Titus 1:5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

◄ Titus 1:5 ►

New International Version
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

New Living Translation
I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you.

English Standard Version
This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

Berean Standard Bible
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Berean Literal Bible
On account of this I left you in Crete, that you might set in order the things lacking and might appoint elders in every town, as I directed you,

King James Bible
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

New King James Version
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—

New American Standard Bible
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

NASB 1995
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

NASB 1977
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

Legacy Standard Bible
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

Amplified Bible
For this reason I left you behind in Crete, so that you would set right what remains unfinished, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

Christian Standard Bible
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town:

American Standard Version
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;

Contemporary English Version
I left you in Crete to do what had been left undone and to appoint leaders for the churches in each town. As I told you,

English Revised Version
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I left you in Crete to do what still needed to be done-appointing spiritual leaders in every city as I directed you.

Good News Translation
I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions:

International Standard Version
The reason I left you in Crete was to complete what still needed to be done and to appoint elders in every city, as I myself commanded you.

Majority Standard Bible
The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

NET Bible
The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

New Heart English Bible
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

Webster's Bible Translation
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Weymouth New Testament
I have left you behind in Crete in order that you may set right the things which still require attention, and appoint Elders in every town, as I directed you to do;

World English Bible
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you may arrange the things lacking, and may set elders down in every city, as I appointed to you,

Berean Literal Bible
On account of this I left you in Crete, that you might set in order the things lacking and might appoint elders in every town, as I directed you,

Young's Literal Translation
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that the things lacking thou mayest arrange, and mayest set down in every city elders, as I did appoint to thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
For this I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest rectify things left behind, and set elders in the city, as I directed thee:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, I left you behind in Crete: so that those things which are lacking, you would correct, and so that you would ordain, throughout the communities, priests, (just as I also ordained you)

New American Bible
For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you,

New Revised Standard Version
I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city where there is a need as I had commanded you.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For this reason I had left you in Crete, that you might set right those things that are lacking, and ordain Elders in each city just as I ordered you:

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you might set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I commanded you:

Godbey New Testament
Therefore I left you in Crete, in order that you may set in order remaining things, and establish elders in every city, as I commanded you;

Haweis New Testament
For this purpose I left thee behind me at Crete, that thou mightest direct the regulations which remained to be executed, and that thou shouldest appoint presbyters in every city, as I charged thee to do:

Mace New Testament
I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,

Weymouth New Testament
I have left you behind in Crete in order that you may set right the things which still require attention, and appoint Elders in every town, as I directed you to do;

Worrell New Testament
For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

Worsley New Testament
For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest set in order what remained, and ordain elders in every city as I directed thee:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Appointing Elders on Crete
4To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

1 Timothy 3:1-7
This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...

1 Timothy 1:3
As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines

1 Corinthians 11:34
If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment. And when I come, I will give instructions about the remaining matters.

1 Corinthians 7:17
Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.

1 Peter 5:1-3
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: / Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

1 Corinthians 4:17
That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

1 Corinthians 16:1
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:

1 Thessalonians 3:10
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

2 Corinthians 8:6
So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

2 Corinthians 11:28
Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Acts 20:17-28
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. / When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia. / I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. ...

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Treasury of Scripture

For this cause left I you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you:

I left.

1 Timothy 1:3
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

Crete.

Acts 2:11
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

Acts 27:7,12,21
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; …

set.

1 Chronicles 6:32
And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order.

Ecclesiastes 12:9
And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Isaiah 44:7
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.

wanting, or, left undone.

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

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Amend Appoint Appointed Arrange Attention Authority Cause Charge Churches City Crete Defective Directed Elders Establish Lacking Mayest Mightest Necessary Ordain Order Placing Reason Require Right Shouldest Shouldst Straighten Wanting

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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.

Berean Study Bible

The reason I left you in Crete
This phrase sets the stage for the apostolic mission entrusted to Titus. The Greek word for "left" (κατέλιπον, katelipon) implies a deliberate and purposeful action. Paul had a strategic reason for leaving Titus in Crete, a significant island in the Mediterranean known for its diverse population and strategic location. Historically, Crete was notorious for its moral laxity, as even one of their own prophets, Epimenides, had remarked on the Cretans' character (Titus 1:12). This context underscores the challenge Titus faced in establishing a strong Christian community amidst a culture needing transformation.

was that you might straighten out
The phrase "straighten out" (ἐπιδιορθώσῃ, epidiorthōsē) carries the connotation of setting things in order or correcting what is defective. The Greek root suggests a meticulous process of aligning something with a standard. In the context of the early church, this involved addressing doctrinal errors and moral issues, ensuring that the fledgling Christian communities adhered to apostolic teaching and lived out their faith authentically.

what was unfinished
This phrase indicates that the work in Crete was incomplete. The Greek word (λείποντα, leiponta) suggests a lack or deficiency. Paul had begun the work of evangelism and church planting, but it was Titus's task to bring it to completion. This highlights the collaborative nature of ministry in the early church, where different leaders played complementary roles in the growth and maturation of the Christian community.

and appoint elders in every town
The appointment of "elders" (πρεσβυτέρους, presbyterous) was a critical task for Titus. The term "elders" refers to mature, spiritually qualified leaders responsible for shepherding the church. The plural form indicates a plurality of leadership, which was a common practice in the early church to ensure accountability and shared responsibility. The phrase "in every town" underscores the widespread nature of the Christian mission in Crete, with the goal of establishing a structured and stable church presence in each community.

as I directed you
This final phrase emphasizes the apostolic authority and guidance given to Titus. The Greek word for "directed" (διεταξάμην, dietaxamēn) implies a command or instruction. Paul, as an apostle, had the authority to set the parameters for church order and governance. This directive reflects the importance of adhering to apostolic teaching and tradition, ensuring that the church's foundation was built on sound doctrine and practice.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) For this cause left I thee in Crete.--The "cause" is discussed below. Crete--over whose Christian population Titus had been placed by St. Paul--was a well-known large and populous island in the Mediterranean. It lies geographically further south than any of the European islands, and, roughly speaking, almost at an equal distance from each of the three Old World continents--Europe, Asia, Africa. We identify it with the Caphtor of the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 2:23; Jeremiah 47:4; Amos 9:7). In modern times it is known by us as Candia. Very early it was the scene of an advanced civilisation. In the Odyssey it is mentioned as possessing ninety cities; in the Iliad as many as one hundred. Metellus added it, B.C. 69, to the Roman dominion. In the days of Augustus it was united into one province with Cyrene. It abounded with Jews of wealth and influence; this we learn from the testimony of Philo and of Josephus. It probably received the gospel from some of those of "Crete" who we are expressly told were present when the Spirit was poured on the Apostles on the first Pentecost after the Resurrection (Acts 2:11). The apparently flourishing state of Christianity on the island at this time was in great measure, no doubt, owing to the residence and labours among them of the Apostle St. Paul, whose work appears to have been mainly directed to preaching the gospel and to increasing the number of the converts, which, from the wording of Titus 1:5, was evidently very great, elders (presbyters) being required in every city.

The task of organising the Church had been left for a season. We are ignorant of the circumstance which summoned the old Apostle from the scene of what seems to have been most successful labours. He left behind him one of the ablest of his disciples, Titus--a tried and well-known Christian leader of the second half of the first century--to organise the church life and to regulate the teaching of the powerful and numerous Christian community of Crete. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - Were for are, A.V.; appoint for ordain, A.V.; gave thee charge for had appointed thee, A.V. Left I thee in Crete. We have no account of St. Paul's visit to Crete, nor do we know how the gospel was first brought to Crete. It may have been by some of those "Cretes" who were at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, and heard the apostles speak in their tongue "the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11), or by other Christian Jews visiting the Jewish community in Crete (note to ver. 1). If St. Paul was returning from Spain, and travelling by ship eastward, Crete would be on his way. The importance of the island, with which he made some acquaintance on his voyage from Caesarea to Rome (Acts 27:7, 8), and the large Jewish colony there, may naturally have inclined him to visit it. How long he remained there we do not know, but he did not stay long enough to organize the Church there completely. There were still things "wanting" (τὰ λείποντα), as it follows. This mention of Crete is an important chronological mark. The order of St. Paul's progress, as gathered from the three pastoral Epistles, is very distinct - Crete, Miletus, Troas, Macedonia, Corinth, Nicopolis, Rome. He dropped Titus at Crete, and left Timothy behind at Ephesus. The Epistle to Titus, therefore, is the first of the three pastoral Epistles, and this is borne out by another circumstance. When he wrote to Titus he had not made up his mind whether he should send Artemas or Tychicus to take his place in Crete when he rejoined the apostle (Titus 3:12). But when he wrote 2 Timothy he had sent Tychicus to Ephesus to replace Timothy (2 Timothy 4:12), and Titus had already joined him, and been sent on by him to Dalmatia, presumably from Nicopolis. Set in order (ἐπιδιορθώσῃ); only here in the New Testament, and not found in the LXX. nor in classical Greek, except as a technical word in the art of rhetoric. But διορθόω is very common in classical Greek (see ἐπανόρθωσις, 2 Timothy 3:16). The force of ἐπί in the compound here is "further," or "in addition." St. Paul had set the Church in order up to a certain point. But there were still certain things wanting, τὰ λείποντα (see Titus 3:13; Luke 18:22); and these Titus was to supply and give the finishing touch to. Appoint (καταστήσῃς). This is a better rendering than the A.V. "ordain," because it is a general word for "to appoint, make." Probably the A.V. "ordain" was not intended to be taken in a strictly technical sense, but is used as in Hebrews 5:1; Hebrews 8:3. The technical word was usually "to order." "The Ordering of Deacons," or "of Priests," is the title of the service in the Book of Common Prayer. "Meet to be ordered," "shall surcease from ordering," occur repeatedly in the rubrics, Elders (πρεσβυτέρους); i.e. presbyters, or priests (comp. Acts 14:23; and see Acts 11:30, note). In every city (κατὰ πόλιν); city by city. The phrase has a peculiar significance in Crete, which used to be famous for its hundred cities. It shows, too, that Christianity was widely spread among the cities of the island. The germ of the episcopal office, one bishop and many presbyters, is here very conspicuous.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The reason
χάριν (charin)
Preposition
Strong's 5484: Accusative case of charis as preposition; through favor of, i.e. On account of.

I left
ἀπέλιπόν (apelipon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 620: From apo and leipo; to leave behind; by implication, to forsake.

you
σε (se)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Crete
Κρήτῃ (Krētē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2914: Crete. Of uncertain derivation; Crete, an island in the Mediterranean.

[was] that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

you would set in order
ἐπιδιορθώσῃ (epidiorthōsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1930: From epi and a derivative of orthos; to straighten further, i.e. arrange additionally.

what was
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unfinished
λείποντα (leiponta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3007: A primary verb; to leave, i.e. to fail or be absent.

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

appoint
καταστήσῃς (katastēsēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2525: From kata and histemi; to place down, i.e. to designate, constitute, convoy.

elders
πρεσβυτέρους (presbyterous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

in every
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

town,
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

I
ἐγώ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

directed
διεταξάμην (dietaxamēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1299: To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.

you.
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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NT Letters: Titus 1:5 I left you in Crete for this (Ti. Tt.)