Titus 1:14
What does Titus 1:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:14 means
Paul specifies what must be rejected: attention to Jewish myths and human commandments taught by those who have turned from the truth. These are speculative stories and man-made rules that distract from and distort the gospel. When people elevate tradition or imagination to the level of God’s word, consciences are bound where Christ has set them free. Titus must keep believers focused on what God has actually revealed, not on clever tales or imposed regulations. The antidote to error is not novelty but a return to the sound teaching already delivered. Turning away from truth inevitably births burdensome and barren religion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Giving no attention to the fictions of the Jews and the rules of men who have no true knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862not giving heed to Jewish fables and commands of men, turning themselves away from the truth;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn themselves away from the truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not turning [their] minds to Jewish fables and commandments of men turning away from the truth.
Context
Following the call to sharp rebuke (v. 13), this verse identifies the content of the false teaching: myths and man-made commands, particularly of a Jewish flavor. It prepares for the principle in verse 15 about true purity, which counters legalistic scruples. The focus remains on safeguarding the church from diversions that masquerade as devotion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:4
neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.
- Matthew 15:9
But in vain do they worship me, Teachingas theirdoctrines the precepts of men.
- Hebrews 12:25
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven:
- Isaiah 29:13
And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them;
- Galatians 4:9
but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
- 2 Peter 2:22
It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.
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