Titus 1:5
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Original Language Analysis
κατέλιπόν
left I
G2641
κατέλιπόν
left I
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
3 of 19
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λείποντα
the things that are wanting
G3007
λείποντα
the things that are wanting
Strong's:
G3007
Word #:
9 of 19
to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent
ἐπιδιορθώσῃ
thou shouldest set in order
G1930
ἐπιδιορθώσῃ
thou shouldest set in order
Strong's:
G1930
Word #:
10 of 19
to straighten further, i.e., (figuratively) arrange additionally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταστήσῃς
ordain
G2525
καταστήσῃς
ordain
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
12 of 19
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
κατὰ
in every
G2596
κατὰ
in every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
13 of 19
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρεσβυτέρους
elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρους
elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
15 of 19
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
Cross References
Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,Ecclesiastes 12:9And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.Isaiah 44:7And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.Acts 11:30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.Acts 27:21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.Acts 27:12And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.Acts 27:7And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;1 Corinthians 11:34And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Historical Context
First-century Crete had multiple cities (Gortyna, Knossos, etc.) requiring gospel witness. The island's proverbial reputation for falsehood (1:12) demanded leaders of proven character. Unlike modern corporate CEOs, biblical elders were mature spiritual shepherds tested over time, meeting rigorous qualifications (1:6-9).
Questions for Reflection
- Does your church practice biblical plurality of elders, or does one-man ministry contradict this clear pattern?
- What "things that are wanting" in your church community require attention—doctrine, discipline, leadership, mission?
- How do you balance respect for pastoral authority with the biblical right to test all teaching against Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting—The verb ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthoō, to straighten further/set right) indicates ongoing correction. The Cretan church had foundational issues requiring apostolic authority. Paul's absence necessitated a duly authorized representative (Titus) to complete the organizational work.
And ordain elders in every city (καταστήσῃς πρεσβυτέρους, katastēsēs presbyterous)—"appoint elders," not by congregational democracy but apostolic authority. Presbyteros (elder) emphasizes maturity and experience. The phrase in every city shows the expectation of plural elders per congregation—biblical church polity avoids both lone-ranger leadership and leaderless egalitarianism. As I had appointed thee—Titus's authority derives from Paul's apostolic mandate, creating a chain of delegated authority for church order.