Titus 1:13

Authorized King James Version

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
μαρτυρία
witness
evidence given (judicially or genitive case)
#3
αὕτη
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#4
ἐστὶν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#5
ἀληθής
true
true (as not concealing)
#6
δι'
Wherefore
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#7
ἣν
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#8
αἰτίαν
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
#9
ἔλεγχε
rebuke
to confute, admonish
#10
αὐτοὺς
them
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
#11
ἀποτόμως
sharply
abruptly, i.e., peremptorily
#12
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#13
ὑγιαίνωσιν
they may be sound
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
#14
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
πίστει
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Titus. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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