Titus 2:12
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Original Language Analysis
παιδεύουσα
Teaching
G3811
παιδεύουσα
Teaching
Strong's:
G3811
Word #:
1 of 20
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοσμικὰς
worldly
G2886
κοσμικὰς
worldly
Strong's:
G2886
Word #:
9 of 20
terrene ("cosmic"), literally (mundane) or figuratively (corrupt)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.Romans 6:19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.Psalms 4:3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:1 John 2:6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.2 Timothy 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.Revelation 14:12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Luke 1:75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.1 Thessalonians 4:7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
Historical Context
Pagan religion separated ritual and ethics; one could worship gods while living immorally. Judaism separated ceremonial cleanness from heart transformation. Christianity united justification and sanctification, declaring grace produces holiness. This was revolutionary: salvation isn't merely external status but internal transformation issuing in visible godliness.
Questions for Reflection
- How is grace "teaching" you—what ungodliness and worldly desires is the Spirit actively helping you renounce?
- Are you living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, or have you compartmentalized faith from daily life?
- Which of the three relationships (self-control, justice toward others, devotion to God) most needs grace's discipline?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts—παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς (paideuousa hēmas, disciplining/training us) depicts grace as παιδαγωγός (paidagōgos, tutor/trainer). Grace isn't passive but actively educative. The curriculum has negative and positive: ἀρνησάμενοι (arnēsamenoi, having denied/renounced) τὴν ἀσέβειαν (tēn asebeian, ungodliness—irreverence toward God) καὶ τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας (kai tas kosmikas epithymias, and worldly desires—this-age-focused cravings).
We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world—three adverbs: σωφρόνως (sophronōs, sensibly/self-controlled), δικαίως (dikaiōs, righteously/justly), εὐσεβῶς (eusebōs, devoutly/reverently). These govern three relationships: self (sobriety), others (righteousness), God (godliness). ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι (en tō nyn aiōni, in the present age)—not escapist otherworldliness but embodied holiness now.