Titus 1:14
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
Not
G3361
μὴ
Not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
προσέχοντες
giving heed
G4337
προσέχοντες
giving heed
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
2 of 10
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐντολαῖς
commandments
G1785
ἐντολαῖς
commandments
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
6 of 10
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἀποστρεφομένων
that turn from
G654
ἀποστρεφομένων
that turn from
Strong's:
G654
Word #:
8 of 10
to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Colossians 2:22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?2 Timothy 4:4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.2 Peter 2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.Matthew 15:9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Mark 7:7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism's oral tradition (later codified in Mishnah/Talmud) had grown exponentially, creating burdensome requirements Christ condemned (Matthew 23:4). Pharisaic interpretation became authoritative alongside Torah. Christianity's break with this system (Acts 15) freed Gentiles from these human additions to divine law.
Questions for Reflection
- What "Jewish fables" have modern equivalents in your tradition—extra-biblical requirements presented as divine commands?
- Do you elevate human traditions (denominational distinctives, cultural preferences) to the level of biblical authority?
- How do you discern between helpful Christian tradition and "commandments of men" that obscure gospel truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Not giving heed to Jewish fables (μὴ προσέχοντες Ἰουδαϊκοῖς μύθοις, mē prosechontes Ioudaikois mythois)—μῦθος (mythos, myth/fable/fabrication) appears five times in the Pastorals, always negatively. These aren't Old Testament truth but rabbinic additions—midrashic speculation, genealogical minutiae, and halakhic traditions elevating human tradition over Scripture. Compare Jesus's rebuke: "making void the word of God by your tradition" (Mark 7:13).
And commandments of men, that turn from the truth—ἐντολαῖς ἀνθρώπων (entolais anthrōpōn, human commandments) echoes Isaiah 29:13 (quoted by Jesus in Mark 7:6-8). Those ἀποστρεφομένων τὴν ἀλήθειαν (apostrephomenon tēn alētheian, turning away from truth) substitute human invention for divine revelation. The tragedy: religious activity divorced from truth, zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2).