CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Titus 1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/titus/1-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/56_Tts_01_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Titus 1:13 - Correcting False Teachers" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/titus/1-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/titus/1-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/titus/">Titus</a> > <a href="/titus/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/titus/1-12.htm" title="Titus 1:12">◄</a> Titus 1:13 <a href="/titus/1-14.htm" title="Titus 1:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a 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"><a href="/niv/titus/1.htm">New International Version</a> This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith <a href="/nlt/titus/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. <a href="/esv/titus/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/bsb/titus/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith <a href="/blb/titus/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This testimony is true, for which cause rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/kjv/titus/1.htm">King James Bible</a> This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/nkjv/titus/1.htm">New King James Version</a> This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/nasb_/titus/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/nasb/titus/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/nasb77/titus/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/lsb/titus/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/amp/titus/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This description is true. So rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and free from doctrinal error, <a href="/csb/titus/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith <a href="/hcsb/titus/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith <a href="/asv/titus/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/cev/titus/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This surely is a true saying. And you should be hard on such people, so you can help them grow stronger in their faith. <a href="/erv/titus/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/gwt/titus/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That statement is true. For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well. <a href="/isv/titus/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> That statement is true. For this reason, refute them sharply so that they may become healthy in the faith <a href="/msb/titus/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith <a href="/net/titus/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith <a href="/nheb/titus/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/wbt/titus/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This testimony is true: wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/wey/titus/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This testimony is true. Therefore sternly denounce them, that they may be robust in their faith, <a href="/web/titus/1.htm">World English Bible</a> This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/titus/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> This testimony is true; for which cause convict them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/blb/titus/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This testimony is true, for which cause rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/ylt/titus/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this testimony is true; for which cause convict them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/slt/titus/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely, that they may be sound in the faith;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/titus/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> This testimony is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/cpdv/titus/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> This testimony is true. Because of this, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/nabre/titus/1.htm">New American Bible</a> That testimony is true. Therefore, admonish them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/nrsvce/titus/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/titus/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/titus/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he has brought this testimony truthfully; therefore, rebuke them severely that they might be sound in the faith.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/titus/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This testimony is true; wherefore rebuke them severely, that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/godbey/titus/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> This testimony is true: on account of which cause convict them sharply, in order that they may be sound in the faith, <a href="/haweis/titus/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> This testimony is true. For which cause rebuke them with severity, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/mace/titus/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the charge is true: wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they maybe sound in the faith; <a href="/wey/titus/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> This testimony is true. Therefore sternly denounce them, that they may be robust in their faith, <a href="/worrell/titus/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> This testimony is true. For which cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; <a href="/worsley/titus/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This testimony is true: for which cause rebuke them sharply, that they may be found in the faith; <a href="/parallel/titus/1-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUo2G9e65Ig?start=119" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/titus/1.htm">Correcting False Teachers</a> …12As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13<a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">This</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3141.htm" title="3141: martyria (N-NFS) -- Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.">testimony</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/227.htm" title="227: alēthēs (Adj-NFS) -- Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE.">true.</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/156.htm" title="156: aitian (N-AFS) -- From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1651.htm" title="1651: elenche (V-PMA-2S) -- (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.">rebuke</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/664.htm" title="664: apotomōs (Adv) -- Sharply, severely. Adverb from a derivative of a comparative of apo and temno; abruptly, i.e. Peremptorily.">sternly,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/5198.htm" title="5198: hygiainōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- From hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well; figuratively, to be uncorrupt.">they will be sound</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> 14and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a> Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">1 Timothy 5:20</a> But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a> This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. <a href="/1_corinthians/5-12.htm">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a> What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11-14</a> When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. / For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ... <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a> If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:14-15</a> Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14</a> I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-6</a> And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Revelation 3:19</a> Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. <a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">Proverbs 27:5-6</a> Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. / The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. <a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8</a> Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. <a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a> Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Proverbs 15:31-32</a> He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Proverbs 3:11-12</a> My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This witness is true. Why rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;rebuke.<a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Titus 2:15</a> These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.<a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">Proverbs 27:5</a> Open rebuke is better than secret love.<a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a> Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.that.<a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Titus 2:2</a> That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.<a href="/leviticus/19-17.htm">Leviticus 19:17</a> Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.<a href="/psalms/119-80.htm">Psalm 119:80</a> Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Convict</a> <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/judges/3-29.htm">Robust</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/luke/18-39.htm">Sternly</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-8.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">True.</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-8.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-15.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/2-11.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jude/1-15.htm">Convict</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Denounce</a> <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Right</a> <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Robust</a> <a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/9-30.htm">Sternly</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/titus/1-14.htm">True.</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Titus 1</div>1. <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.</a> 6. <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.</a> 11. <a href="/titus/1-11.htm">The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;</a> 12. <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">and what manner of men they be.</a> </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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/titus/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/titus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/titus/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>This testimony is true. Paul is affirming the reliability of the statement he previously made about the Cretans, quoting a Cretan prophet. This underscores the importance of truth in Christian teaching and the need for discernment. The emphasis on truth aligns with the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The cultural context of Crete, known for its moral laxity, highlights the challenge of maintaining truth in a society prone to falsehood.Therefore rebuke them sternly, The directive to rebuke indicates a need for correction within the church. The Greek word for "rebuke" suggests a sharp, decisive action, reflecting the seriousness of the false teachings being addressed. This aligns with other New Testament instructions for church discipline (<a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a>). The cultural context of Crete, with its reputation for deceit, necessitated a firm approach to ensure doctrinal purity.so that they will be sound in the faith The goal of the rebuke is restorative, aiming to bring individuals back to a healthy, robust faith. "Sound" implies wholeness and health, suggesting that false teachings can lead to spiritual sickness. This reflects the pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the church community. The phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of faith as a foundation for Christian life (<a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>). The emphasis on soundness in faith underscores the importance of correct doctrine for spiritual growth and stability.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> - The apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and sound doctrine. 2. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> - A trusted companion of Paul, left in Crete to organize and strengthen the church there. 3. <a href="/topical/c/cretans.htm">Cretans</a> - The inhabitants of Crete, known for their cultural challenges, which included dishonesty and laziness, as mentioned earlier in <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Titus 1:12</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete</a> - An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to oversee the church. 5. <a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a> - Individuals within the church who were spreading incorrect doctrine and needed correction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth.htm">The Importance of Truth</a> The phrase "This testimony is true" underscores the necessity of truth in the church. Believers must be committed to upholding and defending the truth of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_rebuke.htm">The Role of Rebuke</a> Rebuke is not merely punitive but restorative. It aims to correct and guide individuals back to sound faith, ensuring the health of the church community. <a href="/topical/s/sound_in_the_faith.htm">Sound in the Faith</a> The ultimate goal of rebuke is to ensure that believers are "sound in the faith," meaning they are healthy, whole, and steadfast in their beliefs and practices. <a href="/topical/c/cultural_challenges.htm">Cultural Challenges</a> Just as Titus faced cultural challenges in Crete, modern believers must navigate cultural influences that contradict biblical teachings, requiring discernment and courage. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_responsibility.htm">Leadership Responsibility</a> Church leaders have a responsibility to address false teachings and behaviors that threaten the integrity of the faith community, doing so with wisdom and love.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_titus_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Titus 1</a> <a href="/q/is_'all_cretans_are_liars'_true.htm">Is the Cretan's statement "All Cretans are liars" true?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_rebuking.htm">What does the Bible say about rebuking believers?</a> <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 href="/q/bible's_view_on_division,_unity.htm">What does the Bible say about division and unity?</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>(13) This witness is true.--St. Paul emphatically here endorses the very severe judgment which their own great prophet-poet had written on the national Cretan character. He (St. Paul) had lived long enough in their midst to be able to bear his grave testimony to the truth of Epimenides' words. He had witnessed the sad havoc in Christian life which their evil national propensities had caused.Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.--Some render, wherefore confute, that is to say, set them right, sharply (apotom?s). The substantive apotomia, translated in the English version "severity," is used in the passage about the "wild olive tree" (<a href="/romans/11-22.htm" title="Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness: otherwise you also shall be cut off.">Romans 11:22</a>). As a surgeon's knife cuts away the diseased and mortifying flesh, so must the words and discipline of Titus, the Apostle's representative in Crete, sharply rebuke, and, if need be, punish the sinning members of the congregation. Not merely the false teachers--the deceivers--are referred to here, but also the deceived, those whole households mentioned in <a href="/titus/1-11.htm" title="Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.">Titus 1:11</a>; and the object of this severity in words and acts was that the lapsed, the doctrinally and morally sick, among the Cretan Christians, should be restored to health again; and the sound state of faith and practice would, St. Paul proceeded to show, consist in "the rejection of Jewish fables and the commandments of these men."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/titus/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - Testimony for witness, A.V.; for which cause for wherefore, A.V.; reprove for rebuke, A.V. Sharply (ἀποτομῶς); elsewhere only in <a href="/2_corinthians/13-10.htm">2 Corinthians 13:10</a> (see also <a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Romans 11:22</a>). That they may be sound (see <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Titus 2:2</a>). The faithful pastor must use severity when it is necessary to the spiritual health of the flock, just as the skilful surgeon uses the knife to save the patient's life. <a href="/commentaries/titus/1-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>This αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. testimony μαρτυρία (martyria) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3141.htm">Strong's 3141: </a> Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. true. ἀληθής (alēthēs) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE. Therefore αἰτίαν (aitian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_156.htm">Strong's 156: </a> From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime. rebuke ἔλεγχε (elenche) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1651.htm">Strong's 1651: </a> (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. sternly, ἀποτόμως (apotomōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_664.htm">Strong's 664: </a> Sharply, severely. Adverb from a derivative of a comparative of apo and temno; abruptly, i.e. Peremptorily. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. they will be sound ὑγιαίνωσιν (hygiainōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5198.htm">Strong's 5198: </a> From hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well; figuratively, to be uncorrupt. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith πίστει (pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/titus/1-13.htm">Titus 1:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/titus/1-13.htm">NT Letters: Titus 1:13 This testimony is true (Ti. Tt.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/titus/1-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Titus 1:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Titus 1:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/titus/1-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Titus 1:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Titus 1:14" /></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>