Titus 1:11

Authorized King James Version

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἃ

G3739

Whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

ἐπιστομίζειν

G1993

be stopped

to put something over the mouth, i.e., (figuratively) to silence

οἵτινες

G3748

who

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ὅλους

G3650

whole

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

οἴκους

G3624

houses

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

ἀνατρέπουσιν

G396

subvert

to overturn (figuratively)

διδάσκοντες

G1321

teaching

to teach (in the same broad application)

ἃ

G3739

Whose

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#10

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#11

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#12

αἰσχροῦ

G150

filthy

shameful, i.e., base (specially, venal)

#13

κέρδους

G2771

lucre's

gain (pecuniary or genitive case)

#14

χάριν

G5484

for

through favor of, i.e., on account of

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Titus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation