Titus 3:8

Authorized King James Version

This 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Πιστὸς

G4103

This is a faithful

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος·

G3056

saying

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περὶ

G4012

these things

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτων

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

βούλομαί

G1014

I will

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

σε

G4571

that thou

thee

διαβεβαιοῦσθαι

G1226

affirm constantly

to confirm thoroughly (by words), i.e., asseverate

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

φροντίζωσιν

G5431

might be careful

to exercise thought, i.e., be anxious

#12

καλὰ

G2570

good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#13

ἔργων

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#14

προΐστασθαι

G4291

to maintain

to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise

#15

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

πεπιστευκότες

G4100

they which have believed

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

#17

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

θεῷ·

G2316

in God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#19

ταῦτά

G5023

These things

these things

#20

ἐστιν

G2076

are

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#21

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

καλὰ

G2570

good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#23

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

ὠφέλιμα

G5624

profitable

helpful or serviceable, i.e., advantageous

#25

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

ἀνθρώποις

G444

unto men

man-faced, i.e., a human being

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Titus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Titus chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?

Related Resources

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Topics

Salvation