Titus 3:8
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.
Original Language Analysis
Πιστὸς
This is a faithful
G4103
Πιστὸς
This is a faithful
Strong's:
G4103
Word #:
1 of 26
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος·
saying
G3056
λόγος·
saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 26
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
these things
G4012
περὶ
these things
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
5 of 26
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
διαβεβαιοῦσθαι
affirm constantly
G1226
διαβεβαιοῦσθαι
affirm constantly
Strong's:
G1226
Word #:
9 of 26
to confirm thoroughly (by words), i.e., asseverate
καλὰ
good
G2570
καλὰ
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
12 of 26
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 #:
13 of 26
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
προΐστασθαι
to maintain
G4291
προΐστασθαι
to maintain
Strong's:
G4291
Word #:
14 of 26
to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεπιστευκότες
they which have believed
G4100
πεπιστευκότες
they which have believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
16 of 26
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ·
in God
G2316
θεῷ·
in God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καλὰ
good
G2570
καλὰ
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
22 of 26
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Titus 3:14And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Job 22:2Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.John 12:44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.1 Timothy 1:15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Historical Context
Paul constantly battles two errors: legalism (works for justification) and antinomianism (faith without works). He insists on the Reformation principle: justification by faith alone, but faith is never alone—it always produces works. Good works are the fruit, not root, of salvation; evidence, not basis.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you confidently affirm salvation by grace alone while insisting believers must be zealous for good works?
- How do you avoid both legalism (works for acceptance) and antinomianism (faith without obedience)?
- What good works is God calling you to "maintain"—not for salvation but as evidence of genuine faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This is a faithful saying—πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (pistos ho logos, faithful/trustworthy the word)—formula appearing five times in Pastorals (1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), likely marking early Christian creedal summaries or hymns. Verses 4-7 constitute trustworthy doctrine demanding full confidence.
And these things I will that thou affirm constantly (καὶ περὶ τούτων βούλομαί σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, kai peri toutōn boulomai se diabebaiousthai)—βούλομαι (boulomai, I desire/will) σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι (se diabebaiousthai, you to insist/affirm confidently). That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works (ἵνα φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι οἱ πεπιστευκότες θεῷ, hina phrontizōsin kalōn ergōn proistasthai hoi pepisteurkotes theō)—φροντίζω (phrontizō, be thoughtful/give attention to) good works. Faith necessarily produces works (James 2:14-26). These things are good and profitable unto men—καλὰ καὶ ὠφέλιμα (kala kai ōphelima, beautiful and beneficial).