2:8a

wholesome speech: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wholesome means “healthy” or “correct.” It is related to the words in 2:1 and 2:2b that are translated “sound” by the Berean Standard Bible. Here it describes the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as speech, which means “word” or “message.”

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

sound words (Good News Bible)

or

a sound message (NET Bible)

that is above reproach: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as above reproach often describes someone who is accused of a crime but is innocent. Titus should speak what is true so that any criticism someone might make of his teaching will have no basis.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

that cannot be condemned (New International Version (2011 Revision))

or

that no one can criticize (Contemporary English Version)

2:8b

so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed: This is a purpose clause. It indicates Paul’s purpose in telling Titus to teach in a serious and sincere way.

anyone who opposes us: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as anyone who opposes us is more literally, “the opponent.” Paul probably did not have any one person in mind, but was referring in general to anyone who opposed Titus during his time of ministry on Crete. You may translate it using either a singular or plural form, whichever is most natural in your language. For example:

any opponent (New Revised Standard Version)

or

your enemies (Good News Bible)

us: This word is not in the Greek. Some versions add it or the word “you” in order to have an object for the verb “oppose.” If it is more natural in your language to say who “the opponent” is opposing, you may add either “us” to refer to Paul, Titus, and others who are working to promote the gospel message, or “you” or “your” to refer to Titus. For example:

those who oppose you (New International Version (2011 Revision))

or

your enemies (Good News Bible)

will be ashamed: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be ashamed is in the passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Using a passive verb. For example:

they may be put to shame (English Standard Version)

• Using an active verb. For example:

will feel shame

2:8c

having nothing bad to say about us: This clause probably indicates the reason why Titus’ opponents would be ashamed. They would not be able to think of any good reason to criticize Titus and his teaching. If Titus spoke truthfully and acted with integrity, his enemies would end up being ashamed and silent.

Here some other ways to translate this clause:

having nothing evil to say of us (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
because there is nothing bad to say about us (New Century Version)

General Comment on 2:7c-8c

The Berean Standard Bible has translated these verse parts as one long sentence. In some languages it may be more natural to translate them as two or more shorter sentences. For example:

^7cWhen you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness. ^8aSpeak the truth so that you cannot be criticized. ^8bThen those who are against you will be ashamed ^8cbecause there is nothing bad to say about us. (New Century Version)

Section 3:1–11
Christians should live good lives among unbelievers

This section contains the last major theme in this letter. In 2:1–14, Paul had discussed relationships between Christians. Now in 3:1–11, he wrote about relationships that Christians have with non-Christians. He once more gave Titus instructions to pass on to the believers: they must submit to government authorities, be kind to other people, and not participate in useless arguments. God has given them new life because of what Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have done, and they should live in peace and be generous to others.

Paragraph 3:1–2

In this paragraph, Paul told the believers to obey the laws of the government officers. He also gave general instructions about living peacefully and in a humble and kind way with other people.

These two verses form one long sentence in Greek and contain seven instructions for Titus to pass on to the believers on Crete. In some languages it may be natural to divide these verses into several shorter sentences. For example:

¹Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. ²Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. (Good News Bible)
-or-

^1aRemind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. ^2aThey must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

3:1a

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Remind here indicates that Paul wanted Titus to tell the people to remember something that they already knew.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities (Good News Bible)
-or-
Remind believers to willingly place themselves under the authority of government officials. (God’s Word)
-or-
You(sing) should tell the people there to remember to respect the authority of the various government officials and leaders.

to submit to: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as submit to means “to be subject to, respect the authority of.” Paul told Titus that Christians must respect the authority of the local (secular) leaders.

rulers and authorities: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rulers and authorities is more literally “rulers, authorities.” The two nouns basically mean the same thing. They refer to government rulers, not church leaders. They include people like the king or president, district officials, village chiefs—anyone who has been appointed or elected as a leader of the community. In some languages it may be natural to translate the two terms rulers and authorities using just one term. For example:

all those who rule
-or-
the various government leaders
-or-
the authority of government officials (God’s Word)

to be obedient: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to be obedient here indicates that Paul wanted Titus to tell the people to obey their secular rulers. They should do as they were instructed. This word is very similar in meaning to the Greek word translated as “to submit to” in the previous clause.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

to obey them (God’s Word)
-or-
Believers should obey them. (God’s Word)

General Comment on 3:1a

In some languages it may be natural to combine the commands “submit” and “be obedient.” For example:

^1aDiligently obey the commands of those who have authority over you.

3:1b

ready for every good work: Paul told Titus to tell the Christians that they must be willing or prepared to do anything that was good and helpful.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

and to be ready to do good in every way (Good News Bible)
-or-
always ready to what is good (New Living Translation (2004 R

Do your best: This translates the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “make every effort” in 3:12b. Paul wanted Titus to try hard to help these two men.

to equip: This phrase refers to helping travelers as they set out on a journey. See Acts 15:3; and 1 Corinthians 16:6.

Zenas the lawyer: Zenas is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. If you do not have a word for lawyer in your language, you could say “law expert,” or “person who is an expert in the civil law.” This was his profession. Zenas was probably working in the field of Roman civil law, not the Jewish religious law, the law of Moses.

Apollos: Most scholars think that this is the Apollos mentioned in Acts 18:24 and in 1 Corinthians 3:4–22. Spell his name the same way in each of these places.

3:13b

so that they will have everything they need: The Greek phrase is more literally “so that nothing to them is lacking.” Paul asked Titus to give Zenas and Apollos everything they needed for their journey. This might include money, food, and clothing.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

see that they lack nothing (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
make sure that they have everything that they need for their journey (Easy English Bible)

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:14a

and will pay no attention to Jewish myths: This is the second purpose for rebuking the rebellious Cretan people. Paul wanted Titus to rebuke the rebellious believers so that they would stop paying attention to Jewish myths.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

they will stop thinking about Jewish myths
-or-
They shouldn’t pay attention to Jewish myths (God’s Word)

The word “they” is implied from 1:13c.

Jewish myths: A “myth” is a fictional story that people pass down from one generation to another. Often in these stories people do things that normal people cannot do. These myths were Jewish probably because Jews wrote them about Jews.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

fantasy/imaginary stories that the Jews wrote
-or-
Jewish stories that did not really happen

1:14b

or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the commands of men is literally “the human commands.” Paul was saying that ordinary people spoke or wrote these commands. They did not come from God. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

or to commands that people wrote/invented themselves
-or-
or to human rules
-or-
or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth (God’s Word)

who have rejected the truth: Here the word truth refers to God’s truth, God’s true message. In some languages it may be natural to translate these words as a separate sentence. For example:

Those things are the ideas of people who refuse to obey God’s true message. (Easy English Bible)
-or-

Those commands/rules are made up by people who reject the true word/message from God.

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

3:2a

to malign no one: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as malign means “blaspheme/defame/revile.” Titus was to teach that Christians should not speak evil of anyone falsely. See 2:5d and 2:3b.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

to speak no evil about anyone (New Century Version)
-or-
They must not slander anyone (NET Bible)

3:2b

and to be peaceable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as peaceable describes someone who does not quickly or often fight with others. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

to live in peace (New Century Version)
-or-
not…argue (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
to avoid quarrels (Revised English Bible)

and gentle: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gentle means “considerate, forbearing, yielding.” It is the opposite of being aggressive. It describes people who are gracious and patient in their behavior toward others and do not demand their own way and their own rights. A modern English term for such people is “mellow.” Here are some other ways to translate this:

kind (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
not demanding their own way
-or-
respectful/thoughtful of others

3:2c

showing full consideration to everyone: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as full can be interpreted in two ways:

(1) It means that consideration should be complete and shown in all kinds of different ways. For example:

to show perfect courtesy to all people (English Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New American Standard Bible, King James Version, NET Bible, English Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(2) It means consideration should be shown at all times. Believers should always show consideration to others. For example:

and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone (Good News Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, Good News Bible, Revised English Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision))

It is recommended that you follow the first option (1). Most scholars understand the word this way. In some languages it may be possible to combine the ideas by using a word meaning “consistent”:

show consistent courtesy/gentleness to all
-or-
have a consistently courteous/gentle attitude toward everyone

showing full consideration: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as showing…consideration is literally “showing gentleness.” In some languages it may be more natural to say:

act with gentleness

to everyone: This last phrase to everyone means “in your dealings with everyone.” The idea here is that the believers were to show gentleness and courtesy to their unbelieving pagan neighbors and not just to other Christians.

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:2a

in the hope of eternal life: There are several ways to interpret how this phrase is connected to 1:1. The two main interpretations are:

(1) The hope of eternal life is the purpose or result of the faith and knowledge mentioned in 1:1c-d. For example:

Then they will have the hope of eternal life. (Contemporary English Version)

(New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(2) The hope of eternal life is the basis or grounds of this faith and knowledge. For example:

which is based on the hope for eternal life (Good News Bible)

(New International Version (1984 Revision), Good News Bible, New Century Version, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Although interpretation (2) is possible from the Greek, normally in the NT eternal life is the result of faith. It is the ultimate goal of believing in Jesus and knowing his truth.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Because of their faith and knowledge, they hope to live forever.
-or-
This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

the hope: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hope means “confident hope” or “waiting for and expecting something to happen.” Christians can know for certain that God will do what he has promised. They can believe what he has said without any doubt. In English the word hope often indicates that we are not sure that something will happen. For instance, when we say “I hope that it rains,” it means that we want it to rain but we do not know if it will. This is not the Greek meaning of the word.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

the expectation
-or-
they are certain/sure

eternal life: The word eternal refers to something that does not end. The phrase eternal life refers to life in God’s kingdom. This life continues forever.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

life forever
-or-
life that does not end

In some languages it may be best to translate life as a verb. For example:

they will live eternally
-or-
they will live with God forever

1:2b

which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God, who cannot lie is more literally “the non-lying God.” The adjective “non-lying” describes God as one who does not say anything that is false. He only speaks the truth.

Here are some ways to translate this verse part:

which God, the one who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time
-or-
which God promised before the beginning of time. And he does not lie.
-or-
God does not lie. He promised this eternal life before the beginning of the world.

before time began: This phrase refers to the time before God made the world.

Here are some ways to translate this phrase:

before the world began (God’s Word)
-or-
before the word was/existed
-or-
before he created the world (T4T)

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

3:14a

And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works: The Greek text connects verse 14 to verse 13 with a conjunction that means “moreover also.” Paul told Titus that not only was he to help Zenas and Apollos, but the other believers on Crete were to help people also. You should connect these verses in a way that is natural in your language. For example:

Our people should also learn how to set an example by doing good things (God’s Word)
-or-

And our own people must be taught to devote themselves to good works (Revised English Bible)

And our people must also learn: Paul implied that someone must teach the believers. However, he did not say who was to teach them. In some languages it may be natural to translate this using a passive verb. For example:

Our people must be taught

And our people: This phrase refers to the Christian believers on Crete. The pronoun our is inclusive of Paul and Titus. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

our fellow believers
-or-
our brothers and sisters in Christ

to devote themselves to good works: This is the same phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translated as “to devote themselves to good deeds” in 3:8c. Paul said that the Christians must learn to give their full attention to doing good works.

to good works: The Greek phrase is literally “to engage in good works” (see the notes on 2:7a). Doing good works is one of the main themes of this letter. Paul discussed it in 1.16, 2.7, 2.14, 3.1, and 3.8.

3:14b

in order to meet the pressing needs of others: The Greek phrase is more literally “for the necessary needs.” This shows the kind of “good works” that Paul wanted the Cretan Christians to do. They should give help to people who lacked basic necessities such as food, clothes, or housing.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

when urgent needs arise (God’s Word)
-or-
in order to provide for urgent needs (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
in order to provide for real needs (Good News Bible)

3:14c

so that they will not be unfruitful: This clause gives Paul’s purpose in giving these directions to Titus. He did not want the believers to live unfruitful, that is, unproductive, lives. If the believers helped others, they would not be unfruitful, that is, their lives would be useful and have a purpose.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

so that they may not be unproductive (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
they should not live useless lives (Good News Bible)

In some languages it may be more natural to translate this as a positive purpose. For example:

so that their lives would be fruitful
-or-
so that they can live productive lives (God’s Word)

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

1:15a

To the pure, all things are pure: In this verse part Paul used the word pure in two ways. First it refers to people who are morally and spiritually pure. Then in the second occurrence it refers to objects that are ritually pure and acceptable for use by God’s people.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

If someone is clean and good inside, everything is clean and good for them to enjoy. (Easy English Bible)
-or-
Everything is pure for someone whose heart is pure. (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
All things are ritually clean to those who are clean/pure in heart.

To the pure: The phrase the pure refers to people who are spiritually and morally clean because they have been cleansed by God through their faith in Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

To people who are pure (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
To those who are pure/clean in their heart/spirit

all things are pure: This clause indicates that all things that God has made are good and there is nothing inherently wrong in them. Paul was probably thinking of Jesus’ teaching that his disciples need not obey the Jewish food laws about clean and unclean foods. See Romans 14:20b. See also 1 Timothy 4:3-4. Paul was not saying that all actions are pure and right. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

all created things/objects are clean
-or-
all food items are ritually pure

1:15b

but to the defiled and unbelieving: The phrase the defiled refers to people who are not pure, people who have bad morals. It is the same group of people as those who are unbelieving. Here are some other ways to translate these words:

but to those who are corrupt and unbelieving (NET Bible)
-or-
to corrupt unbelievers (God’s Word)
-or-
but…to those who are defiled and unbelieving (Good News Bible)

and unbelieving: This implies that these are people who do not believe in Jesus and the gospel.

nothing is pure: This is the opposite of “all things are pure” in 1:15a. Paul was probably implying that these people defiled everything they touched. Because they were not pure in heart, they could offer nothing that was acceptable to God.

1:15c

Indeed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Indeed here introduces a stronger additional statement. Here are some other ways to translate this:

In fact
-or-
Truly

both their minds and their consciences are defiled: This clause explains “the defiled” in 1:15b. The meaning of these people being defiled is emphasized because it is repeated here.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

their minds and their sense of what is right and wrong are twisted (New International Reader’s Version)
-or-
Both their minds and their consciences have been ruined. (New Century Version)

their minds: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as minds refers to a person’s thinking, intellect, or understanding.

consciences: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as consciences refers to the aspect of a person’s thinking that causes him to feel ashamed or guilty when he does something wrong. It refers to how a person judges or evaluates his own deeds and behavior, approving or disapproving what he has done.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

their assessment/evaluation of their deeds
-or-
their sense of what is right and wrong (New International Reader’s Version)

© 2000 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.