Titus 2 9

Titus 2:9 kjv

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

Titus 2:9 nkjv

Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,

Titus 2:9 niv

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,

Titus 2:9 esv

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

Titus 2:9 nlt

Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back

Titus 2 verses

Titus 2 9 Meaning

This verse exhorts Christian bondservants to exhibit submissive and agreeable conduct towards their earthly masters. It instructs them to obey in all permissible matters, demonstrating a pleasant attitude, and refraining from argumentative or disrespectful speech. The underlying purpose is for their exemplary behavior to honor and adorn the gospel of God.

Titus 2 9 Context

Titus chapter 2 outlines specific instructions for various demographics within the Cretan churches: older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and finally, bondservants. These instructions are not isolated moralisms but are integral to the sound doctrine Titus is to teach (Tit 2:1). The immediate purpose is to ensure that believers' lives reflect the transforming power of the gospel, preventing discredit from being brought upon Christian teaching. For bondservants, their conduct in their everyday duties was a significant public testimony, crucial in a society where a large portion of the population were bondservants. The overall context emphasizes that godliness is manifested not just in theological understanding but in practical, observable behavior that adorns the gospel (Tit 2:10) and looks forward to Christ's return (Tit 2:11-14).

Titus 2 9 Word analysis

• Exhort: (Greek: parakaleō - παρακαλέω) This verb means "to call alongside," "to appeal to," "to urge," or "to encourage." It's not a forceful command but a strong appeal, characteristic of Paul's pastoral method, signifying instruction combined with earnest appeal for the hearers' benefit.
• bondservants: (Greek: doulos - δοῦλος) Refers to a slave or bondservant. In the Roman world, this status was varied; it could be temporary, permanent, voluntary (to repay debt), or involuntary. Many Christians were doulous. The term denotes one under the authority and ownership of another. This highlights that Christianity entered and transformed societal structures without advocating immediate violent revolution, focusing on inner transformation and exemplary conduct.
• to be subject: (Greek: hypotassō - ὑποτάσσω) Means "to place oneself under," "to submit," "to subordinate oneself." It's not necessarily passive but an active, voluntary decision to align oneself under an authority, a recurring theme in Paul's ethics (Rom 13:1; Eph 5:21-24). For Christians, this submission is ultimately for the Lord's sake (1 Pet 2:13-14).
• to their own masters: (Greek: idioi despotēs - ἰδίοις δεσπόταις) "Own" (idioi) emphasizes their specific, direct relationship. "Masters" (despotēs) indicates one with absolute authority or power over another, often denoting a stern or severe master. This term emphasizes the legitimate, though sometimes difficult, authority of the master.
• in everything: (Greek: en pasin - ἐν πᾶσιν) This phrase denotes a comprehensive and all-encompassing obedience in all lawful and ethical commands. It implies a readiness to comply with legitimate directives that do not violate God's moral law. It does not advocate for blind obedience to sinful commands, as submission to God always takes precedence.
• to be well-pleasing: (Greek: euarestos - εὐάρεστος) This adjective means "well-pleasing," "acceptable," or "agreeable." It suggests an attitude of desiring to satisfy the master, aiming to produce results that are pleasing. This goes beyond mere external obedience to include a cooperative and pleasant disposition. This is the same term used for being pleasing to God (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:9).
• not answering back: (Greek: mē antilegō - μὴ ἀντιλέγοντας) This literally means "not gainsaying," "not speaking against," or "not contradicting." It forbids argumentative, disputatious, or defiant responses. It requires a quiet and respectful demeanor, even when facing possibly unfair commands. This is crucial for maintaining respectful communication and a submissive spirit.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• Exhort bondservants: This highlights the pastoral nature of the command, directed at a specific vulnerable and significant group within the early church. Paul acknowledges their difficult societal position while calling them to an even higher standard of conduct for the sake of the gospel.
• to be subject to their own masters in everything: This stresses the scope and intimacy of their obedience. The relationship is personal ("their own"), the authority legitimate, and the obedience comprehensive ("in everything" lawful). This directive counters any misunderstanding that Christian freedom absolves one from civic or social obligations.
• to be well-pleasing, not answering back: These two phrases describe the spirit and manner of their submission. It's not just grudging compliance but an active desire to please, coupled with the absence of argumentativeness or insolence. This proactive attitude of quiet submission reflects inner spiritual transformation.

Titus 2 9 Bonus section

The Roman institution of doulos was vastly different from chattel slavery in more recent history. While still involving a lack of personal freedom, Roman doulous were often highly educated, could hold significant positions (e.g., scribes, accountants, teachers, doctors), conduct business, own property, and could eventually gain freedom. Paul's instruction is not an endorsement of the institution of slavery itself, nor is it a call to radical social revolution. Instead, it instructs believers on how to live godly lives within existing social structures. The focus is always on the transforming power of the gospel to shape individual character and conduct, so that through their obedience, humility, and peacefulness, Christian doulous would powerfully demonstrate the ethical superiority and life-changing power of Christ to their pagan masters and the wider society. Their faithful endurance and excellent spirit served to "adorn the doctrine of God" (Tit 2:10), making the Christian message attractive and credible.

Titus 2 9 Commentary

Titus 2:9 provides practical guidance for Christian bondservants, instructing them on how to conduct themselves under their masters' authority. This directive transcends mere social order; it transforms a challenging societal status into a powerful witness for the gospel. The core command is submission, not as a sign of weakness, but as a deliberate act of Christ-like obedience. This submission is to be comprehensive ("in everything" that is moral and legitimate) and characterized by a spirit of eager cooperation ("well-pleasing") rather than contention ("not answering back"). This posture showcases the radical nature of Christian faith: transforming how individuals behave even in difficult or inequitable relationships, all for the explicit purpose of beautifying and honoring the doctrine of God and Savior (Tit 2:10). It demonstrates that the new birth leads to profound inner change which impacts outward behavior, thereby commending the faith to a watching world.