This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith
Parallel translations
- WEB This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
- KJV This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
- NKJV This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
- NASB This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,
- NLT This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul affirms the saying is true and tells Titus to rebuke such people sharply so they may become sound in faith. It matters because firm correction aims at restoration, not mere condemnation.
Overview
Paul agrees the description fits, and so directs Titus to reprove sharply. The goal is redemptive: 'that they may be sound in the faith.' Loving, truthful confrontation is meant to bring people to spiritual health, reflecting God's own discipline of those He loves.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- 1 Tim 5:20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
- Titus 2:2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
- Titus 2:15Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
- 2 Tim 4:2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- 2 Cor 13:10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
- Prov 27:5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
- 1 Tim 4:6By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
- Ps 141:5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.
- 2 Cor 7:8–12Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time.
- Ps 119:80May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.
- Lev 19:17You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
We await 'the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us' and purify a people of his own.
How Titus 1:13 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.