Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Study Note
Study Note
The verdict 'they profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate' articulates a theological principle that James 2:18-26 also develops: knowledge of God that produces no moral fruit is a functional denial of the God it claims to confess. The Greek 'arnountai' (deny) is the same verb used for denying Christ under persecution (Matthew 10:33; 2 Timothy 2:12), making moral failure an implicit act of apostasy. The triple characterisation — 'abominable, disobedient, reprobate' — employs the language of cultic impurity, legal non-compliance, and disqualification, covering the religious, civic, and practical dimensions of their failure. The verse has shaped every Christian tradition that insists on the inseparability of orthodox belief and ethical conduct.
Other Translations
They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
God they profess to know, and in the works they deny <FI>Him<Fi> , being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work disapproved.
They say that they have knowledge of God, while by their acts they are turning their backs on him; they are hated by all, hard-hearted, and judged to be without value for any good work.
Cross References
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the …
And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of …
And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: …
How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour …
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out …
Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not …
Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them.
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear …
Israel shall cry unto me, My God, we know thee.