New Testament
Titus 1:13
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 emphasizes the importance of confronting false teachings within the church.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 62-66
- Genre
- Letter (pastoral epistle)
- Original Audience
- Titus and the church in Crete
This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so they may be sound in the faith;
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of confronting false teachings within the church. He acknowledges that the statement about certain individuals is accurate, indicating that their behavior is detrimental to the faith. By instructing Titus to rebuke them sharply, Paul is advocating for a strong response to ensure that these individuals can correct their ways and return to a sound understanding of the faith. The goal of such rebuke is not punishment but restoration, helping them to align their beliefs and actions with the truth of the Gospel. This highlights the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity and the responsibility of church leaders to address issues that threaten the community's faith. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, tough love is required to guide others back to a healthy spiritual path.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Titus 1:13 to your life
In our communities, we may encounter individuals who stray from sound doctrine. It is essential to address these issues with love and firmness, ensuring that our corrections aim for their restoration and growth in faith. This approach fosters a healthier spiritual environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Titus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Titus 1:13 mean?
Titus 1:13 emphasizes the need for church leaders to confront and correct false teachings. Paul instructs Titus to rebuke those who are misleading others to help them return to a sound understanding of the faith.
What is the meaning of rebuke them sharply in Titus 1:13?
'Rebuke them sharply' means to confront individuals firmly and directly about their wrong beliefs or actions. The goal is to encourage them to correct their ways and restore their faith.
Why is doctrinal purity important according to Titus 1:13?
Doctrinal purity is crucial because it ensures that the teachings of the church align with the truth of the Gospel. This verse shows that confronting false teachings is necessary for the spiritual health of the community.
How can we apply Titus 1:13 in our lives?
We can apply Titus 1:13 by addressing false teachings or behaviors in our communities with love and firmness. The focus should be on restoring individuals to a sound faith rather than merely criticizing them.

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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