Titus 1:2

Authorized King James Version

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐπ'
In
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#2
ἐλπίδι
hope
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
#3
ζωῆς
life
life (literally or figuratively)
#4
αἰωνίων
of eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
#5
ἣν
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ἐπηγγείλατο
promised
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀψευδὴς
that cannot lie
veracious
#9
θεὸς
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#10
πρὸ
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#11
χρόνων
began
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
#12
αἰωνίων
of eternal
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing life contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Topics