Titus 1:11

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Whose {G3739} mouths {G1993} must {G1163} be stopped {G1993}, who {G3748} subvert {G396} whole {G3650} houses {G3624}, teaching {G1321} things which {G3739} they ought {G1163} not {G3361}, for {G5484} filthy {G150} lucre's {G2771} sake {G5484}.

They must be silenced; because they are upsetting entire households by teaching what they have no business teaching, and doing it for the sake of dishonest gain.

who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.

whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

Commentary

Titus 1:11 is a sharp directive from the Apostle Paul to Titus concerning the handling of disruptive and deceitful individuals within the nascent Christian communities on the island of Crete. This verse underscores the urgent need for spiritual leaders to confront and silence those who spread error for personal gain, ensuring the integrity and health of the church.

Context

This verse follows Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the appointment of qualified elders (or overseers) in every city in Crete (Titus 1:5). Paul identifies specific groups that are problematic: "unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision" (Titus 1:10). Crete was known for its moral laxity and propensity for falsehood, making the establishment of sound doctrine and strong leadership paramount. The false teachers mentioned were likely Judaizers or others who sought to undermine the true gospel, often by imposing unnecessary regulations or corrupting teachings for their own benefit.

Key Themes

  • Confronting False Teaching: The command "Whose mouths must be stopped" highlights the imperative for decisive action against those who propagate harmful doctrines. It's not merely about disagreement but about preventing spiritual destruction.
  • Spiritual Subversion: The phrase "who subvert whole houses" reveals the insidious nature of these teachers. They didn't just spread isolated errors; they infiltrated and corrupted entire family units, undermining the spiritual foundations of homes and communities. This speaks to the profound impact of false teaching on the social fabric of the church.
  • Corrupt Motivation: The core issue is exposed by "teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Their motivation was not genuine faith or love for truth, but base greed and dishonest financial gain. This contrasts sharply with the selfless service expected of true spiritual leaders, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:3, which states an overseer must not be "greedy of filthy lucre."

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "stopped" is epistomizo, which literally means "to muzzle" or "to bridle." It conveys a strong sense of authoritative suppression, emphasizing the need to silence those who are actively misleading others.
  • "Subvert" comes from the Greek anatrepo, meaning "to overturn," "to upset," or "to ruin." This powerfully illustrates the devastating effect these false teachers had on the spiritual well-being of households, turning them away from the truth.
  • "Filthy lucre" translates the Greek aischrokerdes, which refers to "shameful gain" or "dishonest profit." This term directly condemns the covetous and mercenary spirit driving the false teachers, whose primary aim was material enrichment rather than spiritual edification. This motivation is also condemned in 2 Peter 2:3.

Practical Application

Titus 1:11 offers timeless wisdom for the church today. It reminds believers and leaders alike of the ongoing need for vigilance against those who would exploit faith for personal gain. Discernment is crucial for every Christian to identify teachings that deviate from sound doctrine. Church leaders have a divine mandate to protect the flock from spiritual harm, which sometimes involves confronting and silencing those whose teachings are destructive and whose motives are impure. This verse calls for courageous spiritual leadership that prioritizes the truth and the well-being of God's people over popularity or comfort.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 3:6

    For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

  • Romans 3:19

    ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

  • 1 Timothy 6:5

    Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

  • Psalms 63:11

    But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

  • Titus 3:10

    A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

  • 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.

  • Psalms 107:42

    The righteous shall see [it], and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.