Titus 1:13This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
The setting
Crete, ~65 AD. Paul writes from prison in Rome to his protégé Titus, dealing with false teachers corrupting new churches on the island of Crete, Greece.
The emotion here: urgently protective of young churches under attack
The original word
apotomōs (ἀποτόμως) — sharply, severely, like cutting with a blade
Why it matters
Crete was known throughout the Roman world for dishonesty and moral corruption
Read with care
What most readers miss in Titus 1:13
Paul quotes a Cretan poet who called his own people 'liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons'
Common misconceptionPeople think this gives permission to be harsh with anyone. Paul specifically targets false teachers undermining faith, not general correction of believers.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Titus 1:13
Bible Genome reading
Titus 1:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Titus 1:13 comes from the book of Titus, written during the early_church period. These words are attributed to Paul. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the teaching genre of biblical literature. Key themes include church discipline, restoration. Notable phrases: reprove them sharply; sound in the faith. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Titus 1:13 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.