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 1 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 1 1 fyf8 τῆς κατ’ εὐσέβειαν 1 that agrees with godliness “that is suitable for honoring God”
TIT 1 2 r2gj πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων 1 before all the ages of time “before time began”
TIT 1 3 b22h καιροῖς ἰδίοις 1 At the right time “At the proper time”
TIT 1 3 swi9 figs-metaphor ἐφανέρωσεν ... τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ 1 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 1 3 m41u ὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγὼ 1 he trusted me to deliver “he trusted me to bring” or “he gave me the responsibility to preach”
TIT 1 4 gu55 figs-metaphor γνησίῳ τέκνῳ 1 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 1 4 wx6c κοινὴν πίστιν 1 our common faith Paul expresses the same faith in Christ that they both share. Alternate translation: “the teachings that we both believe”
TIT 1 4 h93t figs-ellipsis χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη 1 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 1 4 s3yr Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν 1 Christ Jesus our Savior “Christ Jesus who is our Savior”
TIT 1 5 ew8h τούτου χάριν 1 For this purpose “This is the reason”
TIT 1 5 lh9b ἀπέλιπόν σε ἐν Κρήτῃ 1 I left you in Crete “I told you to stay in Crete”
TIT 1 5 ga62 ἵνα τὰ λείποντα ἐπιδιορθώσῃ 1 that you might set in order things not yet complete “so that you would finish arranging things that needed to be done”
TIT 1 6 jen8 εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἀνέγκλητος ... ἀνήρ 1 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 1 6 q6uy figs-explicit μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἀνήρ 1 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 1 7 lz7x τὸν ἐπίσκοπον 1 overseer This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as “elder” in 1:6.
TIT 1 7 g2zf figs-metaphor Θεοῦ οἰκονόμον 1 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 1 7 d6l1 μὴ πάροινον 1 not addicted to wine “not an alcoholic” or “not one who drinks much wine”
TIT 1 7 j1qq μὴ πλήκτην 1 not a brawler “not one who is violent” or “not one who likes to fight”
TIT 1 8 vkq1 φιλάγαθον 1 a friend of what is good “a person who loves what is good”
TIT 1 9 xwy6 figs-metaphor ἀντεχόμενον 1 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 1 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 1 10 w9kk ἀνυπότακτοι 1 rebellious people These are rebellious people who oppose Paul’s gospel message.
TIT 1 10 ga6n figs-metaphor ματαιολόγοι, καὶ φρεναπάται 1 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 1 10 pu74 figs-metonymy οἱ ἐκ τῆς περιτομῆς 1 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 1 11 f4iy οὓς δεῖ ἐπιστομίζειν 1 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 1 11 tw4e ἃ μὴ δεῖ 1 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 1 11 at7c αἰσχροῦ κέρδους χάριν 1 for shameful profit This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.
TIT 1 11 aqi5 ὅλους οἴκους ἀνατρέπουσιν 1 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 1 12 tr1j τις ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἴδιος αὐτῶν προφήτης 1 One of their own prophets “A prophet from Crete itself” or “A Cretan that they themselves consider to be a prophet”
TIT 1 12 y3zb figs-hyperbole Κρῆτες ἀεὶ ψεῦσται 1 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 1 13 fif8 δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως 1 Therefore, correct them severely “You must use strong language that the Cretans will understand when you correct them”
TIT 1 13 je3r ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν ἐν τῇ πίστει 1 so that they may be sound in the faith “so they will have a healthy faith” or “so their faith may be true”
TIT 1 14 m4a5 figs-metaphor ἀποστρεφομένων τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 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 1 15 qtb9 πάντα καθαρὰ τοῖς καθαροῖς 1 To those who are pure, all things are pure “If people are pure on the inside, everything they do will be pure”
TIT 1 15 nx42 τοῖς καθαροῖς 1 To those who are pure “To those who are acceptable to God”
TIT 1 15 n3wk figs-metaphor τοῖς ... μεμιαμμένοις καὶ ἀπίστοις, οὐδὲν καθαρόν 1 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 1 16 i3l2 τοῖς ... ἔργοις ἀρνοῦνται 1 they deny him by their actions “how they live proves that they do not know him”
TIT 1 16 ja47 βδελυκτοὶ ὄντες 1 They are detestable “They are disgusting”
TIT 2 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 2 1 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 2 1 tpi2 figs-explicit σὺ δὲ λάλει ἃ πρέπει 1 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 2 1 ph2j τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 with faithful instruction “with sound doctrine” or “with correct teachings”
TIT 2 2 xc6t νηφαλίους εἶναι 1 to be temperate “to be sober-minded” or “to be self-controlled”
TIT 2 2 y3j2 εἶναι ... σώφρονας 1 to be ... sensible “to ... control their desires”
TIT 2 2 m14y figs-abstractnouns ὑγιαίνοντας τῇ πίστει, τῇ ἀγάπῃ, τῇ ὑπομονῇ 1 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 2 3 gl8e πρεσβύτιδας ὡσαύτως ἐν καταστήματι 1 Teach older women likewise “In the same way, teach older women” or “Also teach older women”
TIT 2 3 g9re figs-metaphor οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας 1 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 2 5 t5v6 figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ βλασφημῆται 1 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 2 7 x73u σεαυτὸν παρεχόμενος 1 present yourself as “show yourself to be”
TIT 2 7 ym6x τύπον καλῶν ἔργων 1 an example of good works “an example of one who does right and proper things”
TIT 2 8 xt6v figs-hypo ἵνα ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας ἐντραπῇ 1 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 2 9 ntp7 ἰδίοις δεσπόταις 1 their masters “their own masters”
TIT 2 9 if6v ἐν πᾶσιν 1 in everything “in every situation” or “always”
TIT 2 9 id15 εὐαρέστους εἶναι 1 please them “make their masters happy” or “satisfy their masters”
TIT 2 10 t87j πᾶσαν πίστιν ἐνδεικνυμένους ἀγαθήν 1 demonstrate all good faith “show that they are worthy of their masters’ trust”
TIT 2 10 h2n6 ἐν πᾶσιν 1 in every way “in everything they do”
TIT 2 10 f8jy τὴν διδασκαλίαν τὴν τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ, κοσμῶσιν 1 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 2 10 pn93 τὴν τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ 1 God our Savior “our God who saves us”
TIT 2 11 gp2z figs-personification ἐπεφάνη ... ἡ χάρις τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 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 2 12 qy8k figs-personification παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς 1 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 2 12 lxb3 παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς, ἵνα ἀρνησάμενοι τὴν ἀσέβειαν 1 trains us to reject godlessness “teaches us not to dishonor God”
TIT 2 12 n3k5 τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας 1 worldly passions “strong desires for the things of this world” or “strong desires for sinful pleasures”
TIT 2 12 fk8j ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι 1 in this age “while we live in this world” or “during this time”
TIT 2 13 rz93 προσδεχόμενοι 1 we look forward to receiving “we wait to welcome”
TIT 2 13 pss7 figs-metonymy τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα, καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 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 2 14 niu4 figs-explicit ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν 1 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 2 14 gxe7 figs-metaphor λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας 1 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 2 14 ii18 ζηλωτὴν 1 are eager “have a strong desire”
TIT 2 15 b94z figs-explicit ἔλεγχε, μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς 1 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 2 15 h15y μηδείς ... περιφρονείτω 1 Let no one “Do not allow anyone to”
TIT 2 15 jbu1 figs-explicit σου περιφρονείτω 1 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 3 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 3 1 j2sa ὑπομίμνῃσκε αὐτοὺς ... ὑποτάσσεσθαι 1 Remind them to submit “Tell our people again what they already know, to submit” or “Keep reminding them to submit”
TIT 3 1 w3fy ἀρχαῖς, ἐξουσίαις, ὑποτάσσεσθαι, πειθαρχεῖν 1 submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them “do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them”
TIT 3 1 wa9x ἀρχαῖς, ἐξουσίαις 1 rulers and authorities These words have similar meanings and are used together to include everyone who holds authority in the government.
TIT 3 3 m9zd γάρ ποτε καὶ ἡμεῖς 1 For once we ourselves “This is because we ourselves were once”
TIT 3 3 me7b ποτε 1 once “formerly” or “at some time” or “previously”
TIT 3 3 bl8e ἡμεῖς 1 we ourselves “even we” or “we also”
TIT 3 3 rrx9 ἦμεν ... ἀνόητοι 1 were thoughtless “were foolish” or “were unwise”
TIT 3 3 qt8f figs-personification πλανώμενοι, δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις 1 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 3 3 tl5n ἐπιθυμίαις 1 passions “lusts” or “desires”
TIT 3 3 dec4 figs-hendiadys ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες 1 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 3 3 y5lp στυγητοί 1 We were detestable “We caused others to hate us”
TIT 3 4 ba5a figs-personification ὅτε ... ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ φιλανθρωπία ἐπεφάνη τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ 1 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 3 5 n4ug κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος 1 by his mercy “because he had mercy on us”
TIT 3 5 k1a6 figs-metaphor λουτροῦ παλινγενεσίας 1 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 3 6 fby9 figs-metaphor οὗ ἐξέχεεν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς πλουσίως 1 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 3 7 di3g figs-activepassive δικαιωθέντες 1 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 3 7 q1cm figs-metaphor κληρονόμοι γενηθῶμεν, κατ’ ἐλπίδα ζωῆς αἰωνίου 1 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 3 11 inh5 figs-metaphor ἐξέστραπται 1 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 3 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 3 14 tn24 εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας 1 that provide for urgent needs “that enable them to help people who need important things immediately”
TIT 3 14 mji4 figs-doublenegatives εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας, ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι 1 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 3 15 f4vc τοὺς φιλοῦντας ἡμᾶς ἐν πίστει 1 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 3 15 kx83 ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν 1 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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