King James Version

What Does Titus 1:16 Mean?

Titus 1:16 in the King James Version says “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work... — study this verse from Titus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. reprobate: or, void of judgment

Titus 1:16 · KJV


Context

14

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

15

Unto the pure all things are pure : but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. reprobate: or, void of judgment


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They profess that they know God (θεὸν ὁμολογοῦσιν εἰδέναι, theon homologousin eidenai)—ὁμολογέω (homologeō, confess/profess) indicates public claim. These false teachers made verbal profession of knowing God. But in works they deny him (τοῖς δὲ ἔργοις ἀρνοῦνται, tois de ergois arnountai)—ἀρνέομαι (arneomai, deny/repudiate) is strong language Jesus used for apostasy (Matthew 10:33). Their profession and practice contradict; orthodoxy without orthopraxy is hypocrisy.

Being abominable, and disobedient—βδελυκτοί (bdelyktoi, detestable) appears in Leviticus (LXX) for ritually abhorrent things. ἀπειθεῖς (apeitheis, disobedient/unpersuadable) indicates stubborn rebellion. And unto every good work reprobate (πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἀδόκιμοι, pros pan ergon agathon adokimoi)—ἀδόκιμος means "failing the test/unqualified/rejected." False teachers fail the good works test (Matthew 7:16-20), proving their profession false.

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Historical & Cultural Context

James 2:14-26 develops the same theme: faith without works is dead. The Reformation properly distinguished justification (by faith alone) from sanctification (faith necessarily produces works). Paul attacks both legalism (justification by works) and antinomianism (faith without works). True faith always, inevitably, produces good works as fruit, not root.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do your works confirm or deny your verbal profession of faith—is there consistency between creed and conduct?
  2. In what areas of life are you "reprobate unto every good work"—approved in profession but failing in practice?
  3. How do you avoid both legalism (works for justification) and antinomianism (faith without works)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
θεὸν1 of 17

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὁμολογοῦσιν2 of 17

They profess

G3670

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

εἰδέναι3 of 17

that they know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοῖς4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ5 of 17

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔργον6 of 17

in works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀρνοῦνται7 of 17

they deny

G720

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

βδελυκτοὶ8 of 17

abominable

G947

detestable, i.e., (specially) idolatrous

ὄντες9 of 17

him being

G5607

being

καὶ10 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπειθεῖς11 of 17

disobedient

G545

unpersuadable, i.e., contumacious

καὶ12 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πρὸς13 of 17

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

πᾶν14 of 17

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἔργον15 of 17

in works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀγαθὸν16 of 17

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἀδόκιμοι17 of 17

reprobate

G96

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Titus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Titus 1:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Titus 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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