</span> <span class="greek">καὶ ἁλιφθόροι</span>, "pirates and wreckers." <span class="cmt_word">Idle gluttons</span>; literally, <span class="accented">idle bellies.</span> The substantive denotes their gluttony and sensuality (comp. <a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a>, where <span class="greek">κοιλία</span> is equivalent to <span class="greek">γαστήρ</span>), and the adjective their sloth (<span class="greek">ἀργαί</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> <span class="greek">ἀεργαί</span>); in old Greek it is usually of the common gender. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/titus/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">[As] one</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξ</span> <span class="translit">(ex)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">own</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴδιος</span> <span class="translit">(idios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophets</span><br /><span class="grk">προφήτης</span> <span class="translit">(prophētēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has said,</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπέν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Cretans</span><br /><span class="grk">Κρῆτες</span> <span class="translit">(Krētes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2912.htm">Strong's 2912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A Cretan, an inhabitant of Crete. From Krete; a Cretan, i.e. Inhabitant of Crete.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[are] always</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀεὶ</span> <span class="translit">(aei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_104.htm">Strong's 104: </a> </span><span class="str2">From an obsolete primary noun; 'ever, 'by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">liars,</span><br /><span class="grk">ψεῦσται</span> <span class="translit">(pseustai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5583.htm">Strong's 5583: </a> </span><span class="str2">A liar, deceiver. From pseudomai; a falsifier.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">κακὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kaka)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beasts,</span><br /><span class="grk">θηρία</span> <span class="translit">(thēria)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lazy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀργαί</span> <span class="translit">(argai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_692.htm">Strong's 692: </a> </span><span class="str2">Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gluttons.”</span><br /><span class="grk">γαστέρες</span> <span class="translit">(gasteres)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1064.htm">Strong's 1064: </a> </span><span class="str2">The stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/titus/1-12.htm">NT Letters: Titus 1:12 One of them a prophet of their (Ti. Tt.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/titus/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Titus 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Titus 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/titus/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Titus 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Titus 1:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>