New Testament
Titus 1:11
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 certain individuals who are spreading false teachings that are harmful to families and communities.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 62-66
- Genre
- Letter (pastoral epistle)
- Original Audience
- Titus and the church in Crete
They must be silenced, because they're ruining entire households by teaching things they shouldn't, all for the sake of dishonest profit.
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul warns Titus about certain individuals who are spreading false teachings that are harmful to families and communities. These teachers are motivated by greed, seeking financial gain rather than the truth. Their influence can lead to significant spiritual and moral damage, as they distort the message of the Gospel. Paul emphasizes the need to silence such voices to protect the integrity of the faith and the well-being of believers. The urgency of this message highlights the importance of sound doctrine and the responsibility of church leaders to guard against false teachings that can lead people astray. By addressing these issues, the church can maintain its focus on the truth and foster a healthy spiritual environment for its members. Explore related materialism.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Titus 1:11 to your life
To apply this teaching, individuals and church leaders should be vigilant in discerning the messages they hear and share. It is essential to prioritize sound doctrine and to challenge teachings that do not align with biblical truth. This vigilance helps protect families and communities from harmful influences.
Curated for this public verse page. Titus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Titus 1:11 mean?
Titus 1:11 warns against individuals spreading false teachings that harm families and communities. These teachers are motivated by greed and distort the Gospel for financial gain.
What is the meaning of 'filthy lucre' in Titus 1:11?
'Filthy lucre' refers to money gained through dishonest or unethical means. In this context, it highlights the greed of false teachers who prioritize profit over truth.
How can church leaders apply Titus 1:11 today?
Church leaders can apply Titus 1:11 by being vigilant in identifying and addressing false teachings within their communities. They should prioritize sound doctrine to safeguard the spiritual well-being of their members.
Why is it important to silence false teachers according to Titus 1:11?
Silencing false teachers is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful teachings that can lead to spiritual and moral damage in families and communities, ensuring the integrity of the Gospel message.

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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