New Testament
Titus 1:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Paul warns Titus about the presence of many rebellious individuals who are causing trouble within the church.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 62-66
- Genre
- Letter (pastoral epistle)
- Original Audience
- Titus and the church in Crete
There are many rebellious people out there — empty talkers and deceivers — especially among those who insist on circumcision.
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul warns Titus about the presence of many rebellious individuals who are causing trouble within the church. These people are described as 'empty talkers' and 'deceivers,' meaning they speak without substance and lead others astray. The mention of 'those who insist on circumcision' indicates that some of these deceivers were promoting a false teaching that required adherence to Jewish laws, particularly circumcision, as a means of salvation. This was a significant issue in the early church, as it challenged the core message of grace through faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes the need for vigilance against such influences, urging Titus to be aware of these false teachers and to guide the church in sound doctrine. The verse highlights the importance of discernment in the faith community, as not all who claim to speak for God are genuine. Believers are called to be rooted in truth and to reject teachings that deviate from the gospel. Explore related rebellion.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Titus 1:10 to your life
As believers, we must be vigilant against false teachings that can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. This involves studying Scripture, seeking sound doctrine, and being discerning about the messages we hear. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy leaders can help us stay grounded in our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Titus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Titus 1:10 mean?
Titus 1:10 warns about rebellious individuals in the church who are misleading others with empty words and false teachings, particularly those insisting on circumcision as necessary for salvation.
What is the meaning of 'empty talkers' in Titus 1:10?
'Empty talkers' in Titus 1:10 refers to people who speak without substance or truth, spreading ideas that do not align with the gospel and leading others astray.
Why does Titus 1:10 mention circumcision?
Circumcision is mentioned in Titus 1:10 as a specific false teaching being promoted by some individuals, suggesting that adherence to Jewish law was necessary for salvation, which contradicts the message of grace.
How can we apply Titus 1:10 today?
We can apply Titus 1:10 by being discerning about the teachings we encounter, studying the Bible for sound doctrine, and ensuring we follow leaders who uphold the truth of the gospel.

The Book of Titus
1: Qualifications for elders
Paul begins his letter by greeting Titus, his true son in their common faith. He reminds Titus that he left him in Crete to put in order what was left unfinished and to appoint elders in every town. Paul then lays out the qualifications for these elders. An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, and his children must be believers who are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. As God's steward, an overseer must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Paul warns that there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. Their mouths must be stopped, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. He quotes a Cretan prophet who said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." Paul affirms this testimony and instructs Titus to rebuke them sharply so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.
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