Titus 1:12

Authorized King James Version

One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἶπέν
said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#2
τις
One
some or any person or object
#3
ἐξ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#4
αὐτῶν
themselves
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#5
ἴδιος
of their own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#6
αὐτῶν
themselves
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#7
προφήτης
even a prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#8
Κρῆτες
The Cretians
a cretan, i.e., inhabitant of crete
#9
ἀεὶ
are alway
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
#10
ψεῦσται
liars
a falsifier
#11
κακὰ
evil
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
#12
θηρία
beasts
a dangerous animal
#13
γαστέρες
bellies
the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand
#14
ἀργαί
slow
inactive, i.e., unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless

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

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