Titus 1:14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

◄ Titus 1:14 ►

New International Version
and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth.

New Living Translation
They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.

English Standard Version
not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

Berean Standard Bible
and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

Berean Literal Bible
not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men turning away from the truth.

King James Bible
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

New King James Version
not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.

New American Standard Bible
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

NASB 1995
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

NASB 1977
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Legacy Standard Bible
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Amplified Bible
not paying attention to Jewish myths and the commandments and rules of men who turn their backs on the truth.

Berean Annotated Bible
and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

Christian Standard Bible
and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of people who reject the truth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and may not pay attention to Jewish myths and the commands of men who reject the truth.

American Standard Version
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Contemporary English Version
Don't pay any attention to any of those senseless Jewish stories and human commands. These are made up by people who won't obey the truth.

English Revised Version
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They shouldn't pay attention to Jewish myths or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth.

Good News Translation
and no longer hold on to Jewish legends and to human commandments which come from people who have rejected the truth.

International Standard Version
and not pay attention to Jewish myths or commands given by people who reject the truth.

NET Bible
and not pay attention to Jewish myths and commands of people who reject the truth.

New Heart English Bible
not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who reject the truth.

Webster's Bible Translation
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn from the truth.

Weymouth New Testament
and not give attention to Jewish legends and the maxims of men who turn their backs on the truth.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.

World English Bible
not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
not giving heed to Jewish fables and commands of men, turning themselves away from the truth.

Berean Literal Bible
not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men turning away from the truth.

Young's Literal Translation
not giving heed to Jewish fables and commands of men, turning themselves away from the truth;

Smith's Literal Translation
Not holding to Jewish fictions, and commands of men, having turned away from the truth.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men, who turn themselves away from the truth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
not paying attention to Jewish fables, nor to the rules of men who have turned themselves away from the truth.

New American Bible
instead of paying attention to Jewish myths and regulations of people who have repudiated the truth.

New Revised Standard Version
not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And not give heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who hate the truth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they should not yield to fables of the Judeans and commands of men who hate the truth.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
and not give heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn away from the truth.

Godbey New Testament
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men turning away from the truth.

Haweis New Testament
not attending to Jewish fables, and injunctions of men, who have turned away from the truth.

Mace New Testament
not doating on Jewish Fables, and the tenets of men, that deviate from the truth.

Weymouth New Testament
and not give attention to Jewish legends and the maxims of men who turn their backs on the truth.

Worrell New Testament
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Worsley New Testament
not attending to Jewish fables, and the precepts of men who turn away from the truth.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Correcting False Teachers
…13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth. 15To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

will pay no attention to Jewish myths

1 Timothy 4:7
But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.

1 Timothy 1:4
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

or to the commands of men

Matthew 15:9
They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

Mark 7:7
They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

Colossians 2:22
These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

who have rejected the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, / in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.

2 Timothy 4:4
So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Galatians 1:14
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

Romans 2:28-29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

Acts 15:1
Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts.

1 Corinthians 1:22
Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom,

John 5:45-47
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope. / If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. / But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

Matthew 16:12
Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Treasury of Scripture

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Jewish.

1 Timothy 1:4-7
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do…

2 Timothy 4:4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

commandments.

Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:7
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

turn.

Galatians 4:9
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

2 Timothy 4:4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Hebrews 12:25
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

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Titus 1

1. Paul greets Titus, who was left to finish the work in Crete.
6. How those chosen as ministers ought to be qualified.
11. The mouths of evil teachers to be stopped;
12. and what manner of men they be.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

and will pay no attention to Jewish myths
This phrase addresses the issue of false teachings infiltrating the early Christian church. Jewish myths likely refer to extra-biblical traditions and speculative stories that were prevalent among some Jewish groups. These myths could include legendary tales or interpretations not grounded in Scripture, which were distracting believers from the core message of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul often warned against such teachings, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:4, where he advises against "myths and endless genealogies." The emphasis here is on maintaining a focus on the truth of the Gospel rather than being sidetracked by fanciful or speculative narratives.

or to the commands of men
This part of the verse highlights the danger of adhering to human traditions and regulations that are not rooted in divine revelation. Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees for elevating human traditions above God's commandments (Mark 7:8-9). The early church faced challenges from those who sought to impose additional rules and rituals, which could lead to legalism and detract from the grace offered through Christ. This warning serves as a reminder to prioritize God's Word over human doctrines.

who have rejected the truth
This phrase identifies the source of these misleading teachings: individuals who have consciously turned away from the truth of the Gospel. The rejection of truth implies a deliberate choice to ignore or distort the message of Christ. In the broader context of the New Testament, truth is often synonymous with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles (John 14:6, John 17:17). The rejection of truth is a serious matter, as it leads to spiritual deception and the potential to lead others astray. This serves as a call to discernment and faithfulness to the true Gospel message.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Titus
A Gentile convert and a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, Titus was left in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders.

2. Paul
The Apostle who wrote the letter to Titus, providing guidance on church leadership and sound doctrine.

3. Cretans
The inhabitants of Crete, known for their challenging cultural traits, which included deceit and laziness, as mentioned earlier in Titus 1.

4. Jewish Myths
Refers to the non-biblical traditions and accounts that some Jewish teachers were promoting, which were distracting from the gospel.

5. Commands of Men
Human traditions and rules that were being elevated to the level of divine commands, leading people away from the truth of the gospel.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Doctrine
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between sound doctrine and human traditions that deviate from the truth.

Authority of Scripture
The Bible should be the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, not human traditions or myths.

Guarding the Gospel
Christians are called to protect the purity of the gospel message from distortions and false teachings.

Rejecting False Teachings
It is crucial to reject teachings that are not rooted in Scripture, even if they come from seemingly authoritative sources.

Focus on Truth
Believers should focus on the truth of the gospel and avoid distractions that lead away from Christ-centered living.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Titus 1:14?

2. How can we avoid "Jewish myths" in our daily Christian walk today?

3. What does "commands of men" mean in Titus 1:14, and why avoid them?

4. How does Titus 1:14 connect with Jesus' teachings on human traditions?

5. In what ways can we ensure our faith remains pure and uncorrupted?

6. How can Titus 1:14 guide us in discerning true biblical teachings today?

7. What are "Jewish myths" in Titus 1:14, and why should they be avoided?

8. How does Titus 1:14 address the issue of false teachings in the early church?

9. Why does Paul emphasize rejecting human commands in Titus 1:14?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Titus 1?

What Does Titus 1:14 Mean

Pay no attention

Paul tells Titus to guide the Cretan believers so they “will pay no attention” to certain teachings. The phrase is active and deliberate—turn your ears away, do not give these ideas oxygen. Just as 1 Timothy 1:4 warns against “myths and endless genealogies,” and 2 Timothy 4:4 pictures people “turning their ears away from the truth,” the apostle insists that genuine faith requires disciplined focus. Giving time or curiosity to deceptive ideas quickly muddies clear convictions, so the safest path is conscious avoidance.

Jewish myths

These were extra-biblical stories, embellished legends, or speculative traditions that had grown up around Old Testament characters and laws. While sounding pious, they distracted from Christ and the gospel. Colossians 2:16-17 reminds believers that the ceremonial shadows have been fulfilled in Jesus; adding layers of myth only blurs that fulfillment. Peter echoes the same concern when he writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths” (2 Peter 1:16). In every age, even well-intentioned religious tales can pull hearts from simple trust in Scripture’s plain teaching.

Commands of men

The danger is not only fanciful stories but also man-made rules. Jesus confronted this directly: “You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). These regulations often appear rigorous, but they are powerless to change the heart (Colossians 2:20-23). The gospel offers transformation by grace; human commands offer conformity by pressure. When believers elevate human standards to divine status, they step onto the shaky ground Paul warns against.

Who have rejected the truth

Those spreading myths and man-made commands are described as people “who have rejected the truth.” This is not about minor misunderstandings; it is a willful turning away. In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul says that “some will depart from the faith and follow deceiving spirits.” Truth is not merely information but the very revelation of God in Christ (John 14:6). To reject it is to abandon the only solid foundation for faith and life, leading others into the same ruin.

summary

Titus 1:14 calls believers to intentional discernment—refusing to entertain religious myths or human-devised rules, because both spring from hearts that have turned from the truth. Scripture alone must shape belief and behavior, guarding the church’s purity and keeping every eye on Christ, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) Not giving heed to Jewish fables.--Such as we now find embodied in the Talmud. (See Note on 1Timothy 1:4.) The oral law and traditional interpretations and glosses had, to a great measure, obscured the original simple text. The Israelite of the time of St. Paul, trained in the stricter Jewish schools, was taught that the way to win the approval of the Most High was through the observance of countless ceremonies and the practice of an elaborate ritual.

And commandments of men.--The nature of these commandments we gather from the words of the next (the 15th) verse. They seem to have been on the subject of abstinence from meats and from other things created by God for the use and enjoyment of man. The directions of St. Paul here are, in spirit, in exact accordance with the Lord's teaching at Jerusalem, related in Matthew 15:1-9. St. Paul's dread of this kind of asceticism and of the peculiar school of teaching, then so popular among the Jews, which enjoined an elaborate system of ritual and observance, which pronounced meritorious in the sight of the Eternal the practice of rites and ceremonies minute and trifling, was grounded upon a fear--too often, alas, verified--lest with the observance of the ritual, and the careful practice of the ceremonies and rites, the moral law should be lost sight of. With this school a holy life consisted rather in observing carefully a ritual, than in living justly, nobly, generously.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - Who for that, A.V.; turn away for turn, A.V. Jewish fables (see 1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4, where the Jewish origin of the fables is implied, though not so distinctly stated as here). Commandments of men (ἐντολαῖς ἀνθρώπων); so in Colossians 2:22 the apostle speaks of the precepts "touch not," "taste not" (originating with the Judaizing teachers), as τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων (see following note). Turning away from (ἀποστρεφομένεν); see 2 Timothy 1:15, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[and] will pay no attention
προσέχοντες (prosechontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.

to Jewish
Ἰουδαϊκοῖς (Ioudaikois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2451: Jewish, Judaic. From Ioudaios; Judaic, i.e. Resembling a Judaean.

myths
μύθοις (mythois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3454: An idle tale, fable, fanciful story. Perhaps from the same as mueo; a tale, i.e. Fiction.

[or]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[to the] commands
ἐντολαῖς (entolais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

of men
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

who have rejected
ἀποστρεφομένων (apostrephomenōn)
Verb - Present Participle Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 654: To turn away, pervert, remove; I restore, replace; mid: I desert, reject. From apo and strepho; to turn away or back.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

truth.
ἀλήθειαν (alētheian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

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NT Letters: Titus 1:14 Not paying attention to Jewish fables (Ti. Tt.)