Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Original Language Analysis
Ἐπεφάνη
hath appeared
G2014
Ἐπεφάνη
hath appeared
Strong's:
G2014
Word #:
1 of 10
to shine upon, i.e., become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
the grace
G5485
χάρις
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
4 of 10
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 10
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Isaiah 45:22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.Hebrews 2:9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.Ephesians 2:5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)2 Thessalonians 2:16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,Isaiah 52:10The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Romans 5:15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Historical Context
Against Jewish particularism limiting salvation to Abraham's physical descendants, Paul proclaims universal gospel scope. Against pagan works-righteousness, Paul grounds salvation in God's grace, not human merit. Against antinomian libertines, Paul insists grace teaches godly living. This verse anchors Christian ethics in gospel indicatives.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view grace as merely forensic (justification) or also transformative (sanctification)—both pardon and power?
- How does the universality of gospel grace affect your evangelism—is anyone beyond its reach?
- In what ways have you perverted grace into license, using freedom as occasion for the flesh?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men—γάρ (gar, for) signals theological foundation for the ethics (2:1-10). ἐπεφάνη (epephanē, has appeared/dawned) recalls the Epiphany—Christ's incarnation making invisible grace visible. ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ σωτήριος (hē charis tou theou hē sōtērios, the saving grace of God). πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις (pasin anthrōpois, to all men) doesn't mean universalism but universal offer—the gospel goes to all people groups, not just Jews.
Grace (χάρις, charis) is God's unmerited favor, the entire gospel in one word. It appeared historically in Christ, offers salvation freely, and (crucially, v. 12) teaches godliness. Grace isn't opposed to holiness but produces it. Antinomianism falsely divorces grace from obedience; Paul unites them. The same grace that saves also sanctifies.