Titus Chapter 2 · Verse 14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 19
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 19
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀνομίας
iniquity
G458
ἀνομίας
iniquity
Strong's:
G458
Word #:
11 of 19
illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἑαυτῷ
himself
G1438
ἑαυτῷ
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
14 of 19
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
λαὸν
people
G2992
λαὸν
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
15 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
περιούσιον
a peculiar
G4041
περιούσιον
a peculiar
Strong's:
G4041
Word #:
16 of 19
being beyond usual, i.e., special (one's own)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:1 Peter 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;Titus 3:8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:Ezekiel 36:25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Historical Context
This verse demolishes antinomianism: Christ died not merely to forgive but to purify and create a people eager for good works. Against cheap grace, Paul insists on costly discipleship. The church inherits Israel's covenant language (1 Peter 2:9-10), but ethnically redefined around Christ—Jews and Gentiles united in Him (Ephesians 2:11-22).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you understand redemption as both pardon (from iniquity) and power (for good works), or only the former?
- Are you zealous for good works as evidence of genuine redemption, or complacent and fruitless?
- How does recognizing the church as God's "treasured people" (replacing ethnic Israel) affect your view of the church's identity and mission?
Analysis & Commentary
Who gave himself for us—ὃς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν (hos edōken heauton hyper hēmōn)—ὑπέρ (hyper, for/on behalf of/in place of) indicates substitutionary atonement. Christ's self-giving (ἔδωκεν) was voluntary (John 10:18). That he might redeem us from all iniquity (ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας, hina lytrōsētai hēmas apo pasēs anomias)—λυτρόω (lytroō, redeem/ransom) pictures purchasing slaves' freedom. ἀνομία (anomia, lawlessness) is comprehensive: πάσης (pasēs, from all).
And purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον, ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων, kai katharisē heautō laon periousion, zēlōtēn kalōn ergōn)—καθαρίζω (katharizō, cleanse/purify) makes holy. λαὸν περιούσιον (laon periousion, a treasured people) echoes Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6—Israel language applied to the church. ζηλωτήν (zēlōtēn, zealous/eager) for good works—redemption produces works, not vice versa.