Titus 1:16

Authorized King James Version

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Word-by-Word Analysis

θεὸν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὁμολογοῦσιν

G3670

They profess

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

εἰδέναι

G1492

that they know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τοῖς

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

ἔργον

G2041

in works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀρνοῦνται

G720

they deny

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

βδελυκτοὶ

G947

abominable

detestable, i.e., (specially) idolatrous

ὄντες

G5607

him being

being

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἀπειθεῖς

G545

disobedient

unpersuadable, i.e., contumacious

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#13

πρὸς

G4314

unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#14

πᾶν

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#15

ἔργον

G2041

in works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#16

ἀγαθὸν

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#17

ἀδόκιμοι

G96

reprobate

unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)

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 sovereignty 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

Related Resources

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

Topics

Salvation