He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes that the leader must not only know the trustworthy word but cling to it tenaciously, as taught by the apostles, to then effectively encourage believers and refute opposition. This "holding fast" isn't just intellectual assent; it's an active, unwavering embrace of the apostolic teaching as the very foundation for all ministry.
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualities and duties of elders in the Cretan churches, emphasizing the need for sound leadership. This verse directly follows the qualifications listed for these leaders, highlighting the critical role of firmly adhering to the true apostolic teaching. It sets the stage for understanding why this adherence is essential: to effectively guide believers and refute those who oppose the faith.
What does it really mean to 'hold fast' to a teaching? It's more than just agreeing; it's a deep, active commitment to truth.
Paul uses the strong verb 'holding fast' (antedromenon) to describe the essential posture of a church leader. This isn't passive agreement; it's a tenacious grip on the 'faithful word.'
What is the 'Faithful Word'?
Why 'Hold Fast'?
A leader's job isn't just to know the truth, but to use it effectively. How does sound doctrine equip them for ministry?
Paul outlines two vital functions that flow from a leader's firm grasp of sound doctrine:
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1. To Exhort (Encourage and Build Up)
2. To Convict (Refute and Correct)
Paul connects these two actions directly to 'sound doctrine,' showing that a leader's ability to both nurture and defend the faith stems from a solid grounding in God's Word.
Understand the original words
hygiainōn · Greek Adjective
Healthy, life-giving, and true teaching that aligns with the message of the Gospel. It is essential for the spiritual well-being and growth of the believers.
elenchō · Greek Verb
To refute, expose, or correct someone through verbal or formal challenge. It is the act of confronting error with the truth of the word.
This verse speaks to the foundational need for church leaders to be grounded in the authentic apostolic teaching, especially in a context where false doctrines and disruptive influences were actively present.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Timothy
Paul provides instructions to Timothy on church leadership and sound doctrine, setting a precedent for later pastoral epistles.
c. AD 56-57
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
This letter addresses divisions and disputes within the Corinthian church, highlighting the need for clear teaching and order.
c. AD 60-65— this verse
Paul Writes to Titus
Paul entrusts Titus with the task of establishing order and appointing qualified elders on the island of Crete, where there were many 'insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers.'
c. AD 62-67
Paul Writes 2 Timothy
In his final letter, Paul urges Timothy to persevere in teaching sound doctrine and guard against false teachers, echoing themes found in Titus.
This passage describes the church as the 'household of God,' the very place where the 'trustworthy word' needs to be upheld, emphasizing the vital role of leadership in maintaining truth.
2 Timothy 2:2Paul instructs Timothy, much like Titus, to entrust the truth to reliable people who can then teach others, highlighting the chain of faithfully passing on sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3This verse warns of a future time when people will not tolerate sound teaching but will gather teachers who tickle their ears, showing the constant need for leaders who can hold firm to the truth and rebuke error.
Jude 1:3Jude urgently calls believers to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints, mirroring Titus 1:9's emphasis on defending and instructing in sound doctrine against those who oppose it.
vincentTitus 1:9: "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
Holding fast (ἀντεχόμενον)Only here in Pastorals. In Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (note).The faithful word (τοῦ πιστοῦ λόγου)The trustworthy, reliable word. Comp. 1 Timothy 1:15 (note).As he hath been taught (κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν)Lit. according to the teaching. Const. with word. Agreeing with the apostolic teaching. For διδαχή teaching see o…
barnesTitus 1:9: "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
Holding fast the faithful word - That is, the true doctrines of the gospel. This means that he is to hold this fast, in opposition to one who would wrest it away, and in opposition to all false teachers, and to all systems of false philosophy. He must be a man who is firm in his belief of the doctrines of the Christian faith, and a man who can…
The verse emphasizes that the leader must not only know the trustworthy word but cling to it tenaciously, as taught by the apostles, to then effectively encourage believers and refute opposition. This "holding fast" isn't just intellectual assent; it's an active, unwavering embrace of the apostolic teaching as the very foundation for all ministry.
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualities and duties of elders in the Cretan churches, emphasizing the need for sound leadership. This verse directly follows the qualifications listed for these leaders, highlighting the critical role of firmly adhering to the true apostolic teaching. It sets the stage for understanding why this adherence is essential: to effectively guide believers and refute those who oppose the faith.
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualities and duties of elders in the Cretan churches, emphasizing the need for sound leadership. This verse directly follows the qualifications listed for these leaders, highlighting the critical role of firmly adhering to the true apostolic teaching. It sets the stage for understanding why this adherence is essential: to effectively guide believers and refute those who oppose the faith.
"He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it." — The verse emphasizes that the leader must not only know the trustworthy word but cling to it tenaciously, as taught by the apostles, to then effectively encourage believers and refute opposition.…
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Last reviewed October 2026