Titus 2:12

Authorized King James Version

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
παιδεύουσα
Teaching
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
#2
ἡμᾶς
us
us
#3
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#4
ἀρνησάμενοι
denying
to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἀσέβειαν
ungodliness
impiety, i.e., (by implication) wickedness
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κοσμικὰς
worldly
terrene ("cosmic"), literally (mundane) or figuratively (corrupt)
#10
ἐπιθυμίας
lusts
a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
#11
σωφρόνως
soberly
with sound mind, i.e., moderately
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
δικαίως
righteously
equitably
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
εὐσεβῶς
godly
piously
#16
ζήσωμεν
we should live
to live (literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
νῦν
this present
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
#20
αἰῶνι
world
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

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

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