Titus 3 8

Titus 3:8 kjv

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:8 nkjv

This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Titus 3:8 niv

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus 3:8 esv

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Titus 3:8 nlt

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Titus 3 verses

Titus 3 8 Meaning

This verse asserts the faithfulness of God's pronouncements, particularly regarding good works. It emphasizes that these are fitting and beneficial for believers, urging them to focus on such practices. The verse serves as a strong exhortation to a life of tangible godliness, grounded in the assurance of God's consistent character.

Titus 3 8 Context

Chapter 3 of Titus concludes the apostle Paul's letter, providing practical instructions for Christian conduct. Following the correction of certain heretical teachings and a reminder of God's saving grace in verse 3-7, this verse (verse 8) transitions to an exhortation on maintaining good works. The immediate context is the encouragement to live a life consistent with the salvation received, which is not a license for sin but a transformation leading to godly living. Historically, the church faced challenges from within (false teachers) and without (hostile Roman society), making this emphasis on demonstrative Christian living crucial for testimony.

Titus 3 8 Word analysis

• οὗτός (houtos): This; here. Refers to the preceding statement or the doctrine just explained.

• ἐστιν (estin): is. A form of the verb "to be."

• πιστὸς (pistos): faithful, true, trustworthy. A key attribute of God and His word.

• ὁ λόγος (ho logos): the word, the saying, the statement, the promise. Refers to divine utterances or teachings.

• καὶ (kai): and. A conjunction connecting ideas.

• ταῦτα (tauta): these things. Refers to the good works mentioned.

• θέλω (thelo): I will, I wish, I desire. Expresses Paul's strong exhortation.

• ἵνα (hina): that. Introduces a clause of purpose or result.

• ἐπιβεβαιόω (epibebeaiō): to affirm, to confirm, to establish, to make sure. Denotes the importance of constant confirmation.

• περὶ (peri): about, concerning.

• τούτων (toutōn): these. Referring to good works.

• τῶν (tōn): the. Definite article.

• ἔργων (ergōn): works, deeds, actions.

• ἀγαθῶν (agathōn): good, beneficial, excellent. Qualifies the nature of the works.

• Good works are beneficial: The Greek "agathōn" implies that these works are not merely commanded but are inherently good and beneficial for both the doer and society.

• Affirming faithfulness: The concept of "epibebeaiō" suggests making something sure or firm. Believers are called to continually establish the truth and practice of good works.

• Paul's Will: The phrase "I will" ("thelo") in the context of an apostle signifies a divine instruction or apostolic command, carrying significant weight.

• The Faithful Saying: The opening "This is a faithful saying" (as seen in 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 Timothy 4:9) highlights that what follows is a foundational truth, a confirmed utterance from God.

• Focus on the Beneficial: The emphasis is on actions that are morally sound and beneficial, distinguishing them from mere rituals or self-serving deeds.

Titus 3 8 Bonus Section

The "faithful saying" here points back to the previous verses regarding God's mercy and the washing of regeneration. Good works are therefore presented as the divinely appointed, beneficial fruit of this new spiritual life. The choice of "agathōn" (good) is significant, encompassing not just religiously correct actions but also beneficial and beneficial deeds in the broad sense, reflecting a holistic view of Christian living that impacts all areas of life and interaction. This emphasis contrasts with potentially superstitious or ritualistic practices found in some contemporary mystery cults or philosophical systems of the time, grounding Christian conduct in genuine godliness and love.

Titus 3 8 Commentary

Paul unequivocally declares the truthfulness of what he is about to say, underscoring that engaging in good works is both proper and expected for believers. These are not works that earn salvation, as salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, they are the natural and necessary outflow of a transformed life. They are beneficial, meaning they are fitting and profitable for all concerned – the individual believer, the church community, and society at large. The believer's role is to constantly affirm and reinforce the practice of these deeds, ensuring they are consistently a prominent aspect of Christian life. This focus guards against complacency and nominal Christianity, calling for a vibrant, active faith.

• Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to actively engage in acts of kindness, charity, and ethical living, demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel.
• Maintaining Consistency: The command to "affirm constantly" stresses the need for a sustained commitment to doing good, not sporadic or conditional acts.
• Motivation: The underlying motivation for these works is the new life in Christ, a desire to please God and be a witness for Him.