Titus 2 14

Titus 2:14 kjv

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 2:14 nkjv

who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:14 niv

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:14 esv

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:14 nlt

He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 14 Meaning

Titus 2:14 encapsulates the profound purpose of Jesus Christ's self-sacrifice. He willingly offered Himself on our behalf primarily to two ends: first, to deliver us from the pervasive grip and penalty of all lawlessness, which is sin; and second, to cleanse and consecrate us, making us His very own special people—a people distinct from the world, who are ardently passionate and eager to engage in noble and commendable deeds. This verse therefore underlines both our redemption from sin and our transformation into a consecrated, active community committed to righteousness.

Titus 2 14 Context

Titus 2:14 is the climactic theological foundation for the practical instructions Paul has given throughout the chapter. Chapter 2 outlines the conduct expected from various groups within the Cretan church—older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and bondservants—all guided by "sound doctrine." Following these ethical injunctions, verses 11-13 introduce the theological basis: the appearing of God's grace in Christ and the blessed hope of His second coming. Verse 14 then specifically details what Christ accomplished in His first coming and why it motivates godly living. Historically, Crete was known for moral laxity, and Paul’s instructions, undergirded by the transformative power of Christ’s redemption, directly countered the prevailing societal norms, emphasizing holiness and active virtue as central to Christian identity. It stands as a polemic against any notion that divine grace is a license for ungodliness or spiritual passivity.

Titus 2 14 Word analysis

• Who (ὃς, hos): This masculine nominative singular relative pronoun explicitly links back to "the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ" from verse 13. It unmistakably attributes the action that follows to Jesus Christ, asserting His divine identity and sovereign role in our salvation.
• gave (ἔδωκεν, edōken): A strong aorist active indicative verb, denoting a completed, decisive, and voluntary past action. This is not a partial offering or a temporary loan, but a full and absolute surrender of Himself. It signifies Christ's divine initiative and profound love.
• Himself (ἑαυτὸν, heauton): This reflexive pronoun emphasizes that Christ was both the offeror and the offering. He was not coerced or forced, but freely and personally surrendered His very being. This highlights the unparalleled, personal nature of His sacrifice.
• for us (ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, hyper hēmōn): The preposition hyper with the genitive signifies "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "instead of." It powerfully conveys the concept of substitutionary atonement, meaning Christ suffered and died in our place, for our benefit, bearing the penalty we deserved.
• that (ἵνα, hina): A strong purpose clause. This introduces the specific, intended divine outcomes or goals of Christ's self-giving sacrifice. It establishes the "why" behind the cross.
• He might redeem (λυτρώσηται, lytrōsētai): Aorist middle subjunctive verb from lytroō. This word implies release from bondage or captivity through the payment of a ransom (lytron). Humanity was enslaved by sin and its consequences. Christ's death serves as that liberating ransom, delivering us from sin's dominion and guilt.
• from every lawless deed (ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας, apo pasēs anomias): Anomia means "lawlessness," not merely specific violations, but an active rebellion against God's holy standard; it encompasses the very nature and practice of sin. Pasēs ("every") signifies a complete deliverance from all forms and manifestations of unrighteousness—its penalty, power, and ultimately, its presence.
• and purify (καὶ καθαρίσῃ, kai katharisē): Aorist active subjunctive verb from katharizō, meaning "to cleanse," "make pure" or "purify." This is the second purpose, indicating an active, ongoing work of sanctification. Beyond delivering from sin's guilt, Christ aims to transform our character and conduct, making us truly holy, as ceremonially and spiritually pure.
• for Himself (ἑαυτῷ, heautō): This dative reflexive pronoun indicates the recipient and beneficiary of the purification. It signifies ownership and possession. The purpose of cleansing is to set us apart, to make us belong uniquely and entirely to Christ Himself as His treasured possession.
• a peculiar people (λαὸν περιούσιον, laon periousion): This phrase, a direct echo of the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Ex 19:5 and Deut 7:6 for Israel, translates to "a people for His own possession" or "a special treasure." It defines the identity of the redeemed. Believers are now God's chosen, highly valued, distinct, and uniquely treasured people, set apart from the world's ways.
• zealous (ζηλωτὴν, zēlōtēn): An adjective meaning "eager," "ardent," "fervent," or "devoted." It indicates an enthusiastic and passionate disposition. The redeemed are not merely passively cleansed but possess an active, consuming passion and earnestness for good.
• for good works (καλῶν ἔργων, kalōn ergōn): Kalos describes something intrinsically good, noble, beautiful, commendable, or attractive, not merely functionally right. Ergōn refers to actions, deeds, or practices. This implies that the 'peculiar people' actively pursue and engage in deeds that are morally excellent, visibly righteous, and spiritually pleasing, reflecting their transformed nature. These are the spontaneous outflow of redemption and purification, not means of earning it.

Word-groups Analysis:

• "who gave Himself for us": This core statement establishes the Christological basis of salvation—a supreme, voluntary, and substitutionary sacrifice driven by divine love. It highlights the profound cost and personal involvement of Jesus in our redemption.
• "that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself": This phrase encapsulates the dual, yet complementary, purposes of Christ's saving work. "Redeem" points to deliverance from the penalty and power of sin (justification and initial sanctification), while "purify" emphasizes the ongoing work of making us holy for God's unique possession (progressive sanctification and glorification). It underscores both freedom from sin and dedication to God.
• "a peculiar people, zealous for good works": This describes the resultant identity and practical mission of the redeemed community. They are distinctive and specially chosen by God ("peculiar people"), demonstrating this distinction through fervent, proactive engagement in actions that are beautiful and morally excellent ("zealous for good works"). This highlights that true faith is always active and fruitful, never passive.

Titus 2 14 Bonus section

• The term "peculiar people" (λαὸν περιούσιον) carried significant theological weight for the Jewish believers and likely for Gentiles who understood the Septuagint. It immediately evoked God's covenant relationship with Israel (Ex 19:5; Deut 7:6; 14:2), extending that sacred designation now to all who are redeemed by Christ, signaling the formation of a new covenant people. This emphasizes the Church's special status as God's exclusive treasure.
• The progression in the verse is crucial: Christ's sacrifice leads to our redemption (from sin) and purification (for God), resulting in a distinct identity ("peculiar people"), which then fuels a passionate disposition ("zealous"), manifested in visible actions ("good works"). This flow highlights the integral connection between divine action, transformed being, and ethical living.
• The phrase "good works" (καλῶν ἔργων) contrasts sharply with "lawless deed" (ἀνομίας). Where lawlessness signifies moral depravity and opposition to God's will, good works represent active obedience, Christ-like character, and actions that bring glory to God, thereby demonstrating the efficacy of Christ's redemption in changed lives.
• This verse counters the potential misinterpretation of grace as leading to antinomianism (anti-law attitudes). Paul vehemently asserts that salvation by grace through faith produces, rather than nullifies, a zeal for holy living and righteous actions. It bridges the theological truth of redemption with the practical call to Christian discipleship.

Titus 2 14 Commentary

Titus 2:14 serves as a concentrated theological summary grounding the ethical living commanded throughout Titus 2. It presents Jesus Christ as the protagonist of redemption, highlighting His intentional, voluntary, and costly act of giving Himself for us. This sacrificial giving aims at a two-fold deliverance: first, from the guilt and dominion of "every lawless deed," signifying complete freedom from the penalty and corrupting power of sin. This aspect addresses justification and initial liberation. Second, it's for purification, a process of inner cleansing and setting apart for Himself. This makes believers into a "peculiar people," drawing directly from Old Testament covenant language for Israel, signifying that the Church is God’s uniquely chosen, treasured, and owned possession under the new covenant. This transformed identity, born of Christ's work, leads directly to a distinguishing mark: a fervent and active commitment to "good works." These good works are not a means of earning salvation but the inevitable fruit and evidence of it—a demonstration of our gratitude, holiness, and zeal for the God who redeemed us. The verse underscores that grace does not lead to permissiveness, but rather empowers and obligates believers to pursue practical, observable righteousness, reflecting the character of their Savior to a watching world.