Titus 1:5
What does Titus 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:5 means
Paul left Titus in Crete to straighten what was unfinished and to appoint elders in every city. Churches need order as well as zeal; structure serves spiritual health. The plural “elders” suggests a team of qualified leaders in each local congregation. Titus does not invent qualifications or procedures; he implements what Paul already directed. This shows both delegated authority and accountability to apostolic teaching. Establishing elders is not mere administration—it protects doctrine, promotes godliness, and provides pastoral care. In a challenging context like Crete, godly leadership is the Lord’s remedy for disorder, ensuring the church reflects the character of the gospel it proclaims.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I did not take you with me when I went away from Crete, so that you might do what was necessary to put things in order there, placing men in authority over the churches in every town, as I said to you;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862For this cause left I thee in Crete, that the things lacking thou mayest arrange, and mayest set down in every city elders, as I did appoint to thee;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For this cause I left thee in Crete: that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest go on to set right what remained [unordered], and establish elders in each city, as I had ordered thee:
Context
Transitioning from greeting to mission, this verse states the purpose of Titus’s placement in Crete and introduces the topic of church leadership. What follows (vv. 6–9) details the qualifications Titus must look for. The flow is deliberate: appoint leaders first, because sound oversight is essential before confronting false teachers (vv. 10–16). Order in the church is pastoral strategy, not bureaucracy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:11
Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God.
- Acts 27:21
And when they had been long without food, then Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40
But let all things be done decently and in order.
- Acts 27:7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not further suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone;
- Colossians 2:5
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 11:34
If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Titus 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Titus 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gluttony
The Bible addresses gluttony as a vice linked to self-indulgence and a lack of self-control, warning against its destructive spiritual and physical consequences.