Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith New Living Translation This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. English Standard Version This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Berean Standard Bible This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith Berean Literal Bible This testimony is true, for which cause rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, King James Bible This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; New King James Version This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, New American Standard Bible This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, NASB 1995 This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, NASB 1977 This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, Legacy Standard Bible This testimony is true. For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, Amplified Bible This description is true. So rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and free from doctrinal error, Christian Standard Bible This testimony is true. For this reason, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith Holman Christian Standard Bible This testimony is true. So, rebuke them sharply, that they may 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, Contemporary English Version This surely is a true saying. And you should be hard on such people, so you can help them grow stronger in their faith. English Revised Version This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, GOD'S WORD® Translation That statement is true. For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well. International Standard Version That statement is true. For this reason, refute them sharply so that they may become healthy in the faith NET Bible Such testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply that they may be healthy in the faith New Heart English Bible This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Webster's Bible Translation This testimony is true: wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Weymouth New Testament This testimony is true. Therefore sternly denounce them, that they may be robust in their faith, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith World English Bible This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThis testimony is true; for which cause convict them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Berean Literal Bible This testimony is true, for which cause rebuke them severely, so that they may be sound in the faith, Young's Literal Translation this testimony is true; for which cause convict them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, Smith's Literal Translation This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely, that they may be sound in the faith; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThis testimony is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Catholic Public Domain Version This testimony is true. Because of this, rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, New American Bible That testimony is true. Therefore, admonish them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, New Revised Standard Version That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he has brought this testimony truthfully; therefore, rebuke them severely that they might be sound in the faith. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThis testimony is true; wherefore rebuke them severely, that they may be sound in the faith, Godbey New Testament This testimony is true: on account of which cause convict them sharply, in order that they may be sound in the faith, Haweis New Testament This testimony is true. For which cause rebuke them with severity, that they may be sound in the faith; Mace New Testament the charge is true: wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they maybe sound in the faith; Weymouth New Testament This testimony is true. Therefore sternly denounce them, that they may be robust in their faith, Worrell New Testament This testimony is true. For which cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Worsley New Testament This testimony is true: for which cause rebuke them sharply, that they may be found in the faith; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Correcting False Teachers…12As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith 14and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.… Cross References 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 1 Timothy 5:20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. 2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” Galatians 2:11-14 When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. / For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ... Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 1 Corinthians 4:14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. / For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Proverbs 27:5-6 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. / The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 9:8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Proverbs 19:25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge. Proverbs 15:31-32 He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. Proverbs 3:11-12 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; / for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. Treasury of Scripture This witness is true. Why rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; rebuke. Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 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. that. Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Psalm 119:80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed. Jump to Previous Cause Convict Denounce Faith Reason Rebuke Reprove Right Robust Severely Sharp Sharply Sound Sternly Testimony True. Wherefore Witness WordsJump to Next Cause Convict Denounce Faith Reason Rebuke Reprove Right Robust Severely Sharp Sharply Sound Sternly Testimony True. Wherefore Witness WordsTitus 1 1. Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.6. How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified. 11. The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped; 12. and what manner of men they be. This testimony is true. Paul is affirming the reliability of the statement he previously made about the Cretans, quoting a Cretan prophet. This underscores the importance of truth in Christian teaching and the need for discernment. The emphasis on truth aligns with the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of truth (John 14:6). The cultural context of Crete, known for its moral laxity, highlights the challenge of maintaining truth in a society prone to falsehood. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul- The apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and sound doctrine. 2. Titus - A trusted companion of Paul, left in Crete to organize and strengthen the church there. 3. Cretans - The inhabitants of Crete, known for their cultural challenges, which included dishonesty and laziness, as mentioned earlier in Titus 1:12. 4. Crete - An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to oversee the church. 5. False Teachers - Individuals within the church who were spreading incorrect doctrine and needed correction. Teaching Points The Importance of TruthThe phrase "This testimony is true" underscores the necessity of truth in the church. Believers must be committed to upholding and defending the truth of the Gospel. The Role of Rebuke Rebuke is not merely punitive but restorative. It aims to correct and guide individuals back to sound faith, ensuring the health of the church community. Sound in the Faith The ultimate goal of rebuke is to ensure that believers are "sound in the faith," meaning they are healthy, whole, and steadfast in their beliefs and practices. Cultural Challenges Just as Titus faced cultural challenges in Crete, modern believers must navigate cultural influences that contradict biblical teachings, requiring discernment and courage. Leadership Responsibility Church leaders have a responsibility to address false teachings and behaviors that threaten the integrity of the faith community, doing so with wisdom and love. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Titus 1:13?2. How can we "rebuke them sharply" while maintaining love and respect for others? 3. What does it mean to be "sound in the faith" in today's world? 4. How does Titus 1:13 connect with 2 Timothy 3:16 on correction? 5. In what ways can church leaders ensure sound doctrine is upheld? 6. How can believers discern when to apply sharp rebuke versus gentle correction? 7. How does Titus 1:13 address the issue of rebuking false teachings within the church? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's message in Titus 1:13? 9. How does Titus 1:13 reflect the cultural challenges faced by early Christians in Crete? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Titus 1? 11. Is the Cretan's statement "All Cretans are liars" true? 12. What does the Bible say about rebuking believers? 13. Why does Paul quote Greek philosophers (e.g., in Acts 17:28) without distinguishing them from biblical teachings? 14. What does the Bible say about division and unity? What Does Titus 1:13 Mean This testimony is true• Paul has just cited one of Crete’s own poets: “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). By adding, “This testimony is true,” he affirms that the description accurately matches the false teachers troubling the churches. • Because every word of Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), Paul’s confirmation carries divine authority. The apostle is not indulging in slander; he is acknowledging a real spiritual problem that must be addressed (John 17:17). • Similar acknowledgments of sin’s reality appear elsewhere: Jesus calls the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), and Peter exposes Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit (Acts 5:3-4). Scripture never glosses over what endangers the flock. • Recognizing the truth about error is the first step toward protecting and purifying Christ’s people (Ephesians 5:11-13). Therefore rebuke them sternly • Because the assessment is true, decisive action follows: “rebuke them sternly” (Titus 1:13). Godly leadership must confront error, not merely observe it. • Stern rebuke is commanded elsewhere: – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2). – “Those who sin should be rebuked in the presence of all, so that the rest also will stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20). – Jesus Himself rebukes wayward disciples (Luke 9:55) and even entire churches (Revelation 3:19). • Practical shape of a stern rebuke: – Clear identification of the error (Galatians 2:14). – Compassion for the sinner but zero tolerance for the sin (Proverbs 27:6). – Aim for public benefit when the error is public (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • The authority to rebuke rests in Christ’s charge to shepherds to guard the flock from wolves (Acts 20:28-31). so that they will be sound in the faith • The goal is restorative, not punitive: “so that they will be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). Godly rebuke seeks to heal doctrine and character. • “Sound” means healthy, free from corruption—echoing 1 Timothy 1:10, “sound doctrine.” Corrective truth functions like medicine (Psalm 107:20). • Other passages stress restoring the erring: – “Correct opponents with gentleness. God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him” (Galatians 6:1). – Church discipline aims that “his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 5:5). • When rebuke achieves its purpose, the church enjoys: – Doctrinal solidity (Ephesians 4:14-15). – Relational harmony (Colossians 3:14). – Missional credibility (Philippians 2:15-16). summary Titus 1:13 upholds both the truthfulness of Scripture’s diagnosis of sin and the loving necessity of firm correction. The apostle commands Titus to confront error directly, with the redemptive aim of restoring believers to robust, healthy faith. Sound doctrine and holy living flourish when shepherds courageously expose falsehood and guide the flock back to Christ’s saving truth. (13) This witness is true.--St. Paul emphatically here endorses the very severe judgment which their own great prophet-poet had written on the national Cretan character. He (St. Paul) had lived long enough in their midst to be able to bear his grave testimony to the truth of Epimenides' words. He had witnessed the sad havoc in Christian life which their evil national propensities had caused.Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.--Some render, wherefore confute, that is to say, set them right, sharply (apotom?s). The substantive apotomia, translated in the English version "severity," is used in the passage about the "wild olive tree" (Romans 11:22). As a surgeon's knife cuts away the diseased and mortifying flesh, so must the words and discipline of Titus, the Apostle's representative in Crete, sharply rebuke, and, if need be, punish the sinning members of the congregation. Not merely the false teachers--the deceivers--are referred to here, but also the deceived, those whole households mentioned in Titus 1:11; and the object of this severity in words and acts was that the lapsed, the doctrinally and morally sick, among the Cretan Christians, should be restored to health again; and the sound state of faith and practice would, St. Paul proceeded to show, consist in "the rejection of Jewish fables and the commandments of these men." Verse 13. - Testimony for witness, A.V.; for which cause for wherefore, A.V.; reprove for rebuke, A.V. Sharply (ἀποτομῶς); elsewhere only in 2 Corinthians 13:10 (see also Romans 11:22). That they may be sound (see Titus 2:2). The faithful pastor must use severity when it is necessary to the spiritual health of the flock, just as the skilful surgeon uses the knife to save the patient's life.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Thisαὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. testimony μαρτυρία (martyria) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3141: Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. true. ἀληθής (alēthēs) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 227: Unconcealed, true, true in fact, worthy of credit, truthful. TRUE. Therefore αἰτίαν (aitian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 156: From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime. rebuke ἔλεγχε (elenche) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. sternly, ἀποτόμως (apotomōs) Adverb Strong's 664: Sharply, severely. Adverb from a derivative of a comparative of apo and temno; abruptly, i.e. Peremptorily. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. they will be sound ὑγιαίνωσιν (hygiainōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5198: From hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well; figuratively, to be uncorrupt. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith πίστει (pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. Links Titus 1:13 NIVTitus 1:13 NLT Titus 1:13 ESV Titus 1:13 NASB Titus 1:13 KJV Titus 1:13 BibleApps.com Titus 1:13 Biblia Paralela Titus 1:13 Chinese Bible Titus 1:13 French Bible Titus 1:13 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Titus 1:13 This testimony is true (Ti. 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