Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Original Language Analysis
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
1 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
εἰδέναι
that they know
G1492
εἰδέναι
that they know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 17
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
in works
G2041
ἔργον
in works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
6 of 17
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
1 John 2:4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.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:Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Ezekiel 33:31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Revelation 21:27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.Revelation 21:8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Isaiah 58:2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
Historical Context
James 2:14-26 develops the same theme: faith without works is dead. The Reformation properly distinguished justification (by faith alone) from sanctification (faith necessarily produces works). Paul attacks both legalism (justification by works) and antinomianism (faith without works). True faith always, inevitably, produces good works as fruit, not root.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your works confirm or deny your verbal profession of faith—is there consistency between creed and conduct?
- In what areas of life are you "reprobate unto every good work"—approved in profession but failing in practice?
- How do you avoid both legalism (works for justification) and antinomianism (faith without works)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They profess that they know God (θεὸν ὁμολογοῦσιν εἰδέναι, theon homologousin eidenai)—ὁμολογέω (homologeō, confess/profess) indicates public claim. These false teachers made verbal profession of knowing God. But in works they deny him (τοῖς δὲ ἔργοις ἀρνοῦνται, tois de ergois arnountai)—ἀρνέομαι (arneomai, deny/repudiate) is strong language Jesus used for apostasy (Matthew 10:33). Their profession and practice contradict; orthodoxy without orthopraxy is hypocrisy.
Being abominable, and disobedient—βδελυκτοί (bdelyktoi, detestable) appears in Leviticus (LXX) for ritually abhorrent things. ἀπειθεῖς (apeitheis, disobedient/unpersuadable) indicates stubborn rebellion. And unto every good work reprobate (πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἀδόκιμοι, pros pan ergon agathon adokimoi)—ἀδόκιμος means "failing the test/unqualified/rejected." False teachers fail the good works test (Matthew 7:16-20), proving their profession false.