Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
2 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
3 of 23
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνῃ
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνῃ
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
6 of 23
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐποιήσαμεν
have done
G4160
ἐποιήσαμεν
have done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
κατὰ
according to
G2596
κατὰ
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔσωσεν
he saved
G4982
ἔσωσεν
he saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
15 of 23
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
17 of 23
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
παλιγγενεσίας
of regeneration
G3824
παλιγγενεσίας
of regeneration
Strong's:
G3824
Word #:
19 of 23
(spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e., (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, messianic restoration
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:1 Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Ephesians 2:4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Romans 11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Historical Context
This verse is Reformation bedrock: sola gratia, sola fide. Against medieval works-righteousness, Luther and Calvin recovered Paul's insistence on grace alone. The regenerating washing references baptism as sign (not cause) of spiritual cleansing. The Spirit's renewing work makes salvation effectual, not sacramental mechanics.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you functionally trust your works for salvation, or do you rest entirely on God's mercy and the Spirit's work?
- How does regeneration (being made new by the Spirit) versus mere moral reformation describe your conversion experience?
- In what ways do you still try to add your works to Christ's finished work as co-basis of justification?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Not by works of righteousness which we have done—οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων τῶν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ ἃ ἐποιήσαμεν ἡμεῖς (ouk ex ergōn tōn en dikaiosynē ha epoiēsamen hēmeis)—emphatic negation of works-based salvation. ἔργα (erga, works) ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ (en dikaiosynē, in righteousness) are our best moral efforts. Paul demolishes all merit theology: salvation isn't earned.
But according to his mercy he saved us (ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος ἔσωσεν ἡμᾶς, alla kata to autou eleos esōsen hēmas)—κατὰ τὸ ἔλεος (kata to eleos, according to mercy) defines salvation's basis. ἔσωσεν (esōsen, he saved)—aorist tense: accomplished fact. By the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (διὰ λουτροῦ παλιγγενεσίας καὶ ἀνακαινώσεως πνεύματος ἁγίου, dia loutrou palingenesias kai anakainōseōs pneumatos hagiou)—λουτρόν (loutron, washing/bath), παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia, rebirth/regeneration), ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis, renewal). Baptismal imagery depicts spiritual reality: cleansing, new birth, Spirit's work.