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Titus

Titus front

Introduction to Titus

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Titus
  1. Paul instructs Titus to appoint godly leaders (1:1-16)
  2. Paul instructs Titus to train people to live godly lives (2:1-3:11)
  3. Paul ends by sharing some of his plans and sending greetings to various believers (3:12-15)
Who wrote the Book of Titus?

Paul wrote the Book of Titus. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

What is the Book of Titus about?

Paul wrote this letter to Titus, his fellow worker, who was leading the churches on the island of Crete. Paul instructed him about selecting church leaders. Paul also described how the believers should behave towards each other. He also encouraged them all to live in a way that pleases God.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, Titus. Or they may choose a clearer title, such as Paul’s Letter to Titus or A Letter to Titus. (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

In what roles can people serve within the church?

There are some teachings in the Book of Titus about whether a woman or divorced man can serve in positions of leadership within the church. Scholars disagree about the meaning of these teachings. Further study on these issues may be necessary before translating this book.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural you

In this book, the word I refers to Paul. Also, the word you is almost always singular and refers to Titus. The exception to this is 3:15. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive 'We' and Forms of You)

What is the meaning of God our Savior?

This is a common phrase in this letter. Paul meant to make the readers think about how God forgave them in Christ for sinning against him, and by forgiving them he saved them from being punished when he judges all people. A similar phrase in this letter is our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Titus 1

Titus 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-4. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

In verses 6-9, Paul lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an elder in the church. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md) Paul gives a similar list in 1 Timothy 3.

Special concepts in this chapter

Elders

The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include overseer, elder, pastor, and bishop.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Should, may, must

The ULT uses different words that indicate requirements or obligations. These verbs have different levels of force associated with them. The subtle differences may be difficult to translate. The UST translates these verbs in a more general way.

Titus 1:1

κατὰ πίστιν

to strengthen the faith

ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας

knowledge and truth are abstract nouns. See the UST for other ways to express these. Paul wants people to know the true message about God and Christ so that they can live in a way that pleases God. (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς κατ’ εὐσέβειαν

that is suitable for honoring God

Titus 1:2

ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ζωῆς αἰωνίου

that gives us the certain hope of everlasting life or based on our certain hope for everlasting life

πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων

before time began

Titus 1:3

καιροῖς ἰδίοις

at the proper time

ἐφανέρωσεν…τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ

Paul speaks of God’s word as if it were an object that could be visibly shown to people. Alternate translation: “He caused me to understand his message” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν κηρύγματι

through the proclamation of the message

ὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγὼ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he entrusted to me” or “he gave me the responsibility to preach” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ

of God, who saves us

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 1:4

γνησίῳ τέκνῳ

Though Titus was not Paul’s biological son, they share a common faith in Christ. Paul considers relationship to Christ through faith to be more important than biological relationship. Thus, because of their relative ages and shared faith in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. It may also be that Paul led Titus to faith in Christ, and so Titus is like a son in this spiritual sense. Alternate translation: “you are like a son to me” (See: Metaphor)

κοινὴν πίστιν

Paul and Titus both share the same faith in Christ. Alternate translation: “because we both believe in Christ”

χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη

This was a common greeting Paul used. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness and inner peace” (See: Ellipsis)

Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν

Christ Jesus who is our Savior

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 1:5

τούτου χάριν

The connecting phrase For this purpose introduces the goal that Paul wanted to accomplish when he left Titus in Crete (to ordain elders in the church). Alternate translation: “This is the reason” (See: Connect - Goal (Purpose) Relationship)

ἀπέλιπόν σε ἐν Κρήτῃ

I told you to stay in Crete

ἵνα τὰ λείποντα ἐπιδιορθώσῃ

so that you would finish arranging things that needed to be done

καταστήσῃς…πρεσβυτέρους

appoint elders or designate elders

πρεσβυτέρους

In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the assemblies of believers.

Titus 1:6

Having told Titus to ordain elders in every city on the island of Crete, Paul then gives the requirements for elders.

εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἀνέγκλητος…ἀνήρ

To be blameless is to be known as a person who does not do bad things. Alternate translation: “An elder must be without blame” or “An elder must not have a bad reputation”

μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ

This means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. This also means that he does not commit adultery and may also mean that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translation: “a man who has only one woman” or “a man who is faithful to his wife” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τέκνα…πιστά

Possible meanings are 1) children who believe in Jesus or 2) children who are trustworthy.

Titus 1:7

τὸν ἐπίσκοπον

This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as elder in 1:6. This term focuses on the function of the elder: he oversees the activities and people of the church.

Θεοῦ οἰκονόμον

Paul speaks of the church as if it were God’s household, and the overseer as if he were a servant in charge of managing that household. (See: Metaphor)

μὴ πάροινον

not an alcoholic or not one who drinks much wine

μὴ πλήκτην

not one who is violent or not one who likes to fight

Titus 1:8

ἀλλὰ

The connecting word Instead introduces a contrast between the things an elder is not to be (that Paul already stated), and the things an elder is to be (which Paul is about to state). (See: Connect - Contrast Relationship)

φιλάγαθον

a person who loves to do good

σώφρονα…ἐγκρατῆ

These two terms are very similar in meaning and may be translated by one term if the target language does not have two similar terms. (See: Doublet)

δίκαιον, ὅσιον

These two terms are very similar in meaning and may be translated by one term if the target language does not have two similar terms. (See: Doublet)

Titus 1:9

ἀντεχόμενον

Paul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one’s hands. Alternate translation: “He should be devoted to” or “He should know well” (See: Metaphor)

κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν

that agrees with the things that we taught him

ἵνα

The connecting words so that introduce a reason-result relationship. The reason is the elder holding tightly to the trustworthy message, and the result is the elder is not able to encourage others and rebuke those who oppose him. (See: Connect - Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ

The Greek word rendered at sound normally refers to physical health. Paul speaks of this teaching as if it would cause those who believe it to be spiritually healthy, rather than spiritually sick.

Titus 1:10

Because of those that would oppose God’s word, Paul gives Titus reasons to preach God’s word and warns him about false teachers.

ἀνυπότακτοι, ματαιολόγοι

These are rebellious people who do not obey the gospel message. Here empty is a metaphor for useless, and empty talkers are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate translation: “people who refuse to obey and who say useless things” (See: Metaphor)

φρεναπάται

This phrase describes people who are actively trying to convince people to believe in something other than the true gospel that Paul preaches. Alternate translation: “people who persuade others to believe things that are not true”

ματαιολόγοι, καὶ φρεναπάται

both empty talkers and deceivers refer to the same people. They taught false, worthless things and wanted people to believe them. (See: Hendiadys)

οἱ ἐκ τῆς περιτομῆς

This refers to the Jewish Christians who taught that men must be circumcised in order to follow Christ. This teaching is false. (See: Metonymy)

Titus 1:11

οὓς δεῖ ἐπιστομίζειν

You must prevent them from spreading their teachings or Someone must stop them from influencing others by their words

ὅλους οἴκους ἀνατρέπουσιν

They are ruining entire families. The issue was that they were leading families away from the truth and destroying their faith.

διδάσκοντες ἃ μὴ δεῖ

These are things that are not proper to teach regarding Christ and the Law because they are not true.

αἰσχροῦ κέρδους χάριν

This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.

Titus 1:12

τις ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἴδιος αὐτῶν προφήτης

A Cretan that they themselves consider to be a prophet

Κρῆτες ἀεὶ ψεῦσται

Cretans lie all the time. This is an exaggeration that means that Cretans had a reputation to be liars. (See: Hyperbole)

κακὰ θηρία

This metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals. (See: Metaphor)

γαστέρες ἀργαί

The part of the body that stores food is used to represent the person who eats all the time. Alternate translation: “lazy gluttons” (See: Synecdoche)

Titus 1:13

δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως

For that reason, you must use strong language that the Cretans will understand when you correct them

δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν

The connecting words For this reason introduce a reason-result relationship. The reason is that what the Cretan prophet said about his peope is true (they are liars, evil, and lazy), and the result is that Titus should rebuke them severely. (See: Connect - Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν ἐν τῇ πίστει

See note on sound in Titus 1:9. Alternate translation: “so they will have a healthy faith” or “so their faith may be true” or “so that they believe only what is true about God”

ἵνα

The connecting words so that introduce a reason-result relationship. The reason is the elder rebukes the Cretans severely, and the result is the Cretans become sound in the faith. (See: Connect - Reason-and-Result Relationship)

ἐν τῇ πίστει

Here the abstract noun faith represents the things that the people believe about God. Alternate translation: “in what they believe about God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Titus 1:14

μὴ

The connecting word not introduce an exception clause. Titus must not pay any attention to the Jewish myths or the commands of people who do not follow the truth. (See: Connect - Exception Clauses)

Ἰουδαϊκοῖς μύθοις

This refers to the false teaching of the Jews.

ἀποστρεφομένων τὴν ἀλήθειαν

Paul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate translation: “reject the truth” (See: Metaphor)

Titus 1:15

πάντα καθαρὰ τοῖς καθαροῖς

If people are pure on the inside, everything that they do will be pure or When people have only good thoughts, nothing that they do will offend God

τοῖς καθαροῖς

To those who are acceptable to God

δὲ

The connecting word But introduces a contrast between people who are pure and people who are corrupt and unbelieving. (See: Connect - Contrast Relationship)

τοῖς…μεμιαμμένοις καὶ ἀπίστοις, οὐδὲν καθαρόν

Paul speaks of sinners as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: “if people are morally defiled and do not believe, they cannot do anything pure” or “when people are full of sin and unbelief, nothing that they do is acceptable to God” (See: Metaphor)

Titus 1:16

δὲ

The connecting word but introduces a contrast between what these corrupt people say (they know God) and what their actions show (they do not know God). (See: Connect - Contrast Relationship)

τοῖς…ἔργοις ἀρνοῦνται

how they live proves that they do not know him

βδελυκτοὶ ὄντες

They are disgusting

Titus 2

Titus 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Gender roles

Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.

Slavery

Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches slaves to faithfully serve their masters. He teaches all believers to be godly and live rightly in every situation.

Titus 2:1

Paul continues giving Titus reasons to preach God’s word, and explains how the older men, older women, young men, and slaves or servants should live as believers.

σὺ δὲ λάλει ἃ πρέπει

Paul speaks of the grace of God as if it were a person who has arrived. Alternate translation: “God is now offering his grace” (See: UST, Personification)

τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ

See the note on Titus 1:9. Alternate translation: “ sound doctrine” or “with correct teachings”

Titus 2:2

πρεσβύτας…εἶναι

The Greek does not have are, but only older men to be. We need to supply a verb here, drawing from the idea of speak in the previous verse, such as teach or exhort. Alternate translation: “Teach older men to be” (See: Ellipsis)

νηφαλίους…σεμνούς, σώφρονας

These three words are very close in meaning and may be combined into one or two terms if the target language does not have three separate terms. (See: Doublet)

νηφαλίους

sober-minded or self-controlled

εἶναι…σώφρονας

to…control their desires

ὑγιαίνοντας τῇ πίστει, τῇ ἀγάπῃ, τῇ ὑπομονῇ

Here the word sound means to be firm and unwavering. The abstract nouns faith, love, and perseverance can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “and they must firmly believe the true teachings about God, truly love others, and continually serve God even when things are difficult” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ὑγιαίνοντας τῇ πίστει

See note about sound in faith on Titus 1:13.

ὑγιαίνοντας

See note about sound on Titus 1:9.

Titus 2:3

πρεσβύτιδας ὡσαύτως

The Greek does not have are to be, but only older women likewise. We need to continue the verbal idea from the previous two verses and apply that here, as well, such as teach or exhort. Alternate translation: “In the same way, teach older women” or “Also teach older women” (See: Ellipsis)

διαβόλους

This word refers to people who say bad things about other people whether they are true or not.

οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας

People who cannot control themselves and drink too much wine are spoken of as if they were a slave to the wine. Alternate translation: “or controlled by their desire for wine” or “or addicted to wine” (See: Metaphor)

οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “or drinking too much wine” or “or addicted to wine” (See: Active or Passive)

καλοδιδασκάλους

The Greek word used here means a teacher of what is good. The phrase but to be has been added in the English to contrast this good quality with the two preceding bad qualities. Consider if you need to use a similar word to make a contrast between the good and bad qualities.

Titus 2:4

φιλάνδρους

lovers of their own husbands

φιλοτέκνους

lovers of their own children

Titus 2:5

ὑποτασσομένας τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν

and to obey their own husbands

ἵνα μὴ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ βλασφημῆται

Word here is a metonym for message, which in turn is a metonym for God himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that no one insults the word of God” or “so that no one insults God by saying bad things about his message” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

Titus 2:6

ὡσαύτως

Titus was to train the younger men just as he was to train the older people.

Titus 2:7

σεαυτὸν παρεχόμενος

show yourself to be or you yourself must be

τύπον καλῶν ἔργων

as an example of one who does right and proper things

Titus 2:8

ὑγιῆ

This word has the same basic meaning as uncorrupted in 2:7. In 2:7, Paul states the meaning negatively: uncorrupted, meaning, without error, and in 2:8 he states the meaning positively: sound, whole, meaning correct. Both terms refer to Titus’s teaching. Use either positive or negative terms in the target language, or use one term with this meaning if it is difficult to use two terms (See: Doublet)

ἵνα ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας ἐντραπῇ

This presents a hypothetical situation in which someone opposes Titus and then becomes ashamed for having done so. Alternate translation: “so that if anyone opposes you, he may be ashamed” or “so that when people oppose you, they may be ashamed” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 2:9

δούλους ἰδίοις δεσπόταις ὑποτάσσεσθαι

The Greek does not have are, but only slaves to be subject to their masters. We need to apply the verbal idea from verse 6 to here, which is urge or exhort. Alternate translation: “Exhort slaves to be subject to their masters” (See: Ellipsis)

ἰδίοις δεσπόταις

their own masters

ὑποτάσσεσθαι

must obey

ἐν πᾶσιν

in every situation or always

εὐαρέστους εἶναι

to please their masters or to satisfy their masters

Titus 2:10

μὴ νοσφιζομένους

not to steal from their masters

πᾶσαν πίστιν ἐνδεικνυμένους ἀγαθήν

to show that they are worthy of their masters’ trust

ἐν πᾶσιν

in everything they do

τὴν διδασκαλίαν τὴν τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ, κοσμῶσιν

they may make the teaching about God our Savior attractive or they may cause people to understand that the teaching about God our Savior is good

τὴν τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ

our God who saves us

ἡμῶν

Here our is inclusive of Paul, Titus, and all Christians (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 2:11

Paul encourages Titus to look for Jesus’ coming and remember his authority through Jesus.

ἐπεφάνη…ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul speaks of the grace of God as if it were a person who has arrived. Alternate translation: “God is now offering his grace” (See: UST, Personification)

Titus 2:12

παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς

Paul speaks of the grace of God (2:11) as if it were a person who trains other people how to live holy lives. Alternate translation: “by which God trains us” (See: Personification)

ἡμᾶς

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

τὴν ἀσέβειαν

things that dishonor God

τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας

strong desires for the things of this world or strong desires for sinful pleasures

ἀσέβειαν…εὐσεβῶς

These terms are direct opposites, meaning God-dishonoring and God-honoring, respectively.

ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι

while we live in this world or during this time

Titus 2:13

προσδεχόμενοι

waiting to welcome

τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα

Here, what is blessed is that for which we hope, which is the return of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the wonderful thing for which we hope” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here glory represents Jesus himself who will appear gloriously. Alternate translation: “that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα, καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης

Both blessed hope and appearing of the glory refer to the same event. This can be shown clearly. Alternate translation: “what we are longing for, the blessed and glorious appearing” (See: Hendiadys)

τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Both our great God and Savior refer to the one person, Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior” (See: Hendiadys)

Titus 2:14

ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν

This refers to Jesus dying willingly. Alternate translation: “gave himself to die for us” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας

Paul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master. (See: Metaphor)

ἡμᾶς

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

λαὸν περιούσιον

a group of people that he treasures

ζηλωτὴν

who are eager to do

Titus 2:15

παρακάλει

encourage them to do these things

ἔλεγχε, μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς

This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Correct with all authority those people who do not do these things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω

Do not allow anyone to ignore you

μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω

This can be stated positively: “Make sure that everyone listens to you” (See: Double Negatives)

σου περιφρονείτω

This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “refuse to listen to your words” or “refuse to respect you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Titus 3

Titus 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul gives Titus personal instructions in this chapter.

Verse 15 formally concludes this letter. This is a common way of ending a letter in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Genealogies

Genealogies (verse 9) are lists that record a person’s ancestors or descendants, and show from what tribe and family a person came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. Some of these lists included stories of ancestors and even of spiritual beings. These lists and stories were used to argue about where things came from and about how important various people were.

Titus 3:1

Paul continues giving Titus instructions on how to teach the elders and people under his care in Crete.

ὑπομίμνῃσκε αὐτοὺς…ὑποτάσσεσθαι

Tell our people again what they already know, to submit or Keep reminding them to submit

ἀρχαῖς, ἐξουσίαις, ὑποτάσσεσθαι, πειθαρχεῖν

Do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them

ἀρχαῖς, ἐξουσίαις

These words have similar meanings and both refer to anyone who holds authority in the government. If the target language has only one term for this, then just use that term (See: Doublet)

ὑποτάσσεσθαι, πειθαρχεῖν

These words have similar meanings and both refer to doing what someone tells you to do. If the target language has only one term for this, then just use that term (See: Doublet)

πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἑτοίμους εἶναι

be ready to do good whenever there is opportunity

Titus 3:2

βλασφημεῖν

to speak evil of

ἀμάχους εἶναι

This can be stated positively: “to be peaceful” (See: Double Negatives)

Titus 3:3

ἦμεν γάρ ποτε καὶ ἡμεῖς

This is because we ourselves were once

ποτε

formerly or at some time or previously

ἡμεῖς

even we or we ourselves. This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians, referring to the time before they trusted in Christ. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

ἦμεν…ἀνόητοι

were thoughtless or were unwise

πλανώμενοι, δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις

Passion and pleasure are spoken of as if they were masters over people and had made those people into slaves by lying to them. Alternate translation: “We had allowed ourselves to believe the lie that various passions and pleasures could make us happy, and then we were unable to control our feelings or stop doing things we thought would give us pleasure” (See: Personification)

πλανώμενοι, δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Various passions and pleasures had lied to us and so led us astray” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐπιθυμίαις

lusts or desires

ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες

Here evil and envy describe sin. Evil is general and envy is a specific kind of sin. Alternate translation: “We were always doing evil things and wanting what others have” (See: Hendiadys)

στυγητοί

causing others to hate us

Titus 3:4

δὲ

It is important to mark the contrast here between the evil way that people are (verses 1-3) and the goodness of God (verses 4-7) (See: Connect - Contrast Relationship)

ὅτε…ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ φιλανθρωπία ἐπεφάνη τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ

Paul speaks of God’s kindness and love as if they were people that came into our sight. Alternate translation: “When God our Savior showed us his kindness and love for people” (See: Personification)

ὅτε…ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ φιλανθρωπία ἐπεφάνη τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ

The abstract nouns kindness and love can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “when God, who saves us, showed how kind and loving he would be to mankind” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 3:5

κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος

because he had mercy on us

λουτροῦ παλινγενεσίας

Paul combines two metaphors here. He is speaking of God’s forgiveness for sinners as if he were physically washing them clean from their sin. He is also speaking of sinners who become responsive to God as if they had been born again. (See: Metaphor)

Titus 3:6

οὗ ἐξέχεεν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς πλουσίως

It is common for New Testament writers to speak of the Holy Spirit as a liquid that God can pour out in large amounts. Alternate translation: “whom God gave to us generously” (See: Metaphor)

ἡμᾶς

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν

when Jesus Christ saved us

ἡμῶν

This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians. (See: Inclusive and Exclusive “We”)

Titus 3:7

δικαιωθέντες

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “since God has declared us to be without sin” (See: Active or Passive)

κληρονόμοι γενηθῶμεν, κατ’ ἐλπίδα ζωῆς αἰωνίου

The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit the things promised, just as a person inherits property or possessions from a family member. Alternate translation: “we might expect to receive the eternal life that God hs promised us” (See: Metaphor)

Titus 3:8

ὁ λόγος

This message is the one just expressed in verses 4-7, that God freely gives the Holy Spirit and eternal life to believers through Jesus.

τούτων

This refers to the teachings that Paul has talked about in verses 1-7. Alternate translation: “these teachings that I have just talked about”

φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων, προΐστασθαι

may seek to do good works

Titus 3:9

Paul explains what Titus should avoid and how to treat those who cause contention among the believers.

δὲ…περιΐστασο

So avoid or Therefore, avoid

μωρὰς…ζητήσεις

arguments concerning unimportant matters

γενεαλογίας

This is the study of family kinship relationships. See the Introduction to Titus.

ἔρεις

arguments or fights

νομικὰς

about the law of Moses

Titus 3:10

αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον…παραιτοῦ

Stay away from a person who causes division

μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν

after you have warned that person once or twice

Titus 3:11

ὁ τοιοῦτος

a person like that

ἐξέστραπται

Paul speaks of someone who chooses to do wrong things as if he were leaving the right path to walk in the wrong direction. (See: Metaphor)

ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος

bringing judgment on himself

Titus 3:12

Paul closes the letter by telling Titus what to do after he appoints elders in Crete and by giving greetings from those with him.

ὅταν πέμψω

After I send

Ἀρτεμᾶν…Τυχικόν

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν

come quickly

σπούδασον

The verb is singular, directed at Titus alone. Artemas or Tychicus would stay in Crete, probably to take Titus’ place.

παραχειμάσαι

to stay for the winter

Titus 3:13

Ζηνᾶν…Ἀπολλῶν

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

καὶ Ἀπολλῶν

and also Apollos

σπουδαίως πρόπεμψο

Do not delay in sending

ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ

This can be stated positively: “so that they have everything that they need” (See: Double Negatives)

Titus 3:14

Paul explains that it is important for all believers to provide for those who have needs.

οἱ ἡμέτεροι

Paul is referring to the believers in Crete. Alternate translation: “our own people”

οἱ ἡμέτεροι

Here our includes Paul and Titus. The form should be either dual or inclusive.

εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας

that enable them to help people who lack necessary things

ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι

Paul speaks of people doing good work as if they were trees bearing good fruit. Alternate translation: “so that they will not lead useless lives” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι

This can be stated positively: “in this way they will be fruitful” or “in this way they will be productive” (See: Double Negatives)

Titus 3:15

Paul ends his letter to Titus.

ἀσπάζονταί σε

Here you is singular–this is a personal greeting to Titus.

οἱ μετ’ ἐμοῦ πάντες

All the people who are with me or all of the believers who are here with me

τοὺς φιλοῦντας ἡμᾶς ἐν πίστει

Possible meanings are 1) the believers who love us or 2) the believers who love us because we share the same belief.

ἡμᾶς

Here us is probably exclusive and refers to Paul and the group of Christians with him. Paul is sending greetings from this group to the group of Christians that is with Titus on Crete.

ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν

This was a common Christian greeting. Alternate translation: “May God’s grace be with you” or “I ask that God will be gracious to all of you”

ὑμῶν

Here you is plural. This blessing is for Titus and all of the believers there in Crete.