Titus 1:11
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
Original Language Analysis
ἃ
Whose
G3739
ἃ
Whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
2 of 14
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
ἐπιστομίζειν
be stopped
G1993
ἐπιστομίζειν
be stopped
Strong's:
G1993
Word #:
3 of 14
to put something over the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) to silence
ὅλους
whole
G3650
ὅλους
whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
5 of 14
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
οἴκους
houses
G3624
οἴκους
houses
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 14
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
ἃ
Whose
G3739
ἃ
Whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
11 of 14
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,Romans 3:19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.Psalms 63:11But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;Psalms 107:42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.Micah 3:5Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;Jeremiah 8:10Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
Historical Context
First-century house churches meant false teachers could corrupt entire households at once. Without church buildings, theological disputes happened in domestic spaces, involving whole families. The profit motive suggests these teachers charged fees for their "superior" Jewish wisdom, commercializing spiritual truth—a persistent temptation in Christian history.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your church practice the biblical pattern of silencing false teachers, or does misguided tolerance allow error to spread unchecked?
- How has false teaching "subverted whole houses" in your observation—destroying families or churches you've known?
- What financial motivations corrupt modern ministry—book deals, platform building, or prosperity teaching?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whose mouths must be stopped—ἐπιστομίζειν (epistomizein, to muzzle/silence) is strong language requiring decisive action. The verb suggests restraining animals; false teachers endanger the flock like wolves. This isn't mere disagreement but spiritual warfare requiring forceful response. Modern tolerance has little place for Paul's militancy, but souls' eternal destiny requires it.
Who subvert whole houses (οἵτινες ὅλους οἴκους ἀνατρέπουσιν, hoitines holous oikous anatrepousin)—the verb ἀνατρέπω (anatrepō) means "overturn/destroy/ruin." False teaching doesn't merely err intellectually; it destroys families, marriages, and household churches. Teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake—their motive is αἰσχροῦ κέρδους χάριν (aischrou kerdous charin, for shameful/dishonest gain). They exploit people financially through false doctrine, the original prosperity gospel.