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:

TITUS 1:5KJV
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Titus 1:5 (KJV)

What does Titus 1:5 mean?

Titus 1:5 explains why Paul left Titus on the island of Crete. Titus had work to finish among the believers there: he was to put unfinished matters in order and appoint elders, or local leaders, in every city.

Paul speaks as someone who had already given Titus instructions. The phrase “things that are wanting” refers to matters still needing attention, not necessarily to something the believers had done wrong. The verse presents Titus’s work as part of an existing plan.

The Greek behind Titus 1:5

  • “set in order” — ἐπιδιορθόω (epidiorthoō): The Greek carries the sense of putting something right or completing its arrangement. Here the word suggests attention to work already begun, rather than starting from nothing.
  • “elders” — πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros): The word can mean an older person, but here it refers to a recognized leader among the believers. The surrounding verses describe the kind of character such a person should have.

Why Titus 1:5 matters

  • The verse connects leadership with several local communities. “In every city” shows that Titus’s task reached beyond a single gathering on Crete.
  • The appointment of elders was to follow Paul’s direction, not simply Titus’s preference. Paul’s words “as I had appointed thee” lead into the qualities listed in the following verses, including being trustworthy and self-controlled.

Where else these words appear

“Crete” Greek G2914 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 27:7 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;
  • Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

“wanting” Greek G3007 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
  • Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
  • James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

“cause” Greek G5484 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
  • Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
  • Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

“appointed” Greek G1299 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
  • Acts 7:44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.