Titus 1:13
What does Titus 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:13 means
Paul affirms the accuracy of that cultural critique and commands Titus to reprove sharply. The goal, however, is pastoral: that they may be sound in the faith. Correction is not cruelty; it is surgery to heal diseased doctrine and life. Where deception and indolence have taken root, gentle hints are insufficient. Clear, firm admonition is a mercy when it aims at spiritual health. Soundness in the faith means aligning belief and behavior with the gospel of Christ. Titus’s leadership must be both tender and tough—compassionate in aim, decisive in method—so that the church’s confession and conduct are restored to wholeness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
KJV
King James Version · 1611This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This witness is true. So say sharp words to them so that they may come to the right faith,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this testimony is true; for which cause convict them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This testimony is true. Wherefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This testimony is true; for which cause rebuke them severely, that they may be sound in the faith,
Context
This verse is the pivot from diagnosis and cultural realism (vv. 10–12) to the remedy. It explains the purpose of rebuke and anticipates the specific errors to avoid in verse 14. The sequence underscores that strong words are justified when they serve the loving goal of doctrinal and moral health within the church.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:
- Psalms 119:80
Let my heart be perfect in thy statutes, That I be not put to shame. כ KAPH.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season),
- 1 Timothy 5:20
Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
- Titus 2:2
that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
- Psalms 141:5
Let the righteous smite me, it shall bea kindness; And let him reprove me, it shall be asoil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it: For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.
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