King James Version

What Does Titus 3:11 Mean?

Titus 3:11 in the King James Version says “Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Titus 3:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Knowing that he that is such is subverted—εἰδὼς ὅτι ἐξέστραπται ὁ τοιοῦτος (eidōs hoti exestraptai ho toioutos)—ἐκστρέφω (ekstrephō, turn inside out/pervert/corrupt). Perfect tense ἐξέστραπται (exestraptai) indicates settled condition: the heretic is fundamentally twisted. And sinneth, being condemned of himself (καὶ ἁμαρτάνει, ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος, kai hamartanei, ōn autokatakritos)—present tense ἁμαρτάνει (hamartanei, keeps sinning) shows habitual action. αὐτοκατάκριτος (autokatakritos, self-condemned) is compound: αὐτός (autos, self) + κατακρίνω (katakrinō, condemn).

The heretic condemns himself by persisting in error after clear warning. His continued false teaching demonstrates hardened rebellion, not mere ignorance. Church discipline reveals heart condition: humble sheep receive correction; wolves reject it (Acts 20:29-30).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The New Testament distinguishes degrees of error: sincere confusion requiring gentle instruction (2 Timothy 2:24-26) versus hardened false teaching requiring sharp rebuke and rejection (Titus 1:13, 3:10). Apostolic authority could definitively identify heretics; later eras required theological precision and conciliar processes (ecumenical councils).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you receive correction humbly, or does pride make you resist and defend even when wrong?
  2. How do you discern between sincere error (requiring patient teaching) and hardened heresy (requiring rejection)?
  3. In what ways might you be "self-condemned"—persisting in known sin or error despite warnings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
εἰδὼς1 of 9

Knowing

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

ὅτι2 of 9

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξέστραπται3 of 9

is subverted

G1612

to pervert (figuratively)

4 of 9
G3588

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

τοιοῦτος5 of 9

he that is such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

καὶ6 of 9

and

G2532

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

ἁμαρτάνει7 of 9

sinneth

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin

ὢν8 of 9

being

G5607

being

αὐτοκατάκριτος9 of 9

condemned of himself

G843

self-condemned


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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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