Titus 1:12
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
themselves
G846
αὐτῶν
themselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
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
ἴδιος
of their own
G2398
ἴδιος
of their own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
5 of 14
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
αὐτῶν
themselves
G846
αὐτῶν
themselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 14
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
προφήτης
even a prophet
G4396
προφήτης
even a prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 14
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ἀεὶ
are alway
G104
ἀεὶ
are alway
Strong's:
G104
Word #:
9 of 14
"ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly
κακὰ
evil
G2556
κακὰ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
11 of 14
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
Cross References
Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.1 Timothy 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.2 Peter 2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Historical Context
"To cretize" (κρητίζειν) became a Greek verb meaning "to lie." Crete's cultural reputation for deception was proverbial across the ancient Mediterranean. This created both challenge and opportunity: the gospel had to radically transform notorious sinners, providing powerful testimony to grace's transforming power (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Questions for Reflection
- What negative cultural stereotypes accurately describe your society's particular sins—materialism, sexual chaos, pride?
- How does the gospel address specific cultural sins versus offering generic religious platitudes?
- Are you willing to speak unpopular cultural truth like Paul, or does fear of offense silence your prophetic voice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said—Paul quotes Epimenides, a sixth-century BC Cretan poet-philosopher considered prophetic in Greek culture. The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies—the famous "liar's paradox" (a Cretan saying Cretans lie). The stereotype described Cretans as: ψεῦσται (pseustai, liars), κακὰ θηρία (kaka thēria, evil/malicious beasts), γαστέρες ἀργαί (gasteres argai, lazy gluttons—literally "idle stomachs").
Paul's citation of pagan literature occurs thrice in Acts-Pauline corpus (Acts 17:28, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Titus 1:12). He doesn't endorse paganism but uses their own witnesses against them—a rhetorical strategy. The characterization isn't racist but cultural critique: Cretan society had embedded patterns of deception, violence, and self-indulgence requiring gospel transformation.