Titus 2:10

KJV

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3361} purloining {G3557}, but {G235} shewing {G1731} all {G3956} good {G18} fidelity {G4102}; that {G2443} they may adorn {G2885} the doctrine {G1319} of God {G2316} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990} in {G1722} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

or pilfering. On the contrary, they should demonstrate complete faithfulness always, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Deliverer more attractive.

Berean Standard Bible

not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.

American Standard Version

not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:10 serves as a powerful exhortation for believers, particularly those in positions of service, to live with unimpeachable integrity and faithfulness. Paul instructs them to avoid dishonest practices like embezzlement and instead to consistently demonstrate complete trustworthiness. The ultimate purpose of such exemplary conduct is not merely personal virtue, but to enhance the credibility and attractiveness of the Christian message, thereby "adorning" the profound truth of God our Savior in every aspect of their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 2:10 concludes a specific set of instructions given by the Apostle Paul to Titus regarding the conduct of slaves or servants within the early Christian community on Crete. This verse immediately follows [Titus 2:9](/titus/2-9 "Titus 2:9 - Instructions for Servants") which commands servants to be obedient to their masters, to please them in everything, and to avoid contradicting them. The broader context of [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Sound Doctrine and Practical Living") is Paul's detailed guidance for various demographic groups within the church—older men, older women, younger women, and younger men—all aimed at fostering sound doctrine and godly living. The overarching goal, articulated in [Titus 2:11-14](/titus/2-11-14 "Titus 2:11-14 - The Grace of God and Our Redemption"), is for the church's lifestyle to reflect the transformative grace of God, making the Gospel appealing and credible to a watching world.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, slavery was a pervasive social institution, distinct from modern chattel slavery but still involving significant power imbalances. Slaves were integral to households and businesses, and their conduct could reflect significantly on their masters and, in this case, on their new faith. The temptation for slaves to "purloin" (embezzle or steal) was common, often due to harsh conditions, lack of personal resources, or a sense of injustice. Paul's instruction here is radical because it elevates the standard of conduct for slaves, not based on their social status, but on their identity in Christ. Their ethical behavior was not just about pleasing an earthly master, but about honoring God and the Gospel. This counter-cultural ethic would have stood in stark contrast to prevailing norms, where slaves might be expected to be less trustworthy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Titus and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **practical theology**, demonstrating that sound doctrine (orthodoxy) must always lead to sound living (orthopraxy). The call for "good fidelity" highlights the importance of **integrity and trustworthiness** as core Christian virtues, particularly in one's professional and social dealings. Furthermore, the explicit purpose clause, "that they may adorn the doctrine," emphasizes the theme of **Christian witness and evangelism through lifestyle**. Believers' conduct is presented as a powerful apologetic, making the message of salvation more attractive and believable to outsiders. This aligns with the broader emphasis in Titus on the church's role in reflecting God's character to the world, as seen in [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works and God's Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purloining (Greek, _nosphízomai'_):** This verb means to "set apart for oneself," "to sequestrate," or "to embezzle." It implies a clandestine or dishonest appropriation of something that belongs to another. The word carries a strong connotation of theft or misappropriation, often by someone in a position of trust. Its use here specifically condemns any form of dishonesty or embezzlement, particularly relevant for servants who handled their masters' property. The negative command "Not purloining" directly addresses a common temptation and a specific ethical failing that would bring disrepute to the Christian faith.
* **Fidelity (Greek, _pístis'_):** While often translated as "faith," in this context, _pístis_ refers to "trustworthiness," "reliability," or "faithfulness." It denotes a consistent and dependable adherence to one's duties and commitments, especially in a relationship of trust. The phrase "shewing all good fidelity" therefore means demonstrating complete and unwavering reliability, honesty, and loyalty in all circumstances. This is the positive counterpoint to "not purloining," demanding active and visible integrity.
* **Adorn (Greek, _kosméō'_):** This verb means "to put in proper order," "to arrange," "to decorate," or "to embellish." From this word, we get "cosmetics" (things that beautify) and "cosmos" (an ordered universe). In this verse, it carries the powerful imagery of making something beautiful, attractive, or honorable. The faithful and honest conduct of believers is not merely about avoiding sin, but about actively enhancing the appeal and credibility of the "doctrine of God our Saviour." Their lives are to serve as a beautiful frame or embellishment for the truth of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not purloining,"**: This initial negative command directly forbids any form of theft, embezzlement, or dishonest appropriation of property. It highlights the importance of absolute integrity and honesty, especially for those in positions of trust or service. This prohibition sets a foundational ethical standard for believers.
* **"but shewing all good fidelity;"**: This is the positive injunction, contrasting sharply with the preceding negative. It commands believers to actively demonstrate complete and unwavering trustworthiness, reliability, and faithfulness in all their dealings. The inclusion of "all good" and "all things" (in the subsequent clause) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this fidelity, applying to every aspect of life and work.
* **"that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."**: This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and profound impact of the commanded conduct. The exemplary lives of believers, characterized by honesty and faithfulness, serve to make the Christian message ("the doctrine of God our Saviour") beautiful, credible, and attractive to those who observe them. Their actions do not just reflect the doctrine; they enhance its appeal and demonstrate its transformative power, making it more compelling "in all things."

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting the negative command ("Not purloining") with the positive injunction ("but shewing all good fidelity"). This juxtaposition highlights the clear choice and the expected transformation in Christian conduct. The phrase "adorn the doctrine" functions as a powerful **metaphor** or **imagery**. Just as an ornament enhances beauty, the righteous lives of believers are depicted as embellishing or making the Gospel message more attractive and honorable. This metaphor elevates the practical actions of believers to a profound theological purpose. Finally, the use of "that they may adorn" signals a **purpose clause**, clearly stating the ultimate goal and motivation behind the prescribed behavior, emphasizing the evangelistic and apologetic implications of Christian living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 2:10 powerfully links practical ethics to profound theology, demonstrating that our daily conduct is not merely a matter of personal morality but has significant implications for how the world perceives God and His truth. The "doctrine of God our Saviour" is not an abstract set of beliefs but a living truth that is either glorified or discredited by the lives of its adherents. When believers live with integrity, honesty, and faithfulness, they become living advertisements for the Gospel, making its transformative power evident and its message more appealing. This verse underscores the inherent connection between orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice), showing that true faith inevitably expresses itself in good works that honor God and draw others to Him.

* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")
* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless and Innocent")
* [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Good Conduct Among Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 2:10 offers a timeless and universally applicable principle for all believers, regardless of their social status or profession. It challenges us to consider how our daily actions, particularly in our workplaces and public interactions, reflect upon the "doctrine of God our Saviour." Are we known for our integrity, reliability, and honesty, or do our behaviors subtly or overtly undermine the message we claim to believe? This verse calls us beyond mere avoidance of wrongdoing to an active demonstration of "all good fidelity." Our diligence, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct are not just professional virtues; they are spiritual disciplines that serve to beautify the Gospel in the eyes of a skeptical world. When we perform our duties with excellence and integrity, even in the mundane, we are participating in the grand mission of making God's truth attractive and credible. Our lives become a powerful, non-verbal sermon that can disarm critics and open hearts to the transformative power of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life (work, family, community) am I called to demonstrate "all good fidelity"?**
* **How might my current conduct either "adorn" or detract from "the doctrine of God our Saviour" in the eyes of those around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to intentionally live with greater integrity and trustworthiness, thereby making the Gospel more appealing?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour"?**

Answer: To "adorn" (Greek: _kosméō_) means to decorate, embellish, or make beautiful. In this context, it means that the faithful and honest conduct of believers should make the Christian message, the "doctrine of God our Saviour," more attractive, credible, and honorable to those who observe their lives. It implies that our actions can enhance the appeal and respectability of the Gospel, making it more winsome and compelling to a watching world. It's about living in such a way that our lives commend the truth we proclaim, demonstrating its transformative power.

**Is this verse only for servants or employees?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Titus 2:9-10](/titus/2-9-10 "Titus 2:9-10 - Instructions for Servants") addresses servants, the underlying principles are universal for all believers. The call to avoid dishonesty ("purloining") and to demonstrate "all good fidelity" applies to every Christian in every sphere of life—whether as an employer, employee, student, parent, neighbor, or citizen. The ultimate goal of "adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour" is a mandate for all who bear the name of Christ, as our lives are meant to be a testimony to His transforming grace, as seen in passages like [1 Peter 2:12](/1_peter/2-12 "1 Peter 2:12 - Good Conduct Among Gentiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the perfect embodiment of "all good fidelity," never purloining or acting with deceit, but always demonstrating perfect obedience and trustworthiness to the Father, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). Christ's entire life and ministry were a living "adornment" of the doctrine of God. He perfectly revealed the Father's character and love, making the truth of God beautiful and accessible to humanity ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). As "God our Saviour," He is the source of the very doctrine we are called to adorn, and it is through His indwelling Spirit that believers are empowered to live lives of such integrity and faithfulness ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")). Our ability to "adorn the doctrine" is not a self-generated effort, but a Spirit-empowered reflection of the One who perfectly adorned God's truth, drawing all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")). Thus, our faithful living is a participation in Christ's ongoing work of revealing God's beauty to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Ephesians 4:1

¶ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:1

¶ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.

Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?