Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

◄ Titus 1:9 ►

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

Berean Literal Bible
holding to the faithful word according to the teaching, that he may be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to convict those contradicting it.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

New American Standard Bible
holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

NASB 1995
holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

NASB 1977
holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

Legacy Standard Bible
holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.

Amplified Bible
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word [of God] as it was taught to him, so that he will be able both to give accurate instruction in sound [reliable, error-free] doctrine and to refute those who contradict [it by explaining their error].

Christian Standard Bible
holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

American Standard Version
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

Contemporary English Version
They must stick to the true message they were taught, so their good teaching can help others and correct everyone who opposes it.

English Revised Version
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word.

Good News Translation
He must hold firmly to the message which can be trusted and which agrees with the doctrine. In this way he will be able to encourage others with the true teaching and also to show the error of those who are opposed to it.

International Standard Version
He must be devoted to the trustworthy message that agrees with what we teach, so that he may be able to encourage others with healthy doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Majority Standard Bible
He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.

NET Bible
He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching and correct those who speak against it.

New Heart English Bible
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
holding fast to the faithful Message which he has received, so that he may be well qualified both to encourage others with sound teaching and to reply successfully to opponents.

World English Bible
holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
holding—according to the teaching—to the steadfast word, that he may also be able to exhort in the sound teaching, and to convict the deniers;

Berean Literal Bible
holding to the faithful word according to the teaching, that he may be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to convict those contradicting it.

Young's Literal Translation
holding -- according to the teaching -- to the stedfast word, that he may be able also to exhort in the sound teaching, and the gainsayers to convict;

Smith's Literal Translation
Holding firmly the faithful word according to instruction, that he may be able also to beseech in sound doctrine, and to refute those opposing.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine, and to convince the gainsayers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
embracing faithful speech which is in agreement with doctrine, so that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to argue against those who contradict.

New American Bible
holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.

New Revised Standard Version
He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Holding fast the doctrine of faith, so that he may be able to comfort by his sound doctrine, and to rebuke those who are proud.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
He should care for the teaching of the word of faith, as to be able also to comfort by his sound teaching, and rebuke those who are contentious.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
holding fast the sure word as it is taught, that he may be able, by sound teaching, both to exhort and to convince the opposers.

Godbey New Testament
holding that which is according to the teaching of the faithful word, in order that he may be able both to exhort with healthy teaching, and to convict the opposers.

Haweis New Testament
firmly attached to the faithful word, according to the doctrine delivered, that he may be able to exhort with sound instruction and to confute the opposers.

Mace New Testament
attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.

Weymouth New Testament
holding fast to the faithful Message which he has received, so that he may be well qualified both to encourage others with sound teaching and to reply successfully to opponents.

Worrell New Testament
holding fast the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in the healthful doctrine, and to convict those who contradict.

Worsley New Testament
holding fast the faithful word, according as he hath been taught, that he may be able both to instruct in sound doctrine, and to convince gainsayers.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Appointing Elders on Crete
…8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it. 10For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

1 Timothy 3:2
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 1:10
for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. / He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

2 Timothy 4:2-4
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. / For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Acts 20:28-31
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood. / I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. ...

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

1 Timothy 4:6
By 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.

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

1 Timothy 1:3-4
As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines / or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

2 Timothy 1:13-14
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. / Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

1 Corinthians 14:37-38
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. / But if anyone ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

2 Peter 1:20-21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Treasury of Scripture

Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the disputers.

Holding.

Job 2:3
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

Job 27:6
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

fast.

1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 4:9
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

as he hath been taught.

Titus 2:1,7,8
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: …

1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

to convince.

Titus 1:11
Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Acts 18:28
For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:24
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

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Titus 1

1. Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.
6. How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.
11. The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;
12. and what manner of men they be.

Berean Study Bible

He must hold firmly
The phrase "hold firmly" is derived from the Greek word "antechomai," which means to cling to or adhere strongly. This implies a steadfast commitment and unwavering grip on the truth. In the context of early Christianity, this was crucial as the church faced numerous heresies and false teachings. The leaders were expected to be resolute in their faith, much like a rock that withstands the battering of waves, symbolizing the need for spiritual leaders to be immovable in their convictions.

to the trustworthy message
The "trustworthy message" refers to the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, which is reliable and worthy of full acceptance. The Greek word "pistos" for trustworthy emphasizes faithfulness and reliability. In a world filled with uncertainty and deception, the gospel stands as a beacon of truth. Historically, the early church relied on the apostolic teachings, which were considered the foundation of Christian doctrine, ensuring that the message remained pure and untainted.

as it has been taught
This phrase underscores the importance of apostolic tradition and teaching. The Greek word "didaskō" means to instruct or teach. The early church placed a high value on the teachings passed down from the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Christ's ministry. This continuity of teaching was vital for maintaining doctrinal purity and unity within the church, serving as a safeguard against false teachings that could lead believers astray.

so that he can encourage others
The purpose of holding firmly to the message is not only for personal edification but also to "encourage others." The Greek word "parakaleō" means to exhort, comfort, or encourage. This reflects the pastoral role of leaders to build up the body of Christ, providing support and motivation to fellow believers. Encouragement is a vital aspect of Christian community, fostering growth and perseverance in faith.

by sound doctrine
"Sound doctrine" refers to healthy, uncorrupted teaching. The Greek word "hygiainō" means to be healthy or whole. Just as physical health is essential for the body, sound doctrine is crucial for the spiritual well-being of the church. It ensures that believers are nourished with the truth, enabling them to grow in their faith and withstand the challenges posed by false teachings.

and refute those who oppose it
The ability to "refute" is critical for church leaders, as they must be able to defend the faith against opposition. The Greek word "elegchō" means to expose, convict, or rebuke. This involves not only a deep understanding of scripture but also the wisdom to discern and address errors. Historically, the early church faced numerous heresies, and leaders were tasked with protecting the flock by correcting falsehoods and guiding believers back to the truth.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught.--More literally, according to the teaching; but the English version gives the sense clearly and exactly. The elder must, St. Paul says, hold fast the faithful word or saying; or, in other words, must steadily adhere to that Christian doctrine taught by St. Paul and his brother Apostles. So St. Paul pressed on Timothy, the chief presbyter of Ephesus, "to hold the pattern of sound words which thou heardest from me" (2Timothy 1:13); and again, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (2Timothy 3:14). Here "the faithful saying," that formulary so common in the Epistles to Timothy and to Titus, and which we have generally explained as including the great Christian watchwords of the faith, echoes probably of sayings of Christ, taken up and expanded by His chosen servants, and then adopted in the various churches and woven into the tapestry of the earliest liturgies--now, possibly, after a form like the "comfortable words" of our Communion Service, now into a creed, now into a hymn, but in one shape or other thoroughly well known and loved in the different congregations--here the faithful word or saying seems to include all the faithful sayings, and denotes generally the teaching of St. Paul and the Apostles.

To exhort and to convince the gainsayers.--Two special purposes are specified for which the "sound doctrine" which the elder will acquire by steadfast application may be used. The first, with the sound, healthy teaching--sound, healthy, practical, compared with that sickly, morbid, and unpractical teaching of those gainsayers of whom he is going to speak--he is to exhort the adversaries; secondly, with the same true words he is to confute their arguments. Chrysostom well remarks "that he who knows not how to contend with adversaries, and is not able to demolish their arguments, is far from the teacher's chair."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Holding to for holding fast, A.V.; which is according to the teaching for as he hath been taught, A.V.; both to exhort in the sound doctrine for by sound doctrine, both to exhort, A.V.; convict for convince, A.V. Holding to (ἀντεχόμενος). Holding fast is a better and more forcible rendering than holding to. It answers to the Latin adherere, to cling to. The faithful word which is according to the teaching is awkwardly expressed. Ἠ διδαςή is "the Christian truth" as taught by the apostles, and "the faithful" or "sure word" to which Titus is to cleave is described as being" according to that truth" (comp. Titus 1:1, ἀληθείας τῆς κατ εὐσέβειαν). The A.V. gives substantially the apostle's meaning. The result of this adhesion to the faithful word is that he will be able to comfort and encourage believers by (ἐν) his wholesome teaching, and also to convict the opposers of the truth. The gainsayers; or, contradictors (τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας); such as those Jews described in Acts 13:45 and Acts 28:19 as "contradicting and blaspheming."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

He must hold firmly
ἀντεχόμενον (antechomenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 472: From anti and the middle voice of echo; to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. adhere to; by extension to care for.

to the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

trustworthy
πιστοῦ (pistou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

message
λόγου (logou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

as
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

it was taught,
διδαχὴν (didachēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

sound
ὑγιαινούσῃ (hygiainousē)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5198: From hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well; figuratively, to be uncorrupt.

teaching
διδασκαλίᾳ (didaskalia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1319: Instruction, teaching. From didaskalos; instruction.

he will be able
ᾖ (ē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

to encourage [others]
παρακαλεῖν (parakalein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

refute
ἐλέγχειν (elenchein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

those who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

contradict [this message].
ἀντιλέγοντας (antilegontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 483: To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse.

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NT Letters: Titus 1:9 Holding to the faithful word which (Ti. Tt.)