Titus 3:11
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδὼς
Knowing
G1492
εἰδὼς
Knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 9
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 9
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοιοῦτος
he that is such
G5108
τοιοῦτος
he that is such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
5 of 9
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 10:26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.Luke 19:22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:2 Timothy 2:14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Historical Context
The New Testament distinguishes degrees of error: sincere confusion requiring gentle instruction (2 Timothy 2:24-26) versus hardened false teaching requiring sharp rebuke and rejection (Titus 1:13, 3:10). Apostolic authority could definitively identify heretics; later eras required theological precision and conciliar processes (ecumenical councils).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you receive correction humbly, or does pride make you resist and defend even when wrong?
- How do you discern between sincere error (requiring patient teaching) and hardened heresy (requiring rejection)?
- In what ways might you be "self-condemned"—persisting in known sin or error despite warnings?
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Analysis & Commentary
Knowing that he that is such is subverted—εἰδὼς ὅτι ἐξέστραπται ὁ τοιοῦτος (eidōs hoti exestraptai ho toioutos)—ἐκστρέφω (ekstrephō, turn inside out/pervert/corrupt). Perfect tense ἐξέστραπται (exestraptai) indicates settled condition: the heretic is fundamentally twisted. And sinneth, being condemned of himself (καὶ ἁμαρτάνει, ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος, kai hamartanei, ōn autokatakritos)—present tense ἁμαρτάνει (hamartanei, keeps sinning) shows habitual action. αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatakritos, self-condemned) is compound: αὐτός (autos, self) + κατακρίνω (katakrinō, condemn).
The heretic condemns himself by persisting in error after clear warning. His continued false teaching demonstrates hardened rebellion, not mere ignorance. Church discipline reveals heart condition: humble sheep receive correction; wolves reject it (Acts 20:29-30).