Titus 1:9
“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The overseer must hold firmly to the trustworthy message he was taught, so that he can both encourage with sound teaching and refute those who oppose it.
What Does Titus 1:9 Mean?
Paul ends the list of qualifications with a focus on doctrine. The elder must cling to the faithful word exactly as it was handed down to him. This grip on sound teaching equips him for a twofold task: to encourage believers with healthy instruction and to correct those who contradict the truth.
Character and conviction belong together. A leader who is godly in life but loose with the message cannot guard the flock; one who knows the truth but lacks character cannot model it. Both building up and refuting flow from the same firm hold on God's word. For the reader, this verse reminds us that faithful teaching protects the church. Truth lovingly held and clearly spoken strengthens the faithful and answers those who would lead them astray.