Titus 1:9-11
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. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse isn't just about knowing the right things to say; it emphasizes the leader's firm adherence to the trustworthy message they've received. This personal steadfastness is what empowers them to both encourage believers and, crucially, to effectively challenge those who twist the truth.
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualifications for elders in Crete, building on the previous verse which emphasizes the need for an elder to be sound in doctrine. This verse then elaborates on the practical application of that sound doctrine, equipping the elder to effectively lead the church by both encouraging believers and correcting those who oppose the truth. The subsequent verses will describe the characteristics of these "gainsayers" whom the elder must be prepared to confront.
In a world full of shifting opinions and quick trends, how do leaders stay grounded?
The verse starts with a leader "holding fast to the faithful word as taught." This isn't just about knowing facts; it's about a deep, unwavering commitment to the core truths of the faith. The 'faithful word' (often called 'the faithful saying' in Paul's letters) refers to the trustworthy message of the gospel, the reliable teachings passed down from Christ and the apostles.
Think of it like an anchor. For a leader, especially one tasked with guiding others, this anchor is essential. It means not being swayed by every new idea or popular opinion, but staying rooted in what is true and proven by God's own revelation. This steadfastness is the foundation for everything else a leader does.
Why is sound doctrine so crucial for ministry? It's not just for show; it has practical, life-changing purposes.
Paul clearly states two vital functions of sound doctrine for a leader: to 'give instruction in sound doctrine' and 'to rebuke those who contradict it.' These are not optional add-ons; they are the core responsibilities.
Building Up Believers:
'Giving instruction in sound doctrine' is about encouragement and edification. It's how leaders help the community grow stronger in their faith, understand God's truth more deeply, and live it out effectively. It's the positive, life-affirming work of nurturing the flock.
Confronting Error:
'Rebuking those who contradict' is the protective, corrective side. It means addressing false teachings and unbiblical ideas that can harm the community. This isn't about being argumentative, but about firmly and clearly defending the truth when it's challenged. It's about protecting the flock from harmful influences.
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.
peritomē · Greek Noun
Those who emphasize the necessity of the Mosaic Law, specifically circumcision, for salvation, often in opposition to the sufficiency of Christ’s grace.
epistomizein · Greek Verb
The act of restraining or muzzling someone, often used metaphorically for preventing false teachers from spreading error.
This passage emphasizes the critical importance of a leader diligently attending to his own doctrine and teaching, directly mirroring Titus 1:9's call to 'hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught' for the purpose of instructing others.
2 Timothy 2:2Paul instructs Timothy to commit the truth to faithful men who will be able to teach others, highlighting the multi-generational passing on of sound doctrine that an elder in Titus 1:9 is responsible for upholding and disseminating.
Jude 1:3Jude urges believers to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints, reflecting the 'rebuke those who contradict' aspect of Titus 1:9, as leaders must stand firm against error.
Proverbs 18:17This proverb states that the first speaker in a dispute is always considered right until the other party questions him, underscoring the need for a leader, as in Titus 1:9, to be prepared with sound doctrine to 'convince the gainsayers' and present the full truth.
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 isn't just about knowing the right things to say; it emphasizes the leader's firm adherence to the trustworthy message they've received. This personal steadfastness is what empowers them to both encourage believers and, crucially, to effectively challenge those who twist the truth.
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualifications for elders in Crete, building on the previous verse which emphasizes the need for an elder to be sound in doctrine. This verse then elaborates on the practical application of that sound doctrine, equipping the elder to effectively lead the church by both encouraging believers and correcting those who oppose the truth. The subsequent verses will describe the characteristics of these "gainsayers" whom the elder must be prepared to confront.
Paul is instructing Titus on the qualifications for elders in Crete, building on the previous verse which emphasizes the need for an elder to be sound in doctrine. This verse then elaborates on the practical application of that sound doctrine, equipping the elder to effectively lead the church by both encouraging believers and correcting those who oppose the truth. The subsequent verses will describe the characteristics of these "gainsayers" whom the elder must be prepared to confront.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Titus 1:9-11 is available in the Sola app.
aischrou kerdous charin · Greek Noun phrase
Dishonest financial gain, often associated with corrupt motives in ministry or leadership.
"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. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially…" — The verse isn't just about knowing the right things to say; it emphasizes the leader's firm adherence to the trustworthy message they've received. This personal steadfastness is what empowers them…
