Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Original Language Analysis
ἀντεχόμενον
Holding fast
G472
ἀντεχόμενον
Holding fast
Strong's:
G472
Word #:
1 of 21
to hold oneself opposite to, i.e., (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
as
G2596
κατὰ
as
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστοῦ
the faithful
G4103
πιστοῦ
the faithful
Strong's:
G4103
Word #:
6 of 21
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
λόγου
word
G3056
λόγου
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 21
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
δυνατὸς
able
G1415
δυνατὸς
able
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
9 of 21
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
ᾖ
he may be
G5600
ᾖ
he may be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
10 of 21
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλεῖν
to exhort
G3870
παρακαλεῖν
to exhort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
12 of 21
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑγιαινούσῃ
sound
G5198
ὑγιαινούσῃ
sound
Strong's:
G5198
Word #:
17 of 21
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.1 Timothy 6:3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;1 Timothy 1:15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.1 Thessalonians 5:21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.Proverbs 23:23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.Titus 2:1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Historical Context
The false teachers in Crete (1:10-11) required elders who could both teach positively and argue negatively. Unlike modern anti-doctrinal sentimentality, first-century Christianity demanded theological precision to preserve the gospel against distortion. The "faithful word" was an objective deposit, not subjective experience.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you "holding fast" to apostolic doctrine, or have modern innovations and cultural accommodation compromised your beliefs?
- Can you both encourage believers with sound teaching and refute false doctrine, or do you only know how to critique?
- What false teaching currently threatens your church community, and are your leaders equipped to both exhort and rebuke?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught—ἀντεχόμενον (antechomenon, clinging to/holding firmly) depicts tenacious grip on doctrinal truth. τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου (tou pistou logou, the faithful/reliable word) refers to apostolic teaching, the Christian deposit. κατὰ τὴν διδαχήν (kata tēn didachēn, according to the teaching) stresses conformity to received tradition, not innovation. Elders conserve and transmit doctrine, not invent it.
That he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers—two pastoral functions require doctrinal mastery. First, παρακαλέω (parakaleō, exhort/encourage) builds up believers through healthy teaching. Second, ἐλέγχω (elegchō, refute/convict) confronts ἀντιλέγοντας (antilegontas, those who speak against/contradict). Biblical eldership requires both nurturing orthodoxy and refuting heresy—positive and polemical theology.