TIT front intro m2jl 0 # Introduction to Titus<br><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. He also 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><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.**
TIT 1 intro c7me 0 # Titus 01 General Notes<br><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><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.
TIT 1 1 rtc9 κατὰ πίστιν 1 for the faith ***to strengthen the faith***
TIT 1 1 xyz8 figs-abstractnouns ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας 1 knowledge of the truth **knowledge** and **truth** are abstract nouns. See the UST for other ways to express these. Paul wants people to know the true message about God and Christ so that they can belong to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
TIT 1 2 xyz9 ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ζωῆς αἰωνίου 1 withthecertainhopeof everlastinglife ***that gives us the certain hope of everlasting life*** or ***based on our certain hope for everlasting life***
TIT 1 3 swi9 figs-metaphor ἐφανέρωσεν…τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ 1 he revealed his word Paul speaks of God’s word 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 figs-activepassive ὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγὼ 1 that I was entrusted with This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he entrusted to me” or “he gave me the responsibility to preach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
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. Paul considers relationship to Christ through faith to be more important than biological relationship. Thus, because of their relative ages and shared faith in Christ, Paul considers Titus as his own son. It may also be that Paul led Titus to faith in Christ, and so Titus is like a son in this spiritual sense. 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 and Titus both share the same faith in Christ. Alternate translation: “because we both believe in Christ”
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 inner peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
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 wja4 0 Connecting Statement: Having told Titus to ordain elders in every city on the island of Crete, Paul then gives the requirements for elders.
TIT 1 6 jen8 εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἀνέγκλητος…ἀνήρ 1 An elder must be blameless To be **blameless** is to be known as a person who does not do bad things. Alternate translation: “An elder must be without blame” or “An elder must not have a bad reputation”
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. This also means that he does not commit adultery and may also mean 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 the overseer This is another name for the same position of spiritual leadership that Paul referred to as **elder** in 1:6. This term focuses on the function of the elder: he oversees the activities and people of the church.
TIT 1 7 g2zf figs-metaphor Θεοῦ οἰκονόμον 1 The household manager of God 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 that household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 1 8 vkq1 φιλάγαθον 1 a friend of what is good ***a person who loves to do good***
TIT 1 8 xy11 figs-doublet Σώφρονα…ἐγκρατῆ 1 sensible…self-controlled These two terms are very similar in meaning and may be translated by one term if the target language does not have two similar terms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
TIT 1 8 xy12 figs-doublet δίκαιον, ὅσιον 1 righteous, holy These two terms are very similar in meaning and may be translated by one term if the target language does not have two similar terms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
TIT 1 9 xwy6 figs-metaphor ἀντεχόμενον 1 He should hold tightly to Paul speaks of devotion to the Christian faith as if it were grasping the faith with one’s hands. Alternate translation: “He should be devoted to” or “He should know well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 1 9 pzi1 τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ 1 sound teaching The Greek word rendered at **sound** normally refers to physical health. Paul speaks of this teaching as if it would cause those who believe it to be spiritually healthy, rather than spiritually sick.
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, ματαιολόγοι 1 rebellious, empty talkers These are rebellious people who do not obey the gospel message. Here **empty** is a metaphor for useless, and **empty talkers** are people who say useless or foolish things. Alternate translation: “people who refuse to obey and who say useless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 1 10 ga6n φρεναπάται 1 deceivers This phrase describes people who are actively trying to convince people to believe in something other than the true gospel that Paul preaches. Alternate translation: “people who persuade others to believe things that are not true”
TIT 1 10 abcd figs-hendiadys ματαιολόγοι, καὶ φρεναπάται 1 empty talkers and deceivers both **empty talkers** and **deceivers** refer to the same people. They taught false, worthless things and wanted people to believe them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
TIT 1 10 pu74 figs-metonymy οἱ ἐκ τῆς περιτομῆς 1 those of the circumcision This refers to the Jewish Christians who taught that men must be circumcised in order to follow Christ. This teaching is false. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 1 11 f4iy οὓς δεῖ ἐπιστομίζειν 1 It is necessary to stop them ***You must prevent them from spreading their teachings*** or ***Someone must stop them from influencing others by their words***
TIT 1 11 aqi5 ὅλους οἴκους ἀνατρέπουσιν 1 They are upsetting whole households **They are ruining entire families.** The issue was that they were leading families away from the truth and destroying their faith.
TIT 1 11 tw4e διδάσκοντες ἃ μὴ δεῖ 1 teaching what they should not 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 the sake of shameful profit This refers to profit that people make by doing things that are not honorable.
TIT 1 12 tr1j τις ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἴδιος αὐτῶν προφήτης 1 One of their own prophets ***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 that Cretans had a reputation to be liars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
TIT 1 12 xyz1 figs-synecdoche γαστέρες ἀργαί 1 lazy bellies The part of the body that stores food is used to represent the person who eats all the time. Alternate translation: “lazy gluttons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
TIT 1 13 fif8 δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως 1 Therefore, rebuke them severely ***For that reason, 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 See note on **sound** in [Titus 1:9](../01/09/pzi1). Alternate translation: “so they will have a healthy faith” or “so their faith may be true” or “so that they believe only what is true about God”
TIT 1 13 xyz2 figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ πίστει 1 in the faith Here the abstract noun **faith** represents the things that the people believe about God. Alternate translation: “in what they believe about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
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 that they do will be pure*** or ***When people have only good thoughts, nothing that they do will offend 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” or “when people are full of sin and unbelief, nothing that they do is acceptable to God” (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><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.
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 sound teaching See the note on [Titus 1:9](../01/09/pzi1). Alternate translation: “ sound doctrine” or “with correct teachings”
TIT 2 2 xyz3 figs-ellipsis Πρεσβύτας…εἶναι 1 Older men are to be The Greek does not have **are**, but only **older men to be**. We need to supply a verb here, drawing from the idea of **speak** in the previous verse, such as **teach** or exhort**. Alternate translation: “Teach older men to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
TIT 2 2 xy13 figs-doublet νηφαλίους…σεμνούς, σώφρονας 1 temperate, dignified, sensible These three words are very close in meaning and may be combined into one or two terms if the target language does not have three separate terms. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
TIT 2 2 xc6t νηφαλίους 1 temperate **sober-minded*** or ***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 2 abc1 figs-abstractnouns ὑγιαίνοντας τῇ πίστει 1 sound in faith See note about **sound in faith** on [Titus 1:13](../01/13/je3r).
TIT 2 2 abc2 ὑγιαίνοντας 1 sound See note about **sound** on [Titus 1:9](../01/09/pzi1).
TIT 2 3 gl8e figs-ellipsis πρεσβύτιδας ὡσαύτως 1 Older women likewise are to be The Greek does not have **are to be**, but only **older women likewise**. We need to continue the verbal idea from the previous two verses and apply that here, as well, such as **teach** or exhort**. Alternate translation: “In the same way, teach older women” or “Also teach older women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
TIT 2 3 g9re figs-metaphor οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας 1 or being slaves to much wine People who cannot control themselves and drink too much wine are spoken of as if they were a slave to the wine. Alternate translation: “and not controlled by their desire for wine” or “and not addicted to wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]
TIT 2 3 xyz4 figs-activepassive οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας 1 or being slaves to much 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-activepassive]])
TIT 2 3 abc4 καλοδιδασκάλους 1 but to be teachers of what is good The Greek word used here means ***a teacher of what is good***. The phrase **but to be** has been added in the English to contrast this good quality with the two preceding bad qualities. Consider if you need to use a similar word to make a contrast between the good and bad qualities.
TIT 2 4 abc5 φιλάνδρους 1 lovers of their husbands ***lovers of their own husbands***
TIT 2 4 abca φιλοτέκνους 1 and lovers of their children ***lovers of their own children***
TIT 2 5 t5v6 figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ βλασφημῆται 1 so that the word of God 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 the word of God” 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 8 xy14 figs-doublet ἀφθορίαν…ὑγιῆ 1 uncorrupted…sound These two words have the same basic meaning. The first (in 2:7) states the meaning negatively: **uncorrupted**, meaning, **without error**, and the second states the meaning positively: **sound, whole**, meaning **correct**. Both terms refer to Titus’s teaching. Use either positive or negative terms in the target language, or use one term with this meaning if it is difficult to use two terms (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]
TIT 2 8 xt6v figs-hypo ἵνα ὁ ἐξ ἐναντίας ἐντραπῇ 1 so that the opponent may be ashamed This presents a hypothetical situation in which 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 when people oppose you, they may be ashamed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])
TIT 2 9 xyz5 figs-ellipsis δούλους ἰδίοις δεσπόταις ὑποτάσσεσθαι 1 Slaves are to be subject to their masters The Greek does not have **are**, but only **slaves to be subject to their masters**. We need to apply the verbal idea from verse 6 to here, which is **urge** or **exhort**. Alternate translation: “Exhort slaves to be subject to their masters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
TIT 2 9 if6v ἐν πᾶσιν 1 in everything ***in every situation*** or ***always***
TIT 2 9 id15 εὐαρέστους εἶναι 1 to be pleasing ***to please their masters*** or ***to satisfy their masters***
TIT 2 10 abc6 μὴ νοσφιζομένους 1 not to steal ***not to steal from their masters***
TIT 2 10 t87j πᾶσαν πίστιν ἐνδεικνυμένους ἀγαθήν 1 to demonstrate all good faith ***to 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 10 xy16 figs-inclusive ἡμῶν 1 our ***our*** here is inclusive of Paul, Titus, and all Christians (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
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 has arrived. Alternate translation: “God is now offering his grace” (See: UST, [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 2 12 qy8k figs-personification παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς 1 training us Paul speaks of the grace of God (2:11) as if it were a person who trains other people how to live holy lives. Alternate translation: “by which God trains us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 2 12 xy19 ἀσέβειαν…εὐσεβῶς 1 godlessness…godly way These terms are direct opposites, meaning **God-dishonoring** and **God-honoring**, respectively.
TIT 2 13 xyz6 figs-metonymy τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα 1 the blessed hope Here, what is **blessed** is that for which we hope, which is the return of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the wonderful thing for which we hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 2 13 pss7 figs-metonymy καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ Here **glory** represents Jesus himself who will appear gloriously. Alternate translation: “that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
TIT 2 13 abcf figs-hendiadys τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης 1 the blessed hope and appearing of the glory Both **blessed hope** and **appearing of the glory** refer to the same event. This can be shown clearly. Alternate translation: “what we are longing for, the blessed and glorious appearing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
TIT 2 13 xyz7 figs-hendiadys τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 our great God and Savior Jesus Christ Both **our great God** and **Savior** refer to the one person, Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
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 15 b94z figs-explicit ἔλεγχε, μετὰ πάσης ἐπιταγῆς 1 rebuke 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 xy22 figs-doublenegatives μηδείς σου περιφρονείτω 1 Let no one disregard you This can be stated positively: “Make sure that everyone listens to you*** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
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><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 (verse 9) are lists that record a person’s ancestors or descendants, and show from what tribe and family a person came. For example, priests came from the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. Some of these lists included stories of ancestors and even of spiritual beings. These lists and stories were used to argue about where things came from and about how important various people were.
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 to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them ***do as the political rulers and government authorities say by obeying them***
TIT 3 1 wa9x figs-doublet ἀρχαῖς, ἐξουσίαις 1 rulers and authorities These words have similar meanings and both refer to anyone who holds authority in the government. If the target language has only one term for this, then just use that term (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
TIT 3 1 xy25 figs-doublet ὑποτάσσεσθαι, πειθαρχεῖν 1 to submit…to obey These words have similar meanings and both refer to doing what someone tells you to do. If the target language has only one term for this, then just use that term (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
TIT 3 2 abc8 figs-doublenegatives ἀμάχους εἶναι 1 to avoid quarreling This can be stated positively: “to be peaceful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
TIT 3 3 bl8e figs-inclusive ἡμεῖς 1 we ***even we*** or ***we ourselves*** This includes Paul, Titus, and all Christians, referring to the time before they trusted in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
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. Alternate translation: “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]]
TIT 3 3 xy27 figs-activepassive πλανώμενοι, δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις 1 We were led astray and enslaved by various passions and pleasures This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Various passions and pleasures had lied to us and so led us astray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
TIT 3 3 dec4 figs-hendiadys ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ διάγοντες 1 We lived in evil and envy Here **evil** and **envy** describe sin. **Evil** is general and **envy** is a specific kind of sin. Alternate translation: “We were always doing evil things and wanting what others have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
TIT 3 4 xy28 grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 But It is important to mark the contrast here between the evil way that people are (verses 1-3) and the goodness of God (verses 4-7) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
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. Alternate translation: “When God our Savior showed us his kindness and love for people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
TIT 3 4 abcg figs-abstractnouns 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 The abstract nouns **kindness** and **love** can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: “when God, who saves us, showed how kind and loving he would be to mankind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
TIT 3 5 k1a6 figs-metaphor λουτροῦ παλινγενεσίας 1 the washing of new birth Paul combines two metaphors here. He is speaking of God’s forgiveness for sinners as if he were physically washing them clean from their sin. 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 according to the certain hope of eternal life The people to whom God has made promises are spoken of as if they were to inherit the things promised, just as a person inherits property or possessions from a family member. Alternate translation: “we might expect to receive the eternal life that God hs promised us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 3 8 j8md ὁ λόγος 1 This message This message is the one just expressed in verses 4-7, that God freely gives the Holy Spirit and eternal life to believers through Jesus.
TIT 3 8 xy29 τούτων 1 these things This refers to the teachings that Paul has talked about in verses 1-7. Alternate translation: “these teachings that I have just talked about”
TIT 3 11 inh5 figs-metaphor ἐξέστραπται 1 has turned from the right way Paul speaks of someone who chooses to do wrong things as if he were leaving the right path to walk in the wrong direction. (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 13 xy31 figs-doublenegatives ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ 1 so that they lack nothing This can be stated positively: “so that they have everything that they need” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
TIT 3 14 mji4 figs-metaphor ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι 1 in order not to be unfruitful Paul speaks of people doing good work as if they were trees bearing good fruit. Alternate translation: “so that they will not lead useless lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
TIT 3 14 xy32 figs-doublenegatives ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι 1 in order not to be unfruitful This can be stated positively: “in this way they will be fruitful” or “in this way they will be productive” (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 xy35 figs-inclusive ἡμᾶς 1 us **us** here is probably exclusive and refers to Paul and the group of Christians with him. Paul is sending greetings from this group to the group of Christians that is with Titus on Crete.
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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