Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Original Language Analysis
μωρὰς
foolish
G3474
μωρὰς
foolish
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
1 of 16
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
ζητήσεις
questions
G2214
ζητήσεις
questions
Strong's:
G2214
Word #:
3 of 16
a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νομικὰς
the law
G3544
νομικὰς
the law
Strong's:
G3544
Word #:
10 of 16
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
περιΐστασο·
avoid
G4026
περιΐστασο·
avoid
Strong's:
G4026
Word #:
11 of 16
to stand all around, i.e., (near) to be a bystander, or (aloof) to keep away from
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.2 Timothy 2:23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.1 Timothy 4:7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.Titus 1:14Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.2 Timothy 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.Job 15:3Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism's elaborate oral tradition generated endless debates: clean/unclean minutiae, Sabbath regulations, genealogical purity, legal loopholes. Rabbinic academies (Hillel, Shammai) argued these questions endlessly. Paul dismisses them as distractions from gospel essentials. Christianity simplified: faith in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, for God's glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What "foolish questions" and "strivings" occupy your theological energy instead of gospel essentials?
- Do you engage in unprofitable controversies that generate heat without light, pride without transformation?
- How do you discern between important doctrinal precision and empty speculation that doesn't promote godliness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law—μωρὰς δὲ ζητήσεις (mōras de zētēseis, foolish speculations) καὶ γενεαλογίας (kai genealogias, and genealogies) καὶ ἔρεις (kai ereis, and quarrels) καὶ μάχας νομικάς (kai machas nomikas, and disputes about the law). These describe the Judaizers' obsessions: speculative midrash, rabbinic genealogical debates, legal hairsplitting.
For they are unprofitable and vain (εἰσὶν γὰρ ἀνωφελεῖς καὶ μάταιοι, eisin gar anōpheleis kai mataioi)—ἀνωφελής (anōphelēs, useless/unprofitable) and μάταιος (mataios, empty/futile). Compare verse 8: sound doctrine is "profitable" (ὠφέλιμα, ōphelima); false teaching is "unprofitable" (ἀνωφελεῖς). The test: does teaching produce godliness (v. 8) or empty controversy?