Titus 1:13

KJV

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G3778} witness {G3141} is {G2076} true {G227}. Wherefore {G1223}{G3739}{G156} rebuke {G1651} them {G846} sharply {G664}, that {G2443} they may be sound {G5198} in {G1722} the faith {G4102};

Complete Jewish Bible

and it’s true! For this reason, you must be severe when you rebuke those who have followed this false teaching, so that they will come to be sound in their trust

Berean Standard Bible

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith

American Standard Version

This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 1:13 serves as a direct command from Paul to Titus, affirming the accuracy of a harsh assessment regarding the Cretans' character and commanding a sharp, decisive rebuke. The purpose of this firm correction is not punitive but redemptive: to restore the recipients to spiritual health and integrity, ensuring they become robust and uncorrupted in their adherence to Christian doctrine and practice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's quotation of a Cretan prophet, Epimenides, who notoriously described his own people as "alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" ([Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - The Cretan Prophet's Assessment")). Paul's affirmation, "This witness is true," validates this severe assessment, providing the direct justification for the strong action that follows. The broader context of [Titus 1](/titus/1 "Titus 1 - Qualifications for Elders and Dealing with False Teachers") reveals that Titus was left in Crete to establish order in the churches, which included appointing elders ([Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders")) and confronting "unruly and vain talkers and deceivers" ([Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - Unruly Talkers and Deceivers")) who were subverting households with false teaching. Thus, the rebuke is not merely for general moral failings but specifically targets those whose behavior and doctrine are undermining the nascent church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crete, an island in the Mediterranean, had a reputation in the ancient world for dishonesty and moral laxity, as evidenced by the proverb Paul cites. The early Christian communities on Crete were young and vulnerable to internal corruption and external pressures. Paul had entrusted Titus with the challenging task of bringing order and doctrinal purity to these fledgling churches. The presence of "many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers" ([Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - Unruly Talkers and Deceivers")), particularly those "of the circumcision" ([Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - Jewish Christians Causing Trouble")), indicates a struggle against Judaizing tendencies and other forms of error that threatened to compromise the integrity of the gospel message. The cultural backdrop of a people known for deceit underscores the urgency and necessity of a direct, uncompromising approach to truth and correction.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Titus and the pastoral epistles. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of strong, decisive correction** in the face of persistent error or ungodly behavior, especially when gentle persuasion proves ineffective. Paul's command to "rebuke them sharply" contrasts with other calls for gentleness, underscoring that different situations demand different approaches for the sake of truth and spiritual health. Secondly, it emphasizes the **goal of spiritual soundness and purity**, as the ultimate aim of the rebuke is "that they may be sound in the faith." This concept of "soundness" (Greek: _hygiaínō_) is a recurring motif in the pastoral epistles, applying to doctrine ([Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine")) and speech ([Titus 2:8](/titus/2-8 "Titus 2:8 - Sound Speech")). Finally, the verse implicitly teaches that **truth demands action**; acknowledging a difficult reality (the Cretans' character and the presence of false teachers) is not enough—it must be met with appropriate, firm, and purposeful intervention to safeguard the integrity of the faith and the well-being of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuke (Greek, _elénchō'_):** This verb carries the sense of "to confute," "to convict," or "to expose a fault." It is more than just a mild reprimand; it implies a forceful, undeniable demonstration of wrong, aiming to bring about conviction and change. The act of rebuking is meant to bring hidden sin or error into the light, making it undeniable to the one being confronted.
* **sharply (Greek, _apotómōs'_):** An adverb derived from a word meaning "to cut off," this term denotes a manner that is abrupt, peremptorily, or severely. It suggests a direct, uncompromising, and decisive approach to the rebuke, leaving no room for ambiguity or evasion. This intensity is required due to the severity of the issues at hand—false teaching and ungodly living that threatened the very fabric of the church.
* **sound (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** Literally meaning "to have sound health" or "to be well," this word is used figuratively here to describe spiritual health. It implies being free from corruption, disease, or error in doctrine and practice. The goal of the sharp rebuke is not merely to silence error but to restore individuals to a state of spiritual vitality and doctrinal integrity, making them robust and healthy in their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This witness is true."**: Paul emphatically validates the preceding statement from the Cretan prophet ([Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - The Cretan Prophet's Assessment")). This affirmation establishes the factual basis and moral justification for the severe action that follows. It underscores that the problems in Crete are real and deeply rooted, demanding a direct and uncompromising response.
* **"Wherefore rebuke them sharply,"**: Based on the confirmed truth of the Cretans' character and the presence of deceivers, Paul issues a direct command to Titus. The term "wherefore" (Greek: _diá_ with _hós_ and _aitía_) connects the justified assessment to the necessary action. "Rebuke" (Greek: _elénchō_) implies a forceful conviction, while "sharply" (Greek: _apotómōs_) dictates the manner: direct, severe, and without compromise. This is not a gentle suggestion but a firm, decisive intervention.
* **"that they may be sound in the faith;"**: This clause reveals the ultimate, redemptive purpose of the sharp rebuke. The goal is not punishment or condemnation, but restoration to spiritual health. "Sound in the faith" (Greek: _hygiaínō en tē pístei_) signifies doctrinal purity and a healthy, uncorrupted spiritual condition, free from the "diseases" of false teaching and ungodly living. The severity of the rebuke is thus tempered by its loving, restorative aim.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this concise verse. The **Imperative Mood** of "rebuke" immediately conveys the urgency and authority of Paul's instruction to Titus, highlighting that this is a direct command requiring immediate action, not merely advice. The phrase "This witness is true" functions as a **Justification**, providing the logical and moral basis for the severity of the commanded rebuke. This truth serves as the **Cause** for the **Effect** of the sharp correction. Furthermore, the concept of being "sound in the faith" utilizes **Metaphor** and **Analogy**, drawing a parallel between physical health (the root meaning of _hygiaínō_) and spiritual well-being. This suggests that false doctrine and ungodly behavior are like spiritual diseases that corrupt and weaken, while true faith and right living lead to spiritual vitality and robustness. The **Contrast** between the Cretans' character ("liars, evil beasts") and the desired outcome ("sound in the faith") further emphasizes the transformative power intended by the sharp rebuke.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 1:13 underscores the biblical principle that truth, even uncomfortable truth about human depravity or doctrinal error, must be confronted directly for the sake of spiritual health and the purity of the church. While love and gentleness are foundational Christian virtues, there are times when firm, even sharp, correction becomes a necessary expression of pastoral care. This is not about harshness for its own sake, but about a redemptive severity aimed at restoring individuals to a right relationship with God and sound doctrine, thereby protecting the integrity of the Christian community. The ultimate goal is always holistic spiritual well-being, where believers are robust and uncorrupted in their faith and conduct.

* [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges believers and leaders alike to embrace a balanced approach to truth and love, recognizing that genuine love sometimes necessitates firm confrontation. It calls us to discern when gentle persuasion is insufficient and when a "sharp rebuke" is required to address persistent sin, harmful false teaching, or patterns of ungodliness that threaten the spiritual health of individuals or the community. The crucial guiding principle is the redemptive purpose: the rebuke is not for punishment or personal vindication, but for the restoration and spiritual soundness of those being corrected. This requires courage to speak truth, wisdom to apply it appropriately, and a heart committed to the ultimate well-being of others, always aiming for them to be "sound in the faith" and live lives that honor God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When is a "sharp rebuke" necessary in a Christian context, and what are the dangers of avoiding it?**
* **How can one deliver a "sharp rebuke" in a way that is both firm and loving, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation?**
* **What does it mean for *me* personally to be "sound in the faith," and what practices help maintain this spiritual health?**
* **How does this verse inform our approach to confronting false teaching or ungodly behavior within the church today?**

### FAQ
**Who are "them" that Titus is commanded to rebuke sharply?**

Answer: The "them" refers primarily to the "unruly and vain talkers and deceivers" mentioned in [Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - Unruly and Vain Talkers"), particularly those "of the circumcision" who were subverting households with their false teachings and greed. While the preceding verse ([Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - The Cretan Prophet's Assessment")) quotes a general assessment of Cretan character, the immediate context of Paul's instructions to Titus indicates that the sharp rebuke is specifically directed at those whose actions and doctrines were actively harming the nascent Christian communities on the island.

**Why is a "sharp" rebuke necessary, rather than a more gentle approach?**

Answer: The necessity of a "sharp" rebuke (Greek: _apotómōs_) stems from the severity and persistence of the issues at hand. The false teachers were not merely mistaken but were actively "subverting whole houses" ([Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Subverting Whole Houses")) for "filthy lucre's sake." Their influence was destructive, and their character was deeply flawed, as indicated by the "witness" being "true" ([Titus 1:13](/titus/1-13 "Titus 1:13 - This Witness is True")). In such cases, gentle persuasion would be ineffective against hardened hearts and deliberate deception. A decisive, uncompromising confrontation was required to expose their error, protect the vulnerable, and shock the offenders into repentance and spiritual soundness.

**What does it mean to be "sound in the faith"?**

Answer: To be "sound in the faith" (Greek: _hygiaínō en tē pístei_) means to be spiritually healthy, robust, and uncorrupted in one's doctrine and practice. The Greek word _hygiaínō_ is the root of our English word "hygiene" and implies physical health. When applied to faith, it means holding to true, unadulterated Christian teaching and living a life consistent with that truth, free from the "diseases" of heresy, moral compromise, or spiritual weakness. It encompasses both doctrinal orthodoxy and ethical orthopraxy, ensuring that one's belief system and behavior are whole and healthy according to God's Word, as seen in Paul's emphasis on [sound doctrine throughout Titus](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Titus 1:13 is a direct instruction for church discipline, its underlying principles find their ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Christ. Jesus, the embodiment of truth, did not shy away from sharp rebukes when confronted with hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, or willful sin. He sharply rebuked the Pharisees for their legalism and self-righteousness ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13-36 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), and even His own disciples when their understanding was flawed ([Mark 8:33](/mark/8-33 "Mark 8:33 - Peter's Rebuke")). His rebukes, though sharp, were always rooted in divine love and aimed at revealing truth and bringing about repentance and spiritual health. Christ's mission was to make us "sound" – whole, healed, and reconciled to God – through His atoning sacrifice ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His stripes we are healed")). He is the ultimate physician who heals our spiritual sickness, and His Word, when applied with authority and love, continues to be the instrument by which believers are convicted of sin, corrected in error, and ultimately made "sound in the faith" for His glory ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture for Training in Righteousness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Titus 2:15

¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Corinthians 13:10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

1 Timothy 4:6

¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Proverbs 27:5

¶ Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.