Titus 1:16 (GNV)

Passage

They professe that they know God, but by works they deny him, and are abominable and disobedient, and vnto euery good worke reprobate.

Nearby Context

Titus 1:14 And not taking heede to Iewish fables and commandements of men, that turne away from the trueth.

Titus 1:15 Vnto the pure are all things pure, but vnto them that are defiled, and vnbeleeuing, is nothing pure, but euen their mindes and consciences are defiled.

Titus 1:16 They professe that they know God, but by works they deny him, and are abominable and disobedient, and vnto euery good worke reprobate.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "professe", "works", "deny", "abominable", "disobedient", "vnto", "euery", and "good". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "professe" and "works", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Vnto the pure are all things pure...", giving immediate footing for "professe" and "works". In Titus context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "professe" and "works" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.