1
Ὑπομίμνῃσκε αὐτοὺς ἀρχαῖς ἐξουσίαις ὑποτάσσεσθαι, πειθαρχεῖν, πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἑτοίμους εἶναι,
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
After the household duties of ch. 2, Titus is now to keep reminding the congregation of its civic obligations — the first of a string of infinitives spelling out a Christian's public bearing.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὙπομίμνῃσκεremindPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ὑπομιμνῄσκωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (ongoing duty)ὑπομιμνῄσκω: 'call to mind, remind' (ὑπό + μιμνῄσκω); the present imperative implies a standing, repeated reminding, not a single notice.
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object (those reminded)
ἀρχαῖςrulersDativedat. complement of ὑποτάσσεσθαιἀρχή: here in the plural of persons, 'rulers, magistrates, governing offices'; the abstract 'beginning/rule' applied to those who hold office.
ἐξουσίαιςauthoritiesDativedat. complement (asyndetic w/ ἀρχαῖς)ἐξουσία: 'authority, power to act'; paired with ἀρχαί as a near-synonym for the institutions of government (cf. Rom 13:1).
ὑποτάσσεσθαιto be subjectPres Mid/Pass Inf · ὑποτάσσωinfinitive of indirect command (content of the reminder)→ customary presentὑποτάσσω: 'arrange under, subordinate' (ὑπό + τάσσω); middle/reflexive, 'place oneself under' — voluntary submission, a military-administrative term.
πειθαρχεῖνto obeyPres Act Inf · πειθαρχέωinfinitive (coordinate, asyndetic)→ customary presentπειθαρχέω: 'obey authority' (πείθομαι + ἀρχή); to render the active compliance that submission entails.
πρὸςforpreposition + accusative (goal/disposition)
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjective
ἔργονworkAccusativeobject of πρός (the aim)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; 'every good work' is the keynote of the chapter (vv. 1, 8, 14).
ἀγαθὸνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good, beneficial'; intrinsically and usefully good, not merely pleasant (καλός).
ἑτοίμουςreadyAccusativepredicate accusative (w/ εἶναι)ἕτοιμος: 'ready, prepared'; a settled readiness of disposition, not a particular instance.
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (coordinate, equative)→ stative present
2
μηδένα βλασφημεῖν, ἀμάχους εἶναι, ἐπιεικεῖς, πᾶσαν ἐνδεικνυμένους πραΰτητα πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους.
to slander no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all meekness toward all people.
The list of public virtues continues — now in restraint of speech and temper. The triple 'all/every' (πᾶσαν … πάντας) universalizes the meekness, preparing the 'we too were once…' of v. 3.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
μηδέναno oneAccusativedirect object of βλασφημεῖν (negated)μηδείς: 'no one, nobody'; the μη- form fits the non-indicative (infinitival) construction.
βλασφημεῖνto slander/speak evil ofPres Act Inf · βλασφημέωinfinitive (coordinate)→ customary presentβλασφημέω: 'revile, defame, blaspheme'; here of human targets — abusive or slanderous speech.
ἀμάχουςpeaceable / not quarrelsomeAccusativepredicate accusative (w/ εἶναι)ἄμαχος: 'not contentious' (ἀ- + μάχη, 'battle'); abstaining from fights, a Pastoral virtue (cf. 1 Tim 3:3).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (coordinate, equative)→ stative present
ἐπιεικεῖςgentle / forbearingAccusativepredicate accusative (coordinate w/ ἀμάχους)ἐπιεικής: 'yielding, reasonable, equitable'; the disposition that does not insist on the letter of its rights — 'sweet reasonableness.'
πᾶσανallAccusativeattributive adjective
ἐνδεικνυμένουςshowing / demonstratingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ἐνδείκνυμιadverbial ptc. (manner; agrees w/ implied subj. of infinitives)→ present (concurrent)ἐνδείκνυμι: 'show forth, display, give proof of' (ἐν + δείκνυμι); the middle stresses showing it from oneself.
πραΰτηταmeekness / gentlenessAccusativedirect object of ἐνδεικνυμένουςπραΰτης: 'gentleness, meekness'; strength under control, the opposite of harshness — a cardinal Christian temper (cf. Gal 5:23).
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction/relation)
πάνταςallAccusativeattributive adjective
ἀνθρώπουςpeople / menAccusativeobject of πρός (scope of the meekness)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; 'all people' broadens the meekness beyond the church to outsiders and even hostile officials.
3
Ἦμεν γάρ ποτε καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀνόητοι, ἀπειθεῖς, πλανώμενοι, δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις, ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες, στυγητοί, μισοῦντες ἀλλήλους.
For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
The motive for meekness toward all: 'we ourselves also were once' like them. A vice-list paints the unregenerate past — the dark foil against which the 'but when' of v. 4 will blaze.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
Ἦμενwe wereImpf Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ customary/descriptive imperfect (the old way of life)εἰμί (impf.): 'we were'; the imperfect frames the past state as habitual and ongoing — what we used to be.
γάρforexplanatory/causal conjunctionγάρ: introduces the reason gentleness toward all is fitting — our own former bondage.
ποτεonce / formerlyadverb (past time)ποτέ: 'at one time, formerly'; the 'once … but now' pattern (cf. Eph 2:1–5; Col 3:7) of the conversion contrast.
καὶalsoadjunctive/ascensive conjunction
ἡμεῖςwe ourselvesNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἡμεῖς: the expressed pronoun is emphatic — 'we too,' placing the writer and readers in the same former plight as the 'all people' of v. 2.
ἀνόητοιfoolish / senselessNominativepredicate nominativeἀνόητος: 'without understanding' (ἀ- + νοῦς); morally and spiritually undiscerning, not merely unintelligent.
ἀπειθεῖςdisobedientNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate)ἀπειθής: 'unpersuadable, disobedient' (ἀ- + πείθομαι); the exact negation of the πειθαρχεῖν enjoined in v. 1.
πλανώμενοιled astray / deceivedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πλανάωpredicate participle (state)→ present (continuing condition)πλανάω: 'cause to wander, lead astray'; the passive 'being deceived' — the wandering sheep image of moral error.
δουλεύοντεςenslaved / serving as slavesPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δουλεύωpredicate participle (state)→ present (ongoing bondage)δουλεύω: 'be a slave, serve'; vivid of the tyranny of the passions — sin as servitude (cf. Rom 6:17).
ἐπιθυμίαιςlusts / cravingsDativedat. complement of δουλεύοντες (the master served)ἐπιθυμία: 'desire, craving'; in this sense the disordered appetites that enslave.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡδοναῖςpleasuresDativedat. complement (coordinate w/ ἐπιθυμίαις)ἡδονή: 'pleasure, gratification' (whence 'hedonism'); here the sensual indulgences that enslave.
ποικίλαιςvarious / manifoldDativeattributive adjectiveποικίλος: 'many-colored, diverse'; the lusts are not one but a motley host.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/manner)
κακίᾳmaliceDativedat. of sphere (object of ἐν)κακία: 'badness, malice, ill-will'; active wickedness toward others, not mere weakness.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
φθόνῳenvyDativedat. of sphere (coordinate w/ κακίᾳ)φθόνος: 'envy, grudging ill-will'; resentment at another's good — the poison of community.
διάγοντεςpassing (our days) / livingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διάγωpredicate participle (manner of life)→ present (habitual)διάγω: 'lead (a life), spend (time)' (διά + ἄγω); with βίον understood, 'to pass one's life.'
στυγητοίhateful / detestableNominativepredicate nominativeστυγητός: 'hated, detestable' (from στυγέω, 'abhor'); a rare word — being objects of loathing as well as agents of it.
μισοῦντεςhatingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · μισέωpredicate participle (the active counterpart of στυγητοί)→ present (habitual)μισέω: 'hate, detest'; the climax of the list — mutual hatred as the social fruit of the old life.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativedirect object of μισοῦντεςἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the reciprocal pronoun — hatred turned mutual, the antithesis of the church's 'love one another.'
4
ὅτε δὲ ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ φιλανθρωπία ἐπεφάνη τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν θεοῦ,
But when the kindness and the love-for-mankind of God our Savior appeared,
The great hinge: 'but when…' The dark past of v. 3 is broken by the historical appearing of God's kindness. This opens the gospel sentence that runs through v. 7 (the main verb is ἔσωσεν in v. 5).
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunction (introduces protasis)ὅτε: 'when'; sets the decisive moment in salvation-history against the 'once' (ποτε) of v. 3.
δὲbutadversative conjunction (marks the turn)δέ: here strongly adversative — the pivot from our former state to God's intervention.
ἡtheNominativearticle
χρηστότηςkindness / goodnessNominativesubject (of ἐπεφάνη)χρηστότης: 'kindness, benignity' (from χρηστός, 'useful, kind'); God's gracious benevolence, contrasted with the κακία of v. 3.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡtheNominativearticle
φιλανθρωπίαlove for mankindNominativesubject (coordinate w/ χρηστότης)φιλανθρωπία: 'love of humankind, benevolence' (φίλος + ἄνθρωπος; whence 'philanthropy'); a term of Hellenistic royal/divine virtue — God's love directed at humanity as such.
ἐπεφάνηappeared / dawnedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπιφαίνωmain verb of the ὅτε clause→ constative aorist (the historical appearing)ἐπιφαίνω (pass.): 'shine forth, appear, become visible'; the cognate of ἐπιφάνεια — the 'epiphany' of God's kindness in Christ (cf. Tit 2:11). Singular verb with the compound subject treats the two as one.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σωτῆροςSaviorGenitivegenitive (source; modifies χρηστότης/φιλανθρωπία)σωτήρ: 'Savior, deliverer'; a Pastoral keyword applied both to God (here) and to Christ (v. 6).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive in apposition to σωτῆροςθεός: God; here named 'our Savior God' — the kindness that appeared is the Father's own.
5
οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων τῶν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ ἃ ἐποιήσαμεν ἡμεῖς ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος ἔσωσεν ἡμᾶς διὰ λουτροῦ παλιγγενεσίας καὶ ἀνακαινώσεως πνεύματος ἁγίου,
he saved us — not on the basis of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
The heart of the sentence and the chapter: ἔσωσεν, 'he saved us.' The negated 'not by works' and the 'but by mercy' frame the verb; salvation is mediated 'through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Spirit.'
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
οὐκnotnegative particle (negates ἐξ ἔργων)οὐ: objective negation of the ground that is denied — works.
ἐξout of / on the basis ofpreposition + genitive (source/basis)
ἔργωνworksGenitiveobject of ἐξ (denied basis)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; here human works as a ground of salvation — explicitly excluded (cf. Eph 2:8–9).
τῶνthe (ones)Genitivearticle (attributive, w/ ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
δικαιοσύνῃrighteousnessDativedat. of sphere (qualifies ἔργων)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; 'works in/of righteousness' = righteous deeds — even these are not the ground.
ἃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐποιήσαμεν)
ἐποιήσαμενwe didAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ποιέωverb of relative clause→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, make'; the deeds we performed — emphatically ours, yet not the cause of salvation.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject of ἐποιήσαμεν (emphatic)ἡμεῖς: expressed for emphasis — 'works that we ourselves did,' heightening the contrast with God's mercy.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: the decisive 'but' — replacing the denied ground (works) with the true one (mercy).
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm/cause)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
αὐτοῦhis ownGenitivepossessive genitive (fronted for emphasis)αὐτοῦ: 'his (own)'; the placement before ἔλεος stresses that the mercy is wholly God's.
ἔλεοςmercyAccusativeobject of κατά (the true ground)ἔλεος: 'mercy, compassion'; covenant lovingkindness shown to the undeserving — the motive of salvation.
ἔσωσενhe savedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · σῴζωmain verb of the sentence (subject = θεός, v. 4)→ constative aorist (the accomplished act of salvation)σῴζω: 'save, rescue, preserve'; the aorist views the saving act as a completed event grounded in the appearing of v. 4.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἔσωσεν
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/instrument)
λουτροῦwashing / bathGenitiveobject of διά (means of salvation)λουτρόν: 'washing, bath, laver' (from λούω, 'wash'); the cleansing through which salvation is applied — widely linked to baptism (cf. Eph 5:26).
παλιγγενεσίαςof regeneration / rebirthGenitivegenitive (epexegetic/qualitative; defines the λουτρόν)παλιγγενεσία: 'rebirth, regeneration' (πάλιν + γένεσις); the new birth into a new state of being (cf. John 3:3–5).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀνακαινώσεωςrenewalGenitivegenitive (coordinate w/ παλιγγενεσίας; obj. of διά)ἀνακαίνωσις: 'renewal, making new again' (ἀνά + καινός); the ongoing renovation of the inner person (cf. Rom 12:2).
πνεύματοςof the SpiritGenitivesubjective/agentive genitive (the renewing agent)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit who effects the renewal — and, by v. 6, is himself the one poured out.
ἁγίουHolyGenitiveattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; names the Spirit definitively as the Holy Spirit.
6
οὗ ἐξέχεεν ἐφ' ἡμᾶς πλουσίως διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
A relative clause on πνεύματος: the Spirit was lavishly 'poured out' (Pentecost language, Joel 2:28/Acts 2:17) — and mediated 'through Jesus Christ,' binding Father, Son, and Spirit into one saving act.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
οὗwhom / whichGenitiverelative pronoun (refers to πνεύματος; gen. by attraction to antecedent)ὅς: relative pronoun; though the verb ἐκχέω would govern the accusative, the relative is attracted to the genitive of its antecedent πνεύματος.
ἐξέχεενhe poured outAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐκχέωverb of relative clause (subj. = God)→ constative aorist (the Pentecostal outpouring)ἐκχέω: 'pour out, shed' (ἐκ + χέω); the prophetic verb for lavishing the Spirit (Joel 3:1 LXX / Acts 2:17–18).
ἐφ'on / uponpreposition (ἐπί) + accusative (direction)
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeobject of ἐπί (recipients of the Spirit)
πλουσίωςrichly / abundantlyadverb (manner/measure)πλουσίως: 'richly, lavishly' (from πλούσιος, 'rich'); the outpouring is not stinted but generous.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (mediation)
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveobject of διά (mediator of the outpouring)
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition to Ἰησοῦ
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σωτῆροςSaviorGenitiveapposition (title of Christ)σωτήρ: 'Savior'; now applied to Christ — as v. 4 applied it to God; the title spans the Trinity in this passage.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
7
ἵνα δικαιωθέντες τῇ ἐκείνου χάριτι κληρονόμοι γενηθῶμεν κατ' ἐλπίδα ζωῆς αἰωνίου.
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The saving purpose: justification by grace issues in inheritance. The gospel sentence (vv. 4–7) closes on its eschatological aim — heirs in hope of eternal life.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose; + subjunctive)ἵνα: introduces the purpose of the saving act — the goal toward which mercy moves.
δικαιωθέντεςhaving been justifiedAor Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δικαιόωadverbial ptc. (antecedent/causal; agrees w/ subj. of γενηθῶμεν)→ constative aorist (the completed declaration)δικαιόω: 'declare/make righteous, justify'; the forensic verb of acquittal — here the necessary basis for becoming heirs.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐκείνουof that one / hisGenitivedemonstrative (possessive gen.; 'that one's' grace)ἐκεῖνος: 'that (one)'; the distal demonstrative points back to God the Savior — 'his grace,' emphatically that one's.
χάριτιgraceDativedat. of means/cause (instrument of justification)χάρις: 'grace, unmerited favor'; the means of justification — answering 'not by works' (v. 5).
κληρονόμοιheirsNominativepredicate nominative (complement of γενηθῶμεν)κληρονόμος: 'heir' (κλῆρος, 'lot/inheritance' + νέμομαι); those who inherit the promised life (cf. Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7).
γενηθῶμενwe might becomeAor Pass Subj 1 Pl · γίνομαιverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aorist (the purposed result)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the deponent/passive aorist — to be brought into the status of heirs.
κατ'according to / in keeping withpreposition (κατά) + accusative (norm)
ἐλπίδαhopeAccusativeobject of κατά (the measure of the inheritance)ἐλπίς: 'hope, confident expectation'; not wishful but assured — the inheritance is held in hope (cf. Tit 1:2; 2:13).
ζωῆςof lifeGenitiveobjective/epexegetic genitive (content of the hope)ζωή: 'life'; here the eschatological life that is the substance hoped for.
αἰωνίουeternalGenitiveattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, age-lasting' (from αἰών, 'age'); the life of the coming age — the goal of the whole sentence.
8
Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος, καὶ περὶ τούτων βούλομαί σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, ἵνα φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι οἱ πεπιστευκότες θεῷ. ταῦτά ἐστιν καλὰ καὶ ὠφέλιμα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις.
The saying is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to insist firmly, so that those who have believed God may be intent on devoting themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable for people.
The 'faithful saying' formula seals the gospel statement of vv. 4–7 and turns it to practice: Titus is to insist on it so that believers apply themselves to good works — which are 'good and profitable.'
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
Πιστὸςtrustworthy / faithfulNominativepredicate adjective (anarthrous, fronted)πιστός: 'faithful, reliable, trustworthy'; the Pastoral formula πιστὸς ὁ λόγος vouches for the truth just stated (cf. 1 Tim 1:15).
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςsaying / wordNominativesubject (of an implied ἐστιν)λόγος: 'word, statement, saying'; here the trustworthy gospel summary of vv. 4–7.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
τούτωνthese thingsGenitiveobject of περί (the matters of vv. 4–7)οὗτος: 'this'; the neuter plural refers to the truths just affirmed.
βούλομαίI want / I intendPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · βούλομαιmain verb (governs the infinitive)→ stative present (settled wish)βούλομαι: 'wish, intend, want'; a deliberate volition, here an apostolic directive to Titus.
σεyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive (Titus)
διαβεβαιοῦσθαιto affirm confidently / insist firmlyPres Mid/Pass Inf · διαβεβαιόομαιinfinitive (complement of βούλομαι)→ customary presentδιαβεβαιόομαι: 'speak confidently, affirm strongly' (διά-intensive of βεβαιόω, 'confirm'); to insist on a point with assurance (cf. 1 Tim 1:7).
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose; + subjunctive)
φροντίζωσινthey may be intent / take carePres Act Subj 3 Pl · φροντίζωverb of the ἵνα clause→ customary present (continual concern)φροντίζω: 'be thoughtful about, give careful attention to' (from φρήν, 'mind'); a NT hapax — to make good works one's deliberate concern.
καλῶνgood / excellentGenitiveattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fine, noble'; the visibly admirable good — paired here with ἔργων as the chapter's refrain.
ἔργωνworksGenitivegenitive object of προΐστασθαιἔργον: 'work, deed'; 'good works' as the proper fruit of those justified by grace (v. 7).
προΐστασθαιto devote themselves to / to maintainPres Mid Inf · προΐστημιepexegetical infinitive (defines φροντίζωσιν)→ customary presentπροΐστημι (mid.): lit. 'stand before, preside'; here in the sense 'apply oneself to, be busy with, practice' good works (so again v. 14).
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
πεπιστευκότεςwho have believedPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · πιστεύωsubstantival participle (subject of φροντίζωσιν)→ intensive perfect (an abiding state of faith)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; the perfect denotes those who have come to faith and remain in it — believers, defined by their settled trust.
θεῷGodDativedat. complement of πεπιστευκότες (object of belief)θεός: God; the dative of the person trusted — those who have put their faith in God.
ταῦτάthese thingsNominativesubject (of ἐστιν)οὗτος: 'these'; the good works just commended.
ἐστινis / arePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula; neut. pl. subj. takes sg. verb)→ gnomic presentεἰμί: the copula; the neuter plural ταῦτα regularly governs a singular verb in Greek.
καλὰgoodNominativepredicate nominativeκαλός: 'good, beautiful, fitting'; the works are intrinsically good.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὠφέλιμαprofitable / beneficialNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate w/ καλά)ὠφέλιμος: 'useful, profitable' (from ὠφελέω, 'benefit'); the works are not only good but advantageous — for people generally.
τοῖςfor theDativearticle
ἀνθρώποιςpeopleDativedat. of advantage (those benefited)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; the good works benefit humankind — echoing the φιλανθρωπία of v. 4.
9
μωρὰς δὲ ζητήσεις καὶ γενεαλογίας καὶ ἔρεις καὶ μάχας νομικὰς περιΐστασο, εἰσὶν γὰρ ἀνωφελεῖς καὶ μάταιοι.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.
The flip side of the 'profitable' good works: a cluster of 'unprofitable' things Titus is to shun. The δέ marks the antithesis; γάρ then grounds the command in their worthlessness.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
μωρὰςfoolish / stupidAccusativeattributive adjectiveμωρός: 'foolish, dull, silly' (whence 'moron'); the controversies lack sense, not just civility.
δὲbutadversative conjunction (contrast w/ v. 8)δέ: marks the turn from what to pursue (good works) to what to shun.
ζητήσειςcontroversies / debatesAccusativedirect object of περιΐστασοζήτησις: 'inquiry, debate, controversy' (from ζητέω, 'seek'); speculative wranglings (cf. 1 Tim 6:4).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γενεαλογίαςgenealogiesAccusativedirect object (coordinate)γενεαλογία: 'genealogy, pedigree'; speculative myth-spinning about lineages (cf. 1 Tim 1:4) — likely Jewish-tinged.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔρειςstrife / quarrelsAccusativedirect object (coordinate)ἔρις: 'strife, contention, rivalry'; the heated wrangling such debates breed (a work of the flesh, Gal 5:20).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μάχαςfights / quarrelsAccusativedirect object (coordinate)μάχη: 'battle, fight, quarrel'; verbal combat here — the believer is to be ἄμαχος (v. 2).
νομικὰςabout the law / legalAccusativeattributive adjective (modifies μάχας)νομικός: 'pertaining to the law' (νόμος); 'quarrels about the law' — disputes over the Mosaic law and its minutiae.
περιΐστασοavoid / shunPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · περιΐστημιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (make it your standing practice)περιΐστημι (mid.): lit. 'stand around,' middle 'turn oneself about so as to avoid, shun' (cf. 2 Tim 2:16); to give a wide berth.
εἰσὶνthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (copula; γάρ clause)→ gnomic present
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunction (grounds the command)γάρ: gives the reason to avoid them — their uselessness.
ἀνωφελεῖςunprofitable / uselessNominativepredicate adjectiveἀνωφελής: 'useless, unprofitable' (ἀ- + ὠφελέω); the exact negation of the ὠφέλιμα of v. 8.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μάταιοιfutile / vainNominativepredicate adjective (coordinate)μάταιος: 'empty, futile, fruitless'; achieving nothing of value — a waste of the church's energy.
10
αἱρετικὸν ἄνθρωπον μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν παραιτοῦ,
Reject a factious person after a first and second warning,
From foolish disputes to the divisive person who fuels them: after due admonition the factious man is to be refused — measured discipline, not impulsive expulsion.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
αἱρετικὸνfactious / divisiveAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἱρετικός: 'factious, given to division' (from αἵρεσις, 'a party, faction'); NT hapax — one who forms cliques/heresies, hence later 'heretic.'
ἄνθρωπονperson / manAccusativedirect object of παραιτοῦἄνθρωπος: 'person'; the divisive individual to be dealt with.
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (time)
μίανone / a firstAccusativeattributive numeral (cardinal used as ordinal)εἷς/μία: 'one'; here 'a first' admonition — the cardinal serving for the ordinal, paired with δευτέραν.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δευτέρανsecondAccusativeattributive ordinalδεύτερος: 'second'; the second and final warning before the refusal — a defined, patient procedure (cf. Matt 18:15–17).
νουθεσίανwarning / admonitionAccusativeobject of μετά (the admonition given)νουθεσία: 'admonition, instruction-by-warning' (νοῦς + τίθημι, 'put in mind'); corrective counsel aimed at restoration.
παραιτοῦreject / have nothing to do withPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · παραιτέομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (let it be your settled practice)παραιτέομαι: 'beg off, decline, refuse, dismiss' (παρά + αἰτέομαι); here 'have done with, reject' the unrepentant divider (cf. 1 Tim 4:7).
11
εἰδὼς ὅτι ἐξέστραπται ὁ τοιοῦτος καὶ ἁμαρτάνει ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος.
knowing that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Why the rejection is warranted: such a one is already twisted out of true, persists in sin, and stands self-condemned — judged not by Titus's verdict but by his own refusal of repeated warning.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εἰδὼςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · οἶδαadverbial ptc. (causal; agrees w/ subj. of παραιτοῦ)→ intensive perfect (settled knowledge; οἶδα = present sense)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning); Titus acts in the certainty of the following facts.
ὅτιthatconjunction (introduces object clause of εἰδώς)ὅτι: 'that'; introduces the content of the knowledge.
ἐξέστραπταιhas been perverted / turned asidePerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐκστρέφωverb of the ὅτι clause→ intensive perfect (a settled, present perversion)ἐκστρέφω: 'turn inside out, pervert, twist' (ἐκ + στρέφω); NT hapax — the perfect shows a fixed, warped condition.
ὁtheNominativearticle
τοιοῦτοςsuch a oneNominativesubject (demonstrative as noun)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind'; the factious person of v. 10, characterized by his behavior.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἁμαρτάνειis sinningPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἁμαρτάνωverb (coordinate in the ὅτι clause)→ progressive present (ongoing, persistent sin)ἁμαρτάνω: 'miss the mark, sin'; the present pictures continuing, unrepentant sin.
ὢνbeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · εἰμίadverbial ptc. (causal/concessive; modifies ὁ τοιοῦτος)→ present (concurrent state)εἰμί (ptc.): 'being'; introduces the verdict the man carries in himself.
αὐτοκατάκριτοςself-condemnedNominativepredicate adjective (complement of ὢν)αὐτοκατάκριτος: 'condemned by oneself' (αὐτός + κατακρίνω); NT hapax — his own persistence after warning passes the sentence on him.
12
Ὅταν πέμψω Ἀρτεμᾶν πρὸς σὲ ἢ Τυχικόν, σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με εἰς Νικόπολιν, ἐκεῖ γὰρ κέκρικα παραχειμάσαι.
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
The letter turns to practical arrangements. A relief worker will free Titus to join Paul; the γάρ explains the rendezvous — Paul has resolved to winter at Nicopolis.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
Ὅτανwhen / whenevertemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive; indefinite future)ὅταν: 'when(ever)' (ὅτε + ἄν); the future time is left somewhat open, awaiting the messenger's dispatch.
πέμψωI sendAor Act Subj 1 Sg · πέμπωverb of the ὅταν clause (subjunctive)→ constative aorist (a single future act)πέμπω: 'send'; the dispatch of a replacement so Titus can leave Crete.
ἈρτεμᾶνArtemasAccusativedirect object of πέμψωἈρτεμᾶς: 'Artemas' (likely short for Ἀρτεμίδωρος); a co-worker named only here in the NT.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
σὲyouAccusativeobject of πρός (Titus)
ἢordisjunctive conjunctionἤ: 'or'; offers an alternative messenger.
ΤυχικόνTychicusAccusativedirect object (alternative to Ἀρτεμᾶν)Τυχικός: 'Tychicus,' a trusted Pauline emissary (Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12).
σπούδασονmake haste / be diligentAor Act Impv 2 Sg · σπουδάζωmain verb (imperative; governs ἐλθεῖν)→ ingressive/constative aorist (act promptly)σπουδάζω: 'be eager, make every effort, hasten' (from σπουδή, 'haste, zeal'); do it without delay (cf. 2 Tim 4:9).
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive (of σπούδασον)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come, go'; the action Titus is to hasten.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
μεmeAccusativeobject of πρός (Paul)
εἰςto / atpreposition + accusative (destination)
ΝικόπολινNicopolisAccusativeobject of εἰς (the place of meeting)Νικόπολις: 'Nicopolis' ('victory-city'); most likely the city in Epirus on the Adriatic — a winter base for Paul.
ἐκεῖthereadverb (place)ἐκεῖ: 'there'; points back to Nicopolis.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds the rendezvous)
κέκρικαI have decidedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · κρίνωmain verb (γάρ clause)→ intensive perfect (a firm, standing decision)κρίνω: 'judge, decide, determine'; the perfect signals a settled resolve already reached.
παραχειμάσαιto spend the winterAor Act Inf · παραχειμάζωcomplementary infinitive (of κέκρικα)→ constative aoristπαραχειμάζω: 'pass the winter' (παρά + χειμών, 'winter/storm'); travel by sea ceased in winter, so Paul plans to overwinter (cf. Acts 27:12; 1 Cor 16:6).
13
Ζηνᾶν τὸν νομικὸν καὶ Ἀπολλῶν σπουδαίως πρόπεμψον, ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ.
Diligently speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, so that they lack nothing.
A second errand: Titus is to provision two traveling teachers generously. The ἵνα clause names the aim — that nothing be wanting for their journey, a model of the 'good works' just urged.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ΖηνᾶνZenasAccusativedirect object of πρόπεμψονΖηνᾶς: 'Zenas' (perhaps short for Ζηνόδωρος); named only here in the NT.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
νομικὸνlawyer / juristAccusativeapposition to Ζηνᾶν (substantival adj.)νομικός: 'expert in law'; either a Jewish scribe/expert in the Mosaic law or a Roman jurist — his profession marks him out.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈπολλῶνApollosAccusativedirect object (coordinate w/ Ζηνᾶν)Ἀπολλῶς: 'Apollos,' the eloquent Alexandrian teacher (Acts 18:24; 1 Cor 1–4); evidently still active in Pauline circles.
σπουδαίωςdiligently / earnestlyadverb (manner)σπουδαίως: 'diligently, earnestly' (cognate w/ σπουδάζω, v. 12); the help is to be zealous and thorough.
πρόπεμψονsend on the way / equip for travelAor Act Impv 2 Sg · προπέμπωmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist (one act of provisioning)προπέμπω: 'send forward, escort on a journey' (πρό + πέμπω); a near-technical term for outfitting travelers with supplies and escort (cf. 3 John 6).
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose; + subjunctive)
μηδὲνnothingNominativesubject of λείπῃ (negated)μηδείς: 'nothing'; the μη- form suits the subjunctive ἵνα clause.
αὐτοῖςto themDativedat. of reference/disadvantage (those lacking)
λείπῃmay be lackingPres Act Subj 3 Sg · λείπωverb of the ἵνα clause→ present (durative within the purpose)λείπω: 'leave, lack, fall short'; here intransitive, 'be wanting' — the goal is that nothing be missing for them.
14
μανθανέτωσαν δὲ καὶ οἱ ἡμέτεροι καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας, ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι.
And let our people also learn to devote themselves to good works, for the pressing needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.
The specific errand becomes a general lesson: 'our people' as a whole must learn the habit of good works that meet real needs — lest the church prove barren. It recalls vv. 1 and 8.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
μανθανέτωσανlet them learnPres Act Impv 3 Pl · μανθάνωmain verb (third-person imperative)→ customary present (let it be their ongoing learning)μανθάνω: 'learn, come to understand by practice' (whence 'mathematics'); good works are a discipline to be acquired.
δὲand / nowconjunction (continuative/mildly contrastive)δέ: moves from the particular case (v. 13) to the general principle.
καὶalsoadjunctive conjunctionκαί: 'also' — not Titus only but the whole company is to practice this.
οἱtheNominativearticle (substantizes ἡμέτεροι)
ἡμέτεροιour people / our ownNominativesubject (possessive adjective as noun)ἡμέτερος: 'our'; 'our (own people)' — the believing community, perhaps with a glance at the Cretan churches as Paul's.
καλῶνgoodGenitiveattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fine'; the refrain 'good works' (cf. vv. 1, 8).
ἔργωνworksGenitivegenitive object of προΐστασθαιἔργον: 'work, deed'; the practical good the church must learn to do.
προΐστασθαιto devote themselves toPres Mid Inf · προΐστημιcomplementary infinitive (of μανθανέτωσαν)→ customary presentπροΐστημι (mid.): 'apply oneself to, be busy with, practice' — the same idiom as v. 8.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose/reference)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἀναγκαίαςnecessary / pressingAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀναγκαῖος: 'necessary, urgent' (from ἀνάγκη, 'necessity'); the real, pressing needs that good works should meet.
χρείαςneedsAccusativeobject of εἰς (the needs to be met)χρεία: 'need, necessity, want'; concrete material and ministry needs — good works are not abstract.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose; + subjunctive)
μὴnotnegative particle (negates ὦσιν)μή: the negation proper to subjunctive purpose clauses.
ὦσινthey may bePres Act Subj 3 Pl · εἰμίverb of the ἵνα clause (copula)→ stative present
ἄκαρποιunfruitful / barrenNominativepredicate adjectiveἄκαρπος: 'fruitless, unproductive' (ἀ- + καρπός, 'fruit'); a faith that yields no good works is barren (cf. Eph 5:11; 2 Pet 1:8).
15
Ἀσπάζονταί σε οἱ μετ' ἐμοῦ πάντες. ἄσπασαι τοὺς φιλοῦντας ἡμᾶς ἐν πίστει. ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν.
All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
The conventional epistolary close: greetings exchanged between Paul's circle and the Cretan believers, then the grace-benediction. The final 'you all' (plural) reaches past Titus to the whole church.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
Ἀσπάζονταίthey greetPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (epistolary; performative greeting)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet, salute, embrace'; the standard verb of letter-closing greetings.
σεyouAccusativedirect object (Titus)
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes the prep. phrase)
μετ'withpreposition (μετά) + genitive (accompaniment)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of μετά (Paul's companions)
πάντεςallNominativesubject (substantival adj.; w/ οἱ μετ' ἐμοῦ)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole circle of Paul's coworkers joins the greeting.
ἄσπασαιgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist (convey the greeting)ἀσπάζομαι: here imperative — Titus is to pass on Paul's greeting to the believers.
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
φιλοῦνταςwho lovePres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · φιλέωsubstantival participle (object of ἄσπασαι)→ present (characteristic)φιλέω: 'love, hold dear, have affection for'; defines the believers by their warm attachment to Paul and his circle.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of φιλοῦντας
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πίστειfaithDativedat. of sphere (the bond of the affection)πίστις: 'faith'; the love is 'in faith' — a Christian affection grounded in shared belief, not mere sentiment.
ἡtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (of an implied optative/'be')χάρις: 'grace'; the closing benediction — God's favor invoked upon the readers, as in every Pauline letter.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the benediction widens from Titus alone to the whole congregation.
ὑμῶνof you (pl.)Genitivepartitive/possessive genitive (object of μετά)ὑμῶν: plural 'you' — the shift from singular σε to plural ὑμῶν shows the letter, though to Titus, is meant for the church.