TIT front intro m2jl 0 # Introduction to Titus<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>#### Outline of the Book of Titus<br><br>1. Paul instructs Titus to appoint godly leaders (1:1-16)<br>1. Paul instructs Titus to train people to live godly lives (2:1-3:11)<br>1. Paul ends by sharing some of his plans and sending greetings to various believers (3:12-15)<br><br>#### Who wrote the Book of Titus?<br><br>Paul wrote the Book of Titus. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>#### What is the Book of Titus about?<br><br>Paul wrote this letter to Titus, his fellow worker, who was leading the churches on the island of Crete. Paul instructed him about selecting church leaders. Paul also described how the believers should behave towards each other. And he encouraged them all to live in a way that pleases God.<br><br>#### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "Titus." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "Paul's Letter to Titus" or "A Letter to Titus." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>#### In what roles can people serve within the church?<br><br>There are some teachings in the Book of Titus about whether a woman or divorced man can serve in positions of leadership within the church. Scholars disagree about the meaning of these teachings. Further study on these issues may be necessary before translating this book.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>##### Singular and plural "you"<br>In this book, the word "I" refers to Paul. Also, the word "you" is almost always singular and refers to Titus. The exception to this is 3:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])<br><br>#### What is the meaning of "God our Savior?"<br><br>This is a common phrase in this letter. Paul meant to make the readers think about how God forgave them in Christ for sinning against him. And by forgiving them he saved them from being punished when he judges all people. A similar phrase in this letter is "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."<br>
TIT 01 intro c7me 0 # Titus 01 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-4. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.<br><br>In verses 6-9, Paul lists several qualities that a man must have if he is to be an elder in the church. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns) Paul gives a similar list in 1 Timothy 3.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Elders<br><br>The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include overseer, elder, pastor, and bishop.<br><br>#### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>##### Should, may, must<br>The ULT uses different words that indicate requirements or obligations. These verbs have different levels of force associated with them. The subtle differences may be difficult to translate. The UST translates these verbs in a more general way.<br>
TIT 01 01 rtc9 0 for the faith of to strengthen the faith of
TIT 01 01 fyf8 0 that agrees with godliness "that is suitable for honoring God"
TIT 01 02 r2gj 0 before all the ages of time "before time began"
TIT 01 03 b22h 0 At the right time "At the proper time"
TIT 01 03 swi9 figs-metaphor 0 he revealed his word Paul speaks of God's message as if it were an object that could be visibly shown to people. Alternate translation: "He caused me to understand his message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 03 m41u 0 he trusted me to deliver "he trusted me to bring" or "he gave me the responsibility to preach"
TIT 01 03 dpn4 0 God our Savior "God, who saves us"
TIT 01 04 gu55 figs-metaphor 0 a true son Though Titus was not Paul's biological son, they share a common faith in Christ. Thus, in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. Alternate translation: "you are like a son to me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 04 wx6c 0 our common faith Paul expresses the same faith in Christ that they both share. Alternate translation: "the teachings that we both believe"
TIT 01 04 h93t figs-ellipsis 0 Grace and peace This was a common greeting Paul used. You can state clearly the understood information. Alternate translation: "May you experience kindness and peace within" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
TIT 01 04 s3yr 0 Christ Jesus our Savior "Christ Jesus who is our Savior"
TIT 01 05 ew8h 0 For this purpose "This is the reason"
TIT 01 05 lh9b 0 I left you in Crete "I told you to stay in Crete"
TIT 01 05 ga62 0 that you might set in order things not yet complete "so that you would finish arranging things that needed to be done"
TIT 01 06 wja4 0 Connecting Statement: Having told Titus to ordain elders in every city on the island of Crete, Paul gives the requirements for elders.
TIT 01 06 jen8 0 An elder must be without blame, the husband To be "without blame" is to be known as a person who does not do bad things. Alternate translation: "An elder must not have a bad reputation and must be the husband"
TIT 01 06 q6uy figs-explicit 0 the husband of one wife This means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. It may also imply that he does not commit adultery and that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translation: "a man who has only one woman" or "a man who is faithful to his wife" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
TIT 01 06 wd6q 0 faithful children Possible meanings are 1) children who believe in Jesus or 2) children who are trustworthy.
TIT 01 07 lz7x 0 overseer This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as "elder" in 1:6.
TIT 01 07 g2zf figs-metaphor 0 God's household manager Paul speaks of the church as if it were God's household and the overseer as if he were a servant in charge of managing the household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 07 d6l1 0 not addicted to wine "not an alcoholic" or "not one who drinks much wine"
TIT 01 07 j1qq 0 not a brawler "not one who is violent" or "not one who likes to fight"
TIT 01 08 i549 0 Instead Paul is changing his argument from what an elder is not to be to what an elder is to be.
TIT 01 08 vkq1 0 a friend of what is good "a person who loves what is good"
TIT 01 09 xwy6 figs-metaphor 0 hold tightly to Paul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one's hands. Alternate translation: "be devoted to" or "know well" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 09 pzi1 0 good teaching He must teach what is true about God and other spiritual matters.
TIT 01 10 xsq9 0 Connecting Statement: Because of those that would oppose God's word, Paul gives Titus reasons to preach God's word and warns him about false teachers.
TIT 01 10 w9kk 0 rebellious people These are rebellious people who oppose Paul's gospel message.
TIT 01 10 ga6n figs-metaphor 0 empty talkers and deceivers This phrase describes the rebellious people mentioned in the previous phrase. Here "empty" is a metaphor for useless, and "empty talkers" are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate translation: "people who say useless things and deceive others" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 10 pu74 figs-metonymy 0 those of the circumcision This refers to the Christian Jews who taught that men must be circumcised in order to follow Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 01 11 f4iy 0 It is necessary to stop them "They must be prevented from spreading their teachings" or "They must be stopped from influencing others by their words"
TIT 01 11 tw4e 0 what they should not teach These are things that are not proper to teach regarding Christ and the Law because they are not true.
TIT 01 11 at7c 0 for shameful profit This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.
TIT 01 11 aqi5 0 are upsetting whole families "are ruining whole families." The issue was that they were upsetting families by destroying their faith. This may have caused the members of the families to argue with one another.
TIT 01 12 tr1j 0 One of their own prophets "A prophet from Crete itself" or "A Cretan that they themselves consider to be a prophet"
TIT 01 12 y3zb figs-hyperbole 0 Cretans are always liars "Cretans lie all the time." This is an exaggeration that means many Cretans lie a lot. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
TIT 01 12 h3jb figs-metaphor 0 evil beasts This metaphor compares the Cretans to dangerous wild animals. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 13 fif8 0 Therefore, correct them severely "You must use strong language that the Cretans will understand when you correct them"
TIT 01 13 je3r 0 so that they may be sound in the faith "so they will have a healthy faith" or "so their faith may be true"
TIT 01 14 p28i 0 Jewish myths This refers to the false teaching of the Jews.
TIT 01 14 m4a5 figs-metaphor 0 turn away from the truth Paul speaks of the truth as if it were an object that one could turn away from or avoid. Alternate translation: "reject the truth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 15 qtb9 0 To those who are pure, all things are pure "If people are pure on the inside, everything they do will be pure"
TIT 01 15 nx42 0 To those who are pure "To those who are acceptable to God"
TIT 01 15 n3wk figs-metaphor 0 to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure Paul speaks of sinners as if they were physically dirty. Alternate translation: "if people are morally defiled and do not believe, they cannot do anything pure" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 01 16 i3l2 0 they deny him by their actions "how they live proves that they do not know him"
TIT 01 16 ja47 0 They are detestable "They are disgusting"
TIT 02 intro h3il 0 # Titus 02 General Notes<br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Gender roles<br><br>Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe men and women are perfectly equal in all things. Other scholars believe God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.<br><br>##### Slavery<br><br>Paul does not write in this chapter about whether slavery is good or bad. Paul teaches slaves to faithfully serve their masters. He teaches all believers to be godly and live rightly in every situation.<br>
TIT 02 01 lfu1 0 Connecting Statement: Paul continues giving Titus reasons to preach God's word, and explains how the older men, older women, young men, and slaves or servants should live as believers.
TIT 02 01 tpi2 figs-explicit 0 But you, speak what fits Paul implies what is in contrast. Alternate translation: "But you, Titus, in contrast with the false teachers, be sure to say those things that fit" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
TIT 02 01 ph2j 0 with faithful instruction "with sound doctrine" or "with correct teachings"
TIT 02 02 xc6t 0 to be temperate "to be sober-minded" or "to be self-controlled"
TIT 02 02 y3j2 0 to be ... sensible "to ... control their desires"
TIT 02 02 m14y figs-abstractnouns 0 sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance Here the word "sound" means to be firm and unwavering. The abstract nouns "faith," "love," and "perseverance" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "and they must firmly believe the true teachings about God, truly love others, and continually serve God even when things are difficult" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
TIT 02 03 gl8e 0 Teach older women likewise "In the same way, teach older women" or "Also teach older women"
TIT 02 03 v9cp 0 slanderers This word refers to people who say bad things about other people whether they are true or not.
TIT 02 03 g9re figs-metaphor 0 or being slaves to much wine A person who cannot control themselves and drinks too much wine is spoken of as if the person were a slave to the wine. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "and not drinking too much wine" or "and not addicted to wine" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
TIT 02 05 t5v6 figs-activepassive 0 so that God's word may not be insulted "Word" here is a metonym for "message," which in turn is a metonym for God himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "so that no one insults God's word" or "so that no one insults God by saying bad things about his message" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 02 06 i3hv 0 In the same way Titus was to train the younger men like he was to train the older people.
TIT 02 07 x73u 0 present yourself as "show yourself to be"
TIT 02 07 ym6x 0 an example of good works "an example of one who does right and proper things"
TIT 02 08 xt6v figs-hypo 0 so that anyone who opposes you may be ashamed This presents an imaginary situation where someone opposes Titus and then becomes ashamed for having done so. Alternate translation: "so that if anyone opposes you, he may be ashamed" or "so that if people oppose you, they may be ashamed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
TIT 02 09 ntp7 0 their masters "their own masters"
TIT 02 09 if6v 0 in everything "in every situation" or "always"
TIT 02 09 id15 0 please them "make their masters happy" or "satisfy their masters"
TIT 02 10 t87j 0 demonstrate all good faith "show that they are worthy of their masters' trust"
TIT 02 10 h2n6 0 in every way "in everything they do"
TIT 02 10 f8jy 0 they may bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior "they may make the teaching about God our Savior attractive" or "they may cause people to understand that the teaching about God our Savior is good"
TIT 02 10 pn93 0 God our Savior "our God who saves us"
TIT 02 11 gp2z figs-personification 0 the grace of God has appeared Paul speaks of the grace of God as if it were a person who goes to other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 02 12 qy8k figs-personification 0 trains us Paul speaks of the grace of God ([Titus 2:11] (./11.md)) as if it were a person who goes to other people and trains them to live holy lives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 02 12 lxb3 0 trains us to reject godlessness "teaches us not to dishonor God"
TIT 02 12 n3k5 0 worldly passions "strong desires for the things of this world" or "strong desires for sinful pleasures"
TIT 02 12 fk8j 0 in this age "while we live in this world" or "during this time"
TIT 02 13 rz93 0 we look forward to receiving "we wait to welcome"
TIT 02 13 pss7 figs-metonymy 0 our blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ Here "glory" represents Jesus himself who will appear gloriously. Alternate translation: "the good thing for which we hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 02 14 niu4 figs-explicit 0 gave himself for us This refers to Jesus dying willingly. Alternate translation: "gave himself to die for us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
TIT 02 14 gxe7 figs-metaphor 0 to redeem us from all lawlessness Paul speaks of Jesus as if he were setting slaves free from their evil master. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 02 14 fjy1 0 a special people A group of people that he treasures.
TIT 02 14 ii18 0 are eager "have a strong desire"
TIT 02 15 b94z figs-explicit 0 give correction with all authority This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "Correct with all authority those people who do not do these things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
TIT 02 15 h15y 0 Let no one "Do not allow anyone to"
TIT 02 15 jbu1 figs-explicit 0 disregard you This statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "refuse to listen to your words" or "refuse to respect you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
TIT 03 intro zh6x 0 # Titus 03 General Notes<br>#### Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul gives Titus personal instructions in this chapter.<br><br>Verse 15 formally concludes this letter. This is a common way of ending a letter in the ancient Near East.<br><br>#### Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>##### Genealogies<br><br>Genealogies are lists that record a person's ancestors or descendants. Jews used genealogies to choose the right man to become king. They did this because only a son of a king could normally become king. They also showed from what tribe and family they came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron.<br>
TIT 03 01 j2sa 0 Remind them to submit "Tell our people again what they already know, to submit" or "Keep reminding them to submit"
TIT 03 01 w3fy 0 submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them "do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them"
TIT 03 01 wa9x 0 rulers and authorities These words have similar meanings and are used together to include everyone who holds authority in the government.
TIT 03 01 in7u 0 be ready for every good work "be ready to do good whenever there is opportunity"
TIT 03 02 lug7 0 to revile "to speak evil of"
TIT 03 03 m9zd 0 For once we ourselves "This is because we ourselves were once"
TIT 03 03 me7b 0 once "formerly" or "at some time" or "previously"
TIT 03 03 bl8e 0 we ourselves "even we" or "we also"
TIT 03 03 rrx9 0 were thoughtless "were foolish" or "were unwise"
TIT 03 03 qt8f figs-personification 0 We were led astray and enslaved by various passions and pleasures Passion and pleasure are spoken of as if they were masters over people and had made those people into slaves by lying to them. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Various passions and pleasures had lied to us and so led us astray" or "We had allowed ourselves to believe the lie that various passions and pleasures could make us happy, and then we were unable to control our feelings or stop doing things we thought would give us pleasure" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
TIT 03 03 tl5n 0 passions "lusts" or "desires"
TIT 03 03 dec4 figs-hendiadys 0 We lived in evil and envy Here "evil" and "envy" are similar words for sin. Alternate translation: "We were always doing evil things and wanting what others have" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
TIT 03 03 y5lp 0 We were detestable "We caused others to hate us"
TIT 03 04 ba5a figs-personification 0 when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared Paul speaks of God's kindness and love as if they were people that came into our sight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 03 05 n4ug 0 by his mercy "because he had mercy on us"
TIT 03 05 k1a6 figs-metaphor 0 washing of new birth Paul is probably speaking of God's forgiveness for sinners as if he were physically washing them. He is also speaking of sinners who become responsive to God as if they had been born again. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 03 06 fby9 figs-metaphor 0 whom God richly poured on us It is common for New Testament writers to speak of the Holy Spirit as a liquid that God can pour out in large amounts. Alternate translation: "whom God gave to us generously" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 03 06 q9ze 0 through our Savior Jesus Christ "when Jesus saved us"
TIT 03 07 di3g figs-activepassive 0 having been justified This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "since God has declared us to be without sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
TIT 03 07 q1cm figs-metaphor 0 we might become heirs with the certain hope of eternal life The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 03 08 j8md 0 This message This refers to God giving the believers the Holy Spirit through Jesus in [Titus 3:7](../03/07.md).
TIT 03 08 kqm6 0 may be careful to engage themselves in good works "may seek to do good works"
TIT 03 10 xzx1 0 after one or two warnings "after you have warned that person once or twice"
TIT 03 11 r7pc 0 such a person "a person like that"
TIT 03 11 inh5 figs-metaphor 0 has turned from the right way Paul speaks of someone who makes errors as if he were leaving the path on which he had been walking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 03 11 p81k 0 condemns himself "brings judgment on himself"
TIT 03 12 z7i4 0 Connecting Statement: Paul closes the letter by telling Titus what to do after he appoints elders in Crete and by giving greetings from those with him.
TIT 03 14 fw98 0 Our people Paul is referring to the believers in Crete.
TIT 03 14 tn24 0 that provide for urgent needs "that enable them to help people who need important things immediately"
TIT 03 14 mji4 figs-doublenegatives 0 needs, and so not be unfruitful Paul speaks of people doing good work as if they were trees bearing good fruit. This double negative means they should be fruitful or productive. Alternate translation: "needs; in this way they will be fruitful" or "needs, and so they will do good works" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
TIT 03 15 j3y2 0 General Information: Paul ends his letter to Titus.
TIT 03 15 k1sa 0 All those "All the people"
TIT 03 15 f4vc 0 those who love us in faith Possible meanings are 1) "the believers who love us" or 2) "the believers who love us because we share the same belief."
TIT 03 15 kx83 0 Grace be with all of you This was a common Christian greeting. Alternate translation: "May God's grace be with you" or "I ask that God will be gracious to all of you"
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