One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

TITUS 1:12KJV
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Titus 1:12 (KJV)

What does Titus 1:12 mean?

Titus 1:12 quotes a saying from a Cretan writer, describing the people of Crete as "always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies." Paul uses this local proverb to highlight the reputation Cretans had for dishonesty, bad behavior, and laziness. He is pointing out a problem among the people Titus is working with.

Paul is writing to Titus, who is organizing and leading new churches on the island of Crete. By quoting "one of themselves, even a prophet of their own," Paul shows he is aware of local attitudes and is using a well-known saying to address issues in the Cretan community. This sets up his instructions for Titus to deal firmly with false teaching and poor conduct among the believers.

The Greek behind Titus 1:12

  • "Κρῆτες" (Krētes, G2912) — "Cretians" refers specifically to the people of Crete. By naming them directly, Paul makes it clear that he is talking about a local reputation, not a general statement about all people.
  • "ψεῦσται" (pseustai, G5583) — "liars" is a strong word for someone who is habitually dishonest. The Greek carries the sense of a deep-rooted reputation for falsehood.
  • "κακὰ θηρία" (kaka thēria, G2556 & G2342) — "evil beasts" paints a picture of wild, untamed, and dangerous behavior. The phrase suggests more than just bad manners; it hints at being unruly or uncivilized.
  • "γαστέρες ἀργαί" (gasteres argai, G1064 & G692) — "slow bellies" literally means "lazy gluttons" or "idle stomachs." The Greek phrase emphasizes laziness and self-indulgence, not just slowness.

Why Titus 1:12 matters

  • Titus 1:12 shows that Paul is aware of the cultural challenges Titus faces and is not ignoring the real problems in Crete; he wants Titus to be realistic about the task.
  • By quoting a Cretan source, Paul demonstrates respect for local knowledge and uses it to make his point more persuasive to Titus and the Cretans themselves.
  • This verse sets up the need for strong leadership and careful teaching in the church, as Paul goes on to instruct Titus to correct and guide the believers away from these negative traits.

Where else these words appear

“Cretians” Greek G2912 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
  • Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.

“slow” Greek G692 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
  • Matthew 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
  • 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

“alway” Greek G104 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
  • Hebrews 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

“bellies” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.