Titus 1:13

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on Titus 1:13 KJV:

Context

This verse follows immediately after Paul quotes a Cretan prophet who described the people of Crete as "alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" (Titus 1:12). Paul affirms the truth of this harsh assessment ("This witness is true"). Because the situation on Crete involved not just general moral issues but also false teachers corrupting the faith (mentioned in verses 10-11), strong action was necessary. Paul is instructing Titus, his representative, on how to handle the difficult spiritual climate there, requiring decisive action against those spreading error.

Key Themes

  • The Necessity of Strong Correction: Paul instructs Titus to "rebuke them sharply." This indicates that gentle persuasion was not sufficient for the specific issues and individuals involved, likely referring to the unruly and vain talkers mentioned earlier in the chapter. There are times when clear, firm correction is required, especially when dealing with harmful doctrine or persistent ungodly behavior that impacts the community.
  • The Goal of Spiritual Soundness: The purpose of the sharp rebuke is explicitly stated: "that they may be sound in the faith." The word translated "sound" (hygiainōsin) is related to physical health. It means to be healthy, whole, and free from corruption. The aim of correction is not punishment for its own sake, but restoration and spiritual well-being, ensuring believers hold to healthy, uncorrupted doctrine and living.
  • Truth Demands Action: The verse highlights that acknowledging truth, even uncomfortable truth about people's character or false teaching, necessitates appropriate action. Paul's affirmation "This witness is true" serves as the justification for the severity of the required rebuke.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "sharply" is apotomos (ἀποτόμως). It literally means "cut off," or "severely," "sternly," "decisively." It conveys a sense of directness and lack of compromise in the manner of correction.

The word translated "sound" is from the verb hygiainō (ὑγιαίνω), meaning "to be healthy," "to be sound." This is the root of our English word "hygiene." When applied to faith, as it is here and in other pastoral epistles (see also 2 Timothy 4:3), it means having doctrine and practice that are spiritually healthy, not diseased or corrupted by error or false teaching.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides a necessary balance to the call for gentleness often found in scripture. It teaches that confronting serious error or sin sometimes requires firmness and directness. The motivation is crucial: the goal is always the spiritual health and restoration ("that they may be sound") of those being corrected and the protection of the wider church community from harmful influences. Leaders and believers alike must discern when such strong measures are needed and apply them with the redemptive purpose in mind, aiming for genuine repentance and soundness in faith and love.

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Cross-References

  • Titus 2:2 (9 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:20 (9 votes)

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

  • Titus 2:15 (7 votes)

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

  • 2 Timothy 4:2 (6 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    ¶ Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.