Titus 2:14
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.