King James Version

What Does Titus 3:10 Mean?

Titus 3:10 in the King James Version says “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Titus 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

9

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11

Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject—αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον (hairetikon anthrōpon, heretical/divisive man) μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν (meta mian kai deuteran nouthesian, after first and second admonition) παραιτοῦ (paraitou, reject/refuse/avoid). αἱρετικός (hairetikos, heretic) means one who creates factions/divisions through false teaching, not mere doctrinal error but church-splitting behavior.

The procedure: (1) first warning (νουθεσία, nouthesia, admonition), (2) second warning, (3) rejection. Matthew 18:15-17 provides parallel church discipline process. παραιτοῦ (paraitou) doesn't necessarily mean excommunication but avoiding fellowship and platform. Persistent divisive teachers must be silenced (1:11) and avoided after patient attempts at correction fail.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christianity lacked centralized authority structures making heresy control difficult. Local elders bore responsibility for doctrinal protection. The two-warning procedure balanced patience (giving opportunity for repentance) with decisiveness (protecting the flock). Later church history shows the danger of both laxity (tolerating destructive error) and harshness (Inquisitional abuse).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your church practice biblical church discipline, or does tolerance of error and division go unchecked?
  2. How do you balance patience toward erring brothers with decisiveness toward persistent divisive false teachers?
  3. What heretical or divisive people should you avoid after giving them opportunity to repent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
αἱρετικὸν1 of 8

that is an heretick

G141

a schismatic

ἄνθρωπον2 of 8

A man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μετὰ3 of 8

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

μίαν4 of 8
G1520

one

καὶ5 of 8

and

G2532

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

δευτέραν6 of 8

second

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

νουθεσίαν7 of 8

admonition

G3559

calling attention to, i.e., (by implication) mild rebuke or warning

παραιτοῦ8 of 8

reject

G3868

to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun


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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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