Titus 2:13

KJV

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

KJV (with Strong's)

Looking for {G4327} that blessed {G3107} hope {G1680}, and {G2532} the glorious {G1391} appearing {G2015} of the great {G3173} God {G2316} and {G2532} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547};

Complete Jewish Bible

while continuing to expect the blessed fulfillment of our certain hope, which is the appearing of the Sh’khinah of our great God and the appearing of our Deliverer, Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:13 presents a profound theological statement, serving as the ultimate motivation for the godly living Paul prescribes to Titus and the Cretan believers. It directs their gaze toward the future return of Jesus Christ, identifying Him unequivocally as "the great God and our Saviour." This verse encapsulates the Christian's eschatological hope, emphasizing that the glorious appearing of Christ is not merely a future event but a present impetus for righteous conduct and steadfast faith, culminating God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 2:13 concludes a section (Titus 2:11-14) that outlines the theological basis for the practical instructions given in Titus 2:1-10. Paul has just described how "the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" ([Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God Has Appeared")), teaching believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age ([Titus 2:12](/titus/2-12 "Titus 2:12 - Living Godly Lives")). Verse 13 then provides the eschatological motivation for this lifestyle, grounding present ethical behavior in future hope. The subsequent verse, [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Purpose in Redemption"), further elaborates on Christ's redemptive work, stating that He "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Thus, the entire passage forms a cohesive unit, moving from grace to godliness, motivated by hope, and rooted in redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this epistle to Titus, his trusted co-worker, who was left in Crete to organize the churches there ([Titus 1:5](/titus/1-5 "Titus 1:5 - Titus Left in Crete")). Crete was known for its difficult and often immoral culture, as highlighted by Paul's quote from a Cretan prophet in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans are Liars"). The early Christian communities on the island faced challenges of false teaching, moral laxity, and internal divisions. In this environment, Paul's instructions were crucial for establishing sound doctrine and fostering a distinct, godly lifestyle that would commend the gospel to outsiders. The emphasis on "sound doctrine" ([Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "Titus 1:9 - Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine")) and "good works" ([Titus 2:7](/titus/2-7 "Titus 2:7 - Be an Example in Good Works")) was a direct response to the spiritual and moral climate, providing a stark contrast to the prevailing paganism and Jewish legalism. The hope of Christ's return served as a powerful antidote to despair and a catalyst for perseverance amidst such challenges.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Epistle to Titus and Pauline theology. It underscores **Eschatological Hope**, pointing believers to the future return of Christ as the consummation of their salvation. It reinforces the theme of **Godliness and Good Works**, presenting the "blessed hope" as the ultimate motivation for living a life transformed by grace. Crucially, [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope") is a cornerstone for the **Deity of Christ**, explicitly identifying Jesus as "the great God and our Saviour," a profound theological affirmation that permeates the New Testament, from the opening of [John's Gospel](/john/1 "John 1 - The Word Became Flesh") to the doxologies in [Revelation](/revelation/5 "Revelation 5 - The Lamb Who Was Slain"). This verse also speaks to the **Sufficiency of Christ's Redemption**, as the one who appeared in grace ([Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God Has Appeared")) will appear again in glory to complete the salvation He initiated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From a primary root meaning "to anticipate, usually with pleasure." This word signifies expectation or confidence, both abstractly and concretely. In the New Testament, "hope" is not a mere wish but a confident assurance rooted in God's promises and the resurrection of Christ. It is a certainty about future realities, particularly the return of Jesus and the full realization of salvation.
* **glorious (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From the base of *dokeō*, meaning "to seem, think." *Dóxa* refers to glory as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. When applied to Christ's appearing, it speaks of His manifest splendor, majesty, and divine radiance, signifying His full revelation in power and authority.
* **appearing (Greek, _epipháneia'_):** From *epiphanēs*, meaning "manifest." This term denotes a manifestation or advent. In the New Testament, it is specifically used to refer to the advent of Christ, both His first coming (e.g., [2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - The Appearing of Our Savior Christ Jesus")) and, as here, His future return in glory. It emphasizes a visible, public, and unmistakable revelation.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Of uncertain affinity, referring to a deity, especially (with the definite article) the supreme Divinity. In this context, it is used in conjunction with "Saviour Jesus Christ" to make a definitive statement about the divine nature of Jesus.
* **Saviour (Greek, _sōtḗr'_):** From *sōzō*, meaning "to save." This term designates a deliverer, specifically referring to God or Christ. It highlights Jesus' role as the one who brings salvation, deliverance from sin, and eternal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Looking for that blessed hope":** This phrase describes the active posture of believers. "Looking for" (Greek: *prosdéchomai*) implies an eager, confident waiting and expectation, not a passive idleness. The object of this anticipation is "that blessed hope" – a hope that is supremely happy, fortunate, and well-off (*makários*). This "hope" is not an abstract concept but a concrete reality: the return of Jesus Christ. It is a hope that brings joy and peace, contrasting sharply with the despair of the world.
* **"and the glorious appearing":** This clause clarifies the content of the "blessed hope." It is the *epipháneia*, the visible manifestation or advent, of Christ. This appearing will be "glorious" (*dóxa*), marked by divine splendor, majesty, and honor, distinct from His first, humble coming. This glory is inherent to His divine nature and will be fully revealed at His return.
* **"of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;":** This is the theological climax of the verse. The grammatical construction in the original Greek (the Granville Sharp Rule) uses a single definite article ("the") before "great God" and "Saviour Jesus Christ," strongly indicating that both titles refer to the same person. This is a powerful, explicit affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ, identifying Him as both "the great God" and "our Saviour." It underscores that the one who is returning in glory is none other than God Himself, who has also acted as our deliverer and redeemer.

#### Literary Devices
Titus 2:13 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Theological Affirmation**, specifically the **Granville Sharp Rule** of Greek grammar. This rule, based on the use of a single definite article with two nouns connected by "and" (καὶ), indicates that the two nouns refer to the same person. In this verse, "τοῦ μεγάλου Θεοῦ καὶ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ" (the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ) grammatically equates Jesus Christ with "the great God," providing an unequivocal statement of His deity. This is not merely a grammatical point but a profound **Christological Statement**. Furthermore, the verse uses **Eschatological Language**, focusing on future events ("appearing," "hope") to motivate present action. The phrase "blessed hope" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "hope" stands for the object of hope, which is Christ's return. The juxtaposition of "blessed hope" and "glorious appearing" also creates a sense of **Anticipation** and **Contrast**, contrasting the present struggles with the future glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 2:13 is a theological powerhouse, affirming the deity of Jesus Christ with striking clarity and providing a foundational motivation for Christian living. It connects the present reality of grace and ethical conduct to the future hope of Christ's return. This "blessed hope" is not a vague longing but a confident expectation rooted in the character and promises of God, who is Himself our Savior. The verse underscores that the same Christ who came in humility to bring salvation will return in glory as "the great God," completing His redemptive work and establishing His eternal kingdom. This dual identity—God and Savior—is central to Christian theology, ensuring that our hope is anchored in the divine power and faithfulness of the one who is both fully God and fully man. The anticipation of His glorious appearing fuels perseverance, purity, and passion for good works in the lives of believers.

* [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent and Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")
* [2 Peter 3:12-13](/2_peter/3-12-13 "2 Peter 3:12-13 - Looking for the Day of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The "blessed hope" of Titus 2:13 is far more than a theological concept; it is a dynamic force meant to shape every aspect of a believer's life. This verse calls us to live with an upward gaze, recognizing that our ultimate destiny is not in this transient world but in the glorious presence of our returning Lord. This hope should not lead to passive waiting or escapism, but to active, intentional godliness. Knowing that the "great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" will appear in glory provides an unparalleled motivation for purity, self-control, and eagerness to do good works, as outlined in the preceding verses of [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Sound Doctrine and Godly Living"). It reminds us that our present struggles, temptations, and sufferings are temporary, overshadowed by an eternal weight of glory. This eschatological perspective provides resilience in the face of adversity, courage in the midst of compromise, and unwavering purpose in a world often devoid of true meaning. It transforms our daily walk into a joyful anticipation, living now in light of what is to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "blessed hope" of Christ's glorious appearing practically influence your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **In what ways does identifying Jesus as "the great God and our Saviour" deepen your understanding of His person and work?**
* **How can anticipating Christ's return motivate you to live a more self-controlled, upright, and godly life, as described in [Titus 2:12](/titus/2-12 "Titus 2:12 - Living Godly Lives")?**

### FAQ

**What is the "blessed hope" mentioned in Titus 2:13?**

Answer: The "blessed hope" refers to the future return of Jesus Christ, often called the Second Coming or the Parousia. For believers, it is a supremely happy and fortunate expectation, not a fearful one, because it signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the final defeat of evil, the resurrection of the dead, and the full establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises to His people, bringing about eternal life and perfect fellowship with Him. This hope is a confident assurance, not a mere wish, rooted in the faithfulness of God.

**Why is the grammatical structure of "the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" significant?**

Answer: The grammatical structure, specifically the use of a single definite article ("the" - *tou*) before both "great God" and "Saviour Jesus Christ," is highly significant because it grammatically identifies Jesus Christ as both "the great God" and "our Saviour." This is known as the Granville Sharp Rule in Greek grammar. It provides a clear and powerful affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that Paul explicitly taught that Jesus is God. This is a crucial theological point, distinguishing Christianity from other belief systems and affirming the divine nature of the one who saves us. It means that the one who appeared in humility to save humanity is the same divine being who will return in glory.

**How does this verse relate to living a godly life?**

Answer: [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope") serves as the ultimate motivation for the godly living described in the preceding verses ([Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11-12 "Titus 2:11-12 - Grace and Godliness")). Paul argues that because believers are "looking for" (eagerly awaiting) the glorious appearing of their divine Savior, they should live lives that are consistent with that hope. This means renouncing ungodliness and worldly passions, and living self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. The future hope provides a powerful incentive for present purity, perseverance, and dedication to good works, knowing that our efforts are not in vain and that our Lord will return to complete His work in us and through us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is simultaneously "the great God" and "our Saviour." This verse beautifully encapsulates the entirety of salvation history, from the first advent to the second. Jesus, the eternal Son, is the very God who "appeared" in human flesh, bringing salvation by grace ([Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God Has Appeared")), fulfilling ancient prophecies of a divine deliverer. His first coming, though humble, was an *epipháneia* – a manifestation of God's saving grace to all humanity, as seen in the incarnation described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The "blessed hope" then points to His glorious second *epipháneia*, when He will return not in humility but in the full splendor and majesty of His divine glory, as prophesied in [Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man") and [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). He is the one who "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Purpose in Redemption")), and He is the one who will complete that redemption, transforming our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")). Thus, Jesus Christ is the central figure of this hope: He is the promised God who saves, the one who has appeared, and the one who will appear again in ultimate triumph, making our hope not a distant wish, but a living, certain reality.

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

1 Corinthians 1:7

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

2 Peter 3:12

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:14

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Mark 14:62

And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.