King James Version

What Does Titus 1:5 Mean?

Titus 1:5 in the King James Version says “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in ... — study this verse from Titus chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: wanting: or, left undone

Titus 1:5 · KJV


Context

3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

4

To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

5

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: wanting: or, left undone

6

If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

7

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting—The verb ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthoō, to straighten further/set right) indicates ongoing correction. The Cretan church had foundational issues requiring apostolic authority. Paul's absence necessitated a duly authorized representative (Titus) to complete the organizational work.

And ordain elders in every city (καταστήσῃς πρεσβυτέρους, katastēsēs presbyterous)—"appoint elders," not by congregational democracy but apostolic authority. Presbyteros (elder) emphasizes maturity and experience. The phrase in every city shows the expectation of plural elders per congregation—biblical church polity avoids both lone-ranger leadership and leaderless egalitarianism. As I had appointed thee—Titus's authority derives from Paul's apostolic mandate, creating a chain of delegated authority for church order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Crete had multiple cities (Gortyna, Knossos, etc.) requiring gospel witness. The island's proverbial reputation for falsehood (1:12) demanded leaders of proven character. Unlike modern corporate CEOs, biblical elders were mature spiritual shepherds tested over time, meeting rigorous qualifications (1:6-9).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your church practice biblical plurality of elders, or does one-man ministry contradict this clear pattern?
  2. What "things that are wanting" in your church community require attention—doctrine, discipline, leadership, mission?
  3. How do you balance respect for pastoral authority with the biblical right to test all teaching against Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Τούτου1 of 19

For this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

χάριν2 of 19

cause

G5484

through favor of, i.e., on account of

κατέλιπόν3 of 19

left I

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

σε4 of 19

thee

G4571

thee

ἐν5 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Κρήτῃ6 of 19

Crete

G2914

crete, an island in the mediterranean

ἵνα7 of 19

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὰ8 of 19
G3588

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

λείποντα9 of 19

the things that are wanting

G3007

to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent

ἐπιδιορθώσῃ10 of 19

thou shouldest set in order

G1930

to straighten further, i.e., (figuratively) arrange additionally

καὶ11 of 19

and

G2532

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

καταστήσῃς12 of 19

ordain

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

κατὰ13 of 19

in every

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πόλιν14 of 19

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

πρεσβυτέρους15 of 19

elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

ὡς16 of 19

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐγώ17 of 19

I

G1473

i, me

σοι18 of 19

thee

G4671

to thee

διεταξάμην19 of 19

had appointed

G1299

to arrange thoroughly, i.e., (specially) institute, prescribe, etc


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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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