Titus 1:14

KJV

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3361} giving heed {G4337} to Jewish {G2451} fables {G3454}, and {G2532} commandments {G1785} of men {G444}, that turn from {G654} the truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and no longer pay attention to Judaistic myths or to the commands of people who reject the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

American Standard Version

not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 1:14 serves as a crucial apostolic directive from Paul to Titus, warning against the deceptive influence of false teachers in Crete. It specifically identifies "Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" as dangerous deviations from sound doctrine, emphasizing that adherence to such human-made traditions ultimately leads individuals away from the revealed truth of God. This verse underscores the vital importance of discernment, the rejection of legalism, and a steadfast commitment to the authentic Gospel message for the spiritual health of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the establishment of order and sound leadership in the Cretan churches. Having just outlined the essential qualifications for elders and overseers in [Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders"), Paul immediately pivots to address the pressing issue of false teachers who were actively undermining the nascent Christian communities. He describes these individuals in [Titus 1:10-11](/titus/1-10-11 "Titus 1:10-11 - Rebuking False Teachers") as "unruly, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision," whose destructive teachings were "subverting whole houses." The preceding verse, [Titus 1:13](/titus/1-13 "Titus 1:13 - Rebuke Them Sharply"), commands Titus to "rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith," setting the immediate stage for the specific prohibitions found in [Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Warning Against False Teachings") against the content of their erroneous doctrines. Thus, [Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Warning Against False Teachings") functions as a direct consequence and elaboration of the necessary sharp rebuke, detailing *what* exactly needs to be rejected to maintain doctrinal purity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crete, a large island in the Mediterranean, was known in antiquity for its challenging cultural environment. Paul himself quotes a Cretan prophet, Epimenides, in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Always Liars"), describing the Cretans as "alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." This suggests a society prone to moral laxity and perhaps a fertile ground for deceptive teachings. The "Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" likely refer to various forms of Jewish legalism, Gnostic-leaning speculations, or perhaps even a blend of both, that were infiltrating the early Christian communities. These teachers, often from a Jewish background ("of the circumcision," [Titus 1:10](/titus/1-10 "Titus 1:10 - False Teachers of the Circumcision")), would have emphasized adherence to Mosaic Law, oral traditions, or esoteric interpretations of Old Testament genealogies and stories, rather than the liberating truth of the Gospel of Christ. This was a common problem in early churches, as seen in Paul's letters to the Galatians and Colossians, where similar syncretistic tendencies threatened to compromise the purity of faith.

* **Key Themes:** Titus 1:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Epistle to Titus and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is the **preservation of sound doctrine** (e.g., [Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "Titus 1:9 - Holding Fast the Faithful Word"), [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Speak What Becomes Sound Doctrine")). Paul consistently emphasizes that the health and integrity of the church depend on its adherence to the truth of the Gospel, contrasting it sharply with "vain talk" and "deceit." Another key theme is the **danger of false teaching and legalism**. The epistle repeatedly warns against those who "subvert whole houses" ([Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Subverting Whole Houses")) and whose teachings are contrary to "sound doctrine" ([Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine")). This verse specifically highlights the source of such error: human-derived traditions rather than divine revelation. Finally, the verse underscores the **practical implications of theology for Christian living**. Sound doctrine leads to godliness, while false teaching leads to spiritual deviation ("turn from the truth"). This connection between belief and behavior is central to Paul's pastoral instructions throughout Titus, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated by righteous living, not by adherence to human rules or speculative myths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **giving heed (Greek, _proséchō'_):** From *pros* (to, toward) and *echō* (to have, hold), this verb literally means "to hold the mind towards." Figuratively, it denotes paying attention to, being cautious about, applying oneself to, or adhering to something. In this context, the negative "not giving heed" (G3361 *mḗ* + G4337 *proséchō*) is a strong prohibition against "attending to," "devoting oneself to," or "being absorbed by" the specified false teachings. It implies a conscious choice to turn away from these distractions and focus on the truth.
* **fables (Greek, _mŷthos'_):** This word, from which we derive "myth," refers to a tale, fiction, or fictitious narrative. Paul uses it pejoratively to describe speculative, legendary, or fabricated stories that lack historical or theological grounding in divine revelation. These were not innocent stories but dangerous narratives that diverted believers from the core truths of the Gospel, often being intertwined with legalistic or Gnostic-like interpretations.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from *alēthēs* (true), this term signifies reality, verity, or the genuine state of things. In a theological sense, it refers to the revealed reality of God, His nature, His will, and the Gospel message concerning Christ. To "turn from the truth" means to deviate from this divine reality, embracing falsehoods or human inventions instead of God's objective revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not giving heed to Jewish fables":** This initial prohibition directly confronts the speculative and unbiblical narratives circulating among certain Jewish teachers in Crete. These "fables" (Greek: *mythois Ioudaikois*) were likely extra-biblical traditions, fanciful interpretations of Old Testament genealogies, or perhaps early forms of Gnostic myths that blended Jewish concepts with pagan or philosophical ideas. Paul warns against paying any attention, allegiance, or intellectual energy to these fabricated stories, as they distract from and undermine the true Gospel.
* **"and commandments of men":** Following the "Jewish fables," Paul adds "commandments of men" (Greek: *entolais anthrōpōn*) as another source of error. This refers to human-made rules, ordinances, or religious requirements that are elevated to the status of divine law. These could include dietary restrictions, ceremonial observances, or other legalistic demands that were not part of God's revealed will in Christ but were imposed by human authority. Such commandments often fostered a works-based righteousness, drawing people away from the grace-based salvation offered through faith in Jesus.
* **"that turn from the truth":** This concluding phrase reveals the destructive consequence of "giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men." The participle "that turn from" (Greek: *apostrephomenōn*) indicates an active turning away or deviation. The "truth" (Greek: *tēn alētheian*) here refers to the revealed truth of the Gospel, the authentic message of salvation in Christ, and sound doctrine. Embracing human traditions and speculative myths inevitably leads believers away from this foundational truth, jeopardizing their spiritual well-being and distorting their understanding of God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
Titus 1:14 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent warning. The use of **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting the false teachings ("Jewish fables, and commandments of men") with the "truth" from which they cause people to turn. This stark opposition highlights the mutually exclusive nature of sound doctrine and human tradition. **Metonymy** is present in "Jewish fables" and "commandments of men," where these phrases stand in for the entire system of false teaching and legalism they represent. The verb "turn from" (Greek: *apostrephō*) functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual deviation or apostasy, picturing a physical turning away from a path, symbolizing a departure from the correct theological trajectory. The cumulative effect of these devices is to underscore the gravity of the threat posed by false teaching and the imperative for believers to maintain doctrinal purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 1:14 stands as a clear theological statement against syncretism and legalism, emphasizing that the integrity of the Christian faith rests solely on divine revelation, not human invention. It underscores the New Testament's consistent warning that adding human traditions or speculative narratives to the Gospel message fundamentally corrupts its saving power and leads believers astray. The "truth" from which these false teachings deviate is not merely propositional but transformative, embodying the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, rejecting fables and human commandments is not just about intellectual correctness but about preserving the purity of the Gospel that leads to genuine godliness and salvation.

* [1 Timothy 1:3-4](/1_timothy/1-3-4 "1 Timothy 1:3-4 - Warning Against Fables and Genealogies")
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Philosophy and Empty Deceit")
* [Matthew 15:9](/matthew/15-9 "Matthew 15:9 - Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, Titus 1:14 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, refusing to uncritically accept every teaching or trend, even those presented under the guise of piety or deep insight. We are called to be vigilant against any teaching that elevates human traditions, speculative theories, or personal experiences above the authoritative, inspired Word of God. This means actively engaging with Scripture, allowing it to be the ultimate plumb line for truth, and being wary of legalistic tendencies that add extra-biblical burdens or requirements for spiritual growth and acceptance with God. Our freedom in Christ means we are not bound by human commandments that detract from the sufficiency of His finished work, but rather we are called to live by faith and love, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fables" or human traditions in contemporary Christianity might be subtly drawing believers away from the core truth of the Gospel?**
* **How can I personally cultivate greater discernment to distinguish between sound doctrine and "commandments of men"?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently prioritizing human rules or expectations over God's revealed truth and grace?**
* **How does a clear understanding of the "truth" in Christ empower me to resist misleading teachings and live a more authentic Christian life?**

### FAQ

**What are "Jewish fables" and "commandments of men" in this context?**

Answer: "Jewish fables" (Greek: *mythois Ioudaikois*) likely refers to speculative, often legendary, or mythical stories and genealogies that had developed within certain Jewish circles, distinct from the historical and theological narratives of the Old Testament. Paul also warns against similar "fables and endless genealogies" in [1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Fables and Genealogies") and "profane and old wives' fables" in [1 Timothy 4:7](/1_timothy/4-7 "1 Timothy 4:7 - Profane and Old Wives' Fables"). These were not innocent stories but dangerous narratives that diverted believers from the core truths of the Gospel. "Commandments of men" (Greek: *entolais anthrōpōn*) refers to human-made rules or ordinances, often religious in nature, that were presented as divine requirements. These could include strict dietary laws, ceremonial observances, or other legalistic demands not mandated by Christ. Jesus Himself condemned those who taught for doctrines "the commandments of men" in [Matthew 15:9](/matthew/15-9 "Matthew 15:9 - Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men"), and Paul similarly warns against such ordinances in [Colossians 2:22](/colossians/2-22 "Colossians 2:22 - Ordinances of Men"). Both categories represent deviations from the authentic, grace-centered message of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 1:14, by warning against "Jewish fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth," implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate embodiment and source of that truth. The "truth" from which these false teachings deviate is ultimately the person and work of Jesus, who declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). The legalistic "commandments of men" are rendered obsolete by Christ's perfect fulfillment of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Christ Fulfills the Law")) and His establishment of a new covenant based on grace, not works ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law"), [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The "Jewish fables" are exposed as empty narratives when contrasted with the concrete historical reality of Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, which form the bedrock of the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). Therefore, to turn from these human inventions is to turn *to* Christ, who liberates believers from the bondage of human tradition and speculative error, inviting them into a life of genuine faith and freedom in Him ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Liberty")). He is the true wisdom of God, in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), making all human fables and commandments pale in comparison.

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

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Colossians 2:22

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Galatians 4:9

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

2 Peter 2:22

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Matthew 15:9

But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].