Titus 1:13
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὕτη
This
G3778
αὕτη
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 16
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
δι'
Wherefore
G1223
δι'
Wherefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἣν
G3739
ἣν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αἰτίαν
G156
αἰτίαν
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
8 of 16
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 16
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
ὑγιαίνωσιν
they may be sound
G5198
ὑγιαίνωσιν
they may be sound
Strong's:
G5198
Word #:
13 of 16
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
Cross References
1 Timothy 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.Titus 2:2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.2 Corinthians 13:10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Psalms 119:80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.Psalms 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.Proverbs 27:5Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Historical Context
Modern therapeutic culture views confrontation as harmful, preferring affirmation and non-judgmentalism. But Paul's pastoral care prioritizes spiritual health over emotional comfort. In honor-shame cultures like Crete's, direct rebuke communicated urgency and care, while indirect hints showed indifference or cowardice.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you practice biblical rebuke when necessary, or does fear of conflict and desire to be liked silence you?
- How do you balance sharp rebuke with the goal of restoration versus vindictive punishment or self-righteous condemnation?
- What sins in your life require "sharp rebuke" from mature believers you've given permission to speak truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This witness is true—Paul affirms Epimenides's assessment. The Cretan stereotype had sufficient accuracy to be pastorally useful. Wherefore rebuke them sharply (ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως, elegche autous apotomōs)—ἀποτόμως means "abruptly/severely/curtly," not gently. The adverb suggests cutting decisiveness, not gradually coaxing. Particular sins require particular severity; Cretan cultural patterns of deception demanded sharp confrontation.
That they may be sound in the faith (ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν ἐν τῇ πίστει, hina hygiainōsin en tē pistei)—the goal of severe rebuke is health (ὑγιαίνω, hygiaino, to be healthy, root of "hygiene"). Paul repeatedly uses medical metaphors: ὑγιαίνω (sound/healthy) versus diseased doctrine. Sharp rebuke isn't punishment but surgery—painful but curative. The patient's health, not comfort, determines treatment.