Titus 3:10
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Original Language Analysis
μετὰ
after
G3326
μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δευτέραν
second
G1208
δευτέραν
second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
6 of 8
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
Cross References
Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:2 Thessalonians 3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.2 Corinthians 13:2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:1 Corinthians 11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.Galatians 5:20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,Galatians 5:12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Historical Context
Early Christianity lacked centralized authority structures making heresy control difficult. Local elders bore responsibility for doctrinal protection. The two-warning procedure balanced patience (giving opportunity for repentance) with decisiveness (protecting the flock). Later church history shows the danger of both laxity (tolerating destructive error) and harshness (Inquisitional abuse).
Questions for Reflection
- Does your church practice biblical church discipline, or does tolerance of error and division go unchecked?
- How do you balance patience toward erring brothers with decisiveness toward persistent divisive false teachers?
- What heretical or divisive people should you avoid after giving them opportunity to repent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject—αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον (hairetikon anthrōpon, heretical/divisive man) μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν (meta mian kai deuteran nouthesian, after first and second admonition) παραιτοῦ (paraitou, reject/refuse/avoid). αἱρετικός (hairetikos, heretic) means one who creates factions/divisions through false teaching, not mere doctrinal error but church-splitting behavior.
The procedure:
Matthew 18:15-17 provides parallel church discipline process. παραιτοῦ (paraitou) doesn't necessarily mean excommunication but avoiding fellowship and platform. Persistent divisive teachers must be silenced (1:11) and avoided after patient attempts at correction fail.