Titus 3:14
And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλῶν
good
G2570
καλῶν
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 16
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
προΐστασθαι
to maintain
G4291
προΐστασθαι
to maintain
Strong's:
G4291
Word #:
8 of 16
to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρείας
uses
G5532
χρείας
uses
Strong's:
G5532
Word #:
12 of 16
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
14 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;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.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.2 Peter 1:8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.Ephesians 4:28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.Matthew 7:19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.John 15:8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.John 15:16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Historical Context
Early Christians' generosity distinguished them from pagan society. Julian the Apostate (4th century) complained "the impious Galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well." Christian charity demonstrated gospel reality, provided apologetic witness, and created economic safety net in a harsh world without welfare systems.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you actively learning to practice good works, or is your Christianity merely intellectual/emotional?
- When urgent needs arise in your community, do you respond with concrete help or mere sympathy?
- What fruit is your faith producing—what good works demonstrate living faith versus dead profession?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses—μανθανέτωσαν δὲ καὶ οἱ ἡμέτεροι (manthanetōsan de kai hoi hēmeteroi, let our people also learn) καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι (kalōn ergōn proistasthai, to engage in/practice good works) εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας (eis tas anankaias chreias, for urgent/necessary needs). μανθάνω (manthanō, learn) suggests this requires teaching and practice. προΐστημι (proistēmi, lead/engage in/practice) means active involvement.
That they be not unfruitful (ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι, hina mē ōsin akarpoi)—ἄκαρπος (akarpos, unfruitful/barren). Christians demonstrate genuine faith through concrete helpfulness, especially meeting urgent needs (supporting Zenas and Apollos, v. 13, is the immediate example). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17); living faith bears fruit (John 15:1-8).