What Does Titus 2:15 Mean in the King James?

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 2:15 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Here, authority carries truth into view: the rebuke is the moment what is hidden becomes visible.

THE MEANING

This charge speaks to you now: what you speak, urge, and expose carries the weight of its commission. Another person’s contempt does not erase that charge or determine whether your voice has authority.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

It undoes the belief that being looked down on means your voice has no authority or right to speak.

THE ROOT

ἔλεγχε

elenche

GROWS FROM

ἐλεγ-

eleg-

Expose or reprove; bring something to conviction by making it plain.

“rebuke” in this verse is elenche. The Greek verb ⁨ἐλέγχω⁩ (elenchō, expose or reprove) carries more than the sound of a reprimand: it brings a matter into view so it can be answered truthfully. Here the charge moves from speaking and urging into disclosure.

ALSO GROWS

elenchos: proof, evidence, or conviction

ἔλεγχος

This related noun can name evidence, connecting rebuke with what makes a matter clear.

elegmos: reproof or correction

ἐλεγμός

This related noun shows the same exposing action expressed as correction.

ἐπιταγῇ

epitagē

GROWS FROM

τάσσω

tassō

Arrange, appoint, or put in order.

The Greek noun ⁨ἐπιταγή⁩ (epitagē, command or charge) stands behind “authority” here and belongs to the family of ordering and appointing. The force is carried by a charge entrusted to the speaker.

ALSO GROWS

tassō: arrange, appoint, or assign

τάσσω

Its sense of appointment gives authority the shape of an entrusted place or charge.

epitassō: command or direct

ἐπιτάσσω

This related verb shows the command force contained in the word family.

παρακάλει

parakalei

GROWS FROM

καλέω

kaleō

Call or summon.

“exhort” in this verse is parakalei. The Greek verb ⁨παρακαλέω⁩ (parakaleō, urge or appeal) also carries the sense of comfort. Its root links urging with a summons: speech that gathers attention and strengthens a person toward response.

ALSO GROWS

paraklēsis: appeal, encouragement, or comfort

παράκλησις

This related noun shows how the same word family can urge someone or strengthen them.

ekklēsia: assembly

ἐκκλησία

This word shares the kaleō root, joining the idea of a call with people gathered into a shared response.

THE PATTERN

Truth’s authority travels through words that speak plainly, urge a response, and expose what is hidden.

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Proverbs 27:5 · KJVThe verse gives open correction a visible place, echoing the exposing force of rebuke.

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Jeremiah 1:7 · KJVSpeech carries the weight of the one who sends and commands, echoing authority as an entrusted charge.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:2 · KJVThe same pattern gathers proclamation, correction, and exhortation into one charge.

THE THREAD

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Ephesians 5:13 · KJV

The word translated “rebuke” in Titus and “reproved” here comes from ⁨ἐλέγχω⁩ (elenchō, expose or reprove). Ephesians names what that exposure brings: what is brought under scrutiny becomes manifest in the light.

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