Titus 3:3
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλανώμενοι
deceived
G4105
πλανώμενοι
deceived
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
8 of 21
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
δουλεύοντες
serving
G1398
δουλεύοντες
serving
Strong's:
G1398
Word #:
9 of 21
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κακίᾳ
malice
G2549
κακίᾳ
malice
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
15 of 21
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Colossians 1:21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciledRomans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Colossians 3:7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.Romans 6:22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Psalms 36:2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.Matthew 21:29He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.John 8:34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.2 Corinthians 12:20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
Historical Context
Paul's autobiographical reminder echoes Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 3:5-7, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The pagan world's immorality wasn't ignorance but willing slavery to sin. Philosophers diagnosed the problem (moral failure) but lacked the solution (regeneration). Christianity offered not better self-help but divine rescue from enslaved wills.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you remember your former slavery to sin, producing gratitude and humility, or do you view yourself as morally superior?
- How does recalling your pre-conversion foolishness, disobedience, and deception produce gentleness toward current unbelievers?
- In what specific sins were you formerly enslaved from which Christ has freed you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived—γάρ (gar, for) explains why Christians should be gentle (v. 2): we remember our former state. ἦμεν γάρ ποτε (ēmen gar pote, for we were once) ἀνόητοι (anoētoi, foolish/senseless), ἀπειθεῖς (apeitheis, disobedient), πλανώμενοι (planōmenoi, deceived/wandering). Grace found us in this condition; we didn't climb out.
Serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another—δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις (douleuontes epithymiais kai hēdonais poikilais, enslaved to various desires and pleasures). ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες (en kakia kai phthonō diagontes, living in malice and envy), στυγητοί (stygētoi, hateful/detestable), μισοῦντες ἀλλήλους (misountes allēlous, hating one another). This is the universal human condition apart from grace—comprehensive depravity.