Original Word: αἱρετικός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: hairetikos
Pronunciation: hi-re-ti-kos'
Phonetic Spelling: (hahee-ret-ee-kos')
KJV: heretic (the Greek word itself)
NASB: factious
Word Origin: [from a derivative of G138 (αἱρέομαι - choose)]

1. schismatic, discordant, divisive

heretic.

From the same as hairetizo; a schismatic -- heretic (the Greek word itself).

see GREEK hairetizo

Cognate: 141 hairetikós (an adjective, derived from 138 /hairéomai, "to choose, have a distinctive opinion") – a factious person, specializing in half-truths and misimpressions "to win others over" to their personal opinion (misguided zeal) – while creating harmful divisions (used only in Tit 3:10). See 139 (hairesis).

Word Origin
from haireó
Definition
causing division
NASB Translation
factious (1).

STRONGS NT 141: αἱρετικός

αἱρετικός, (ή, (see αἱρέω);

1. fitted or able to take or choose a thing; rare in secular authors.

2. schismatic, factious, a follower of false doctrine: Titus 3:10.

Biblical Context

Titus 3:10 presents the sole New Testament appearance of the adjective translated “divisive” (BSB: “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition”). The letter exhorts Titus, as a pastoral delegate on Crete, to organize congregations around sound doctrine and to silence those who upset households with false teaching (Titus 1:10-11, Titus 2:1). The instruction in 3:10-11 provides a measured, orderly process: (1) warn, (2) warn again, (3) separate if unrepentant. The verse lies within Paul’s wider call to maintain good works and avoid “foolish controversies” (Titus 3:9), underscoring that persistent promotion of error is not merely an intellectual issue but a practical threat to the unity and witness of the church.

Theological Significance

1. Doctrine and Unity: Scripture consistently joins purity of teaching with harmony of fellowship. Titus 3:10 shows that unity must rest on truth; where truth is stubbornly resisted, separation may become a pastoral duty (see also Romans 16:17; 2 John 10-11).
2. Discipline as Mercy: The twofold admonition prior to rejection reflects God’s patience (2 Peter 3:9). Correction seeks restoration; only willful perseverance in error warrants exclusion.
3. Self-Condemnation: Paul explains that the divisive person “is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (Titus 3:11). The ultimate judgment arises not from church leaders but from the individual’s own refusal to heed revealed truth.

Historical Background

Early Christian communities faced pressures from Judaizing legalists, emerging Gnostic speculations, and syncretistic myths. The word later became a technical term for “heretic” in post-apostolic literature, featuring prominently in writings of Irenaeus and Tertullian against Marcion and assorted Gnostics. Church councils eventually formalized creedal boundaries, but Titus 3:10 already sets the pastoral pattern: patient instruction, followed by decisive action when foundational doctrine is denied.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Establish clear teaching: Elders must be “holding firmly to the trustworthy word as taught” (Titus 1:9) so that warnings rest on Scripture, not personal preference.
• Practice graduated discipline: Private admonition precedes public action, mirroring Matthew 18:15-17.
• Guard the flock: Removal of a persistent false teacher protects vulnerable believers (Acts 20:28-30).
• Maintain humility: Leaders must watch themselves lest corrective zeal become contentiousness (Galatians 6:1).

Related Concepts in Scripture

• “Works of the flesh… dissensions, factions” (Galatians 5:19-21) show division as fruit of the sinful nature.
• “Heresies” (1 Corinthians 11:19) reveal authentic faith by contrast: “There must be factions among you in order that those who are approved may be evident.”
• “False prophets” (2 Peter 2:1) and “antichrists” (1 John 2:18-19) illustrate advanced stages of the same danger foretold in Titus.

Application for Modern Believers

In an age of doctrinal relativism, Titus 3:10 summons congregations to exercise loving discernment. Tolerance should never eclipse truth, yet discipline must serve redemption rather than vindictiveness. Churches are urged to (1) cultivate theological clarity, (2) engage erring members with compassion and Scripture, (3) employ formal separation only when Christ’s gospel is persistently contradicted, and (4) pursue restoration where repentance occurs.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 141 highlights the gravity of willful doctrinal division. Paul’s counsel to Titus models a balance of patience, truth, and decisive action that continues to guide faithful church life.

αιρετικον αιρετικόν αἱρετικὸν αιρετώτεραι αιρετώτερον airetikon hairetikon hairetikònInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts