Titus 1:15

Authorized King James Version

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πάντα

G3956

all things

all, any, every, the whole

μὲν

G3303

are pure

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

καθαρόν

G2513

Unto the pure

clean (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθαρόν

G2513

Unto the pure

clean (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

μεμίανται

G3392

is defiled

to sully or taint, i.e., contaminate (ceremonially or morally)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

ἀπίστοις

G571

unbelieving

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

#11

οὐδὲν

G3762

is nothing

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#12

καθαρόν

G2513

Unto the pure

clean (literally or figuratively)

#13

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#14

μεμίανται

G3392

is defiled

to sully or taint, i.e., contaminate (ceremonially or morally)

#15

αὐτῶν

G846

their

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

νοῦς

G3563

mind

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

συνείδησις

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Titus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Titus chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation