Titus 2:9

KJV

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, [and] to please [them] well in all [things]; not answering again;

KJV (with Strong's)

Exhort servants {G1401} to be obedient {G5293} unto their own {G2398} masters {G1203}, and to {G1511} please them well {G2101} in {G1722} all {G3956} things; not {G3361} answering again {G483};

Complete Jewish Bible

Tell slaves to submit to their masters in everything, to give satisfaction without talking back

Berean Standard Bible

Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

American Standard Version

Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 2:9 provides specific instructions for Christian servants (or bondservants) within the Cretan church, urging them to exhibit exemplary conduct towards their masters. This verse emphasizes obedience, a proactive desire to please in all matters, and the avoidance of contentious or disrespectful responses. These directives are not merely about social decorum but are framed as essential for adorning the doctrine of God and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in everyday life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 2:9 is situated within a broader section of Paul's letter to Titus (Titus 2:1-10), where the apostle outlines practical instructions for various demographic groups within the church on Crete. Paul previously addressed older men (Titus 2:2), older women (Titus 2:3-5a), younger women (Titus 2:5b), and younger men (Titus 2:6-8). The instructions to servants immediately precede the overarching purpose statement in [Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - Adorning the Doctrine"), which reveals that the exemplary conduct of all believers, including servants, serves to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." This structural placement highlights the universal call to live out one's faith authentically within existing social structures, making the Gospel attractive and beyond reproach.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman world, including the island of Crete, was deeply intertwined with the institution of servitude (often translated as "slavery"). This system was pervasive and complex, encompassing a wide spectrum of relationships from household laborers to highly skilled professionals, and was not primarily based on race. Servants could be acquired through birth, debt, conquest, or even by selling oneself into servitude. Paul's instructions to servants, as well as to masters in [Ephesians 6:9](/ephesians/6-9 "Ephesians 6:9 - Masters and Servants") and [Colossians 4:1](/colossians/4-1 "Colossians 4:1 - Masters and Servants"), were not an endorsement or abolition of the institution itself, but rather a theological framework for Christians to live out their faith within these societal realities. The aim was to transform relationships from within, demonstrating Christian love, integrity, and submission to God's will, thereby presenting a compelling witness to the surrounding pagan culture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Titus and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **sound doctrine leading to sound living**, as proper belief must translate into ethical behavior. The emphasis on obedience and pleasing masters reflects the broader theme of **submission to authority**, a recurring motif in Paul's epistles (e.g., [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities"), [1 Peter 2:13-18](/1_peter/2-13-18 "1 Peter 2:13-18 - Submission to Authority")). Furthermore, the instruction for servants to live honorably is directly linked to the theme of **Christian witness and evangelism**, as their conduct was meant to "adorn the doctrine" (as seen in [Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - Adorning the Doctrine")). This highlights that the daily lives of believers, even in challenging circumstances, serve as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** From the root `δέω` (deo), meaning "to bind." This term refers to a slave, bondservant, or someone in a state of subjection or subserviency, whether voluntary or involuntary. While often translated as "slave," it carries a broader semantic range, encompassing anyone who is bound to another, and is frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe believers as "servants of Christ" or "slaves of God," indicating complete devotion and allegiance.
* **Masters (Greek, _despótēs'_):** This word denotes an absolute ruler or one who has absolute authority and ownership, hence "despot." In the context of servitude, it refers to the owner of a slave, emphasizing their position of ultimate control. While it signifies power, the New Testament also uses this term for God (e.g., [Luke 2:29](/luke/2-29 "Luke 2:29 - Simeon's Prayer")) and Jesus (e.g., [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers")), indicating a sovereign Lord.
* **Obedient (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** Derived from `ὑπό` (hypo, "under") and `τάσσω` (tassō, "to arrange, order"), this verb literally means "to place under" or "to subordinate." Reflexively, it means "to obey" or "to submit oneself to." It implies a voluntary act of submission to an established order or authority, not necessarily a passive or forced compliance, but a willing alignment with a prescribed role.
* **Not answering again (Greek, _antilégō'_):** This compound verb comes from `ἀντί` (anti, "against") and `λέγω` (legō, "to speak"). It means "to speak against," "to contradict," "to dispute," or "to gainsay." In this context, it specifically warns against a contentious, argumentative, or disrespectful attitude in speech towards masters, promoting a spirit of humility and non-contentiousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters":** Paul, through Titus, instructs that servants are to be urged to submit to the authority of their individual masters. The emphasis on "their own" (G2398 _ídios_) highlights the specific and personal nature of this relationship. This obedience is not merely external compliance but an internal disposition of submission, reflecting the Christian's broader call to honor legitimate authority.
* **"and to please them well in all things":** This clause moves beyond mere obedience to a proactive and positive attitude. "To please them well" (G2101 _euárestos_) implies a desire to be fully agreeable and to perform duties not just adequately but excellently, aiming to satisfy the master's expectations in every aspect of their service. This goes beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of willing and diligent service.
* **"not answering again":** This final directive prohibits contentious or argumentative speech. It means servants should not contradict, dispute, or talk back to their masters. This command promotes a spirit of humility, self-control, and respect in communication, even in situations where a servant might feel wronged or provoked. It emphasizes maintaining a peaceable and non-rebellious demeanor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Didacticism** and **Ethical Instruction**, providing direct moral guidance for a specific group within the Christian community. The structure uses **Imperative Mood** ("Exhort") and **Infinitive Phrases** ("to be obedient," "to please," "not answering again") to convey commands and expected behaviors. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the expected Christian conduct (obedience, pleasing, non-contentiousness) and potentially common behaviors of servants in that era (disobedience, negligence, back-talk). The instruction also carries an element of **Pragmatism**, recognizing the existing social structures and guiding believers to live faithfully within them, rather than advocating for immediate social revolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 2:9, while addressing a specific social group in a historical context, carries profound theological implications for all believers. It underscores the Christian call to live out faith in practical, everyday settings, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through ethical conduct. The principle of submission to legitimate authority, even when imperfect, is a recurring biblical theme, rooted in the understanding that all authority ultimately derives from God. Furthermore, the emphasis on diligence and a non-contentious spirit reflects the character of Christ and the call for believers to be peacemakers and lights in the world. This conduct is not for human approval alone, but for the glory of God and the advancement of His truth.

* [Ephesians 6:5-8](/ephesians/6-5-8 "Ephesians 6:5-8 - Servants and Masters")
* [Colossians 3:22-25](/colossians/3-22-25 "Colossians 3:22-25 - Servants' Obedience")
* [1 Peter 2:18-20](/1_peter/2-18-20 "1 Peter 2:18-20 - Suffering for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the institution of servitude as known in the Roman world is no longer prevalent, the timeless principles embedded in Titus 2:9 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse speaks to the Christian's conduct in various spheres of authority, particularly in professional and relational contexts. It challenges us to approach our responsibilities with a spirit of excellence, integrity, and respect, whether as employees, team members, or citizens. Our work ethic, our attitude, and our communication style are not merely secular matters but are integral parts of our Christian witness. By diligently performing our duties, seeking to be agreeable, and refraining from contentious speech, we demonstrate the transforming power of the Gospel and bring honor to God, even in challenging or unfulfilling situations. This verse calls us to embody Christ's character in every interaction, making our lives a powerful testimony to His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to submit to authority, and how can you do so with a spirit of excellence and respect?**
* **How does your work ethic and attitude in your professional or daily tasks reflect your faith in Christ?**
* **What does "not answering again" look like in modern communication, especially when you disagree or feel wronged?**
* **How can your conduct in challenging situations "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour" to those around you?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse endorse slavery?**

Answer: No, this verse does not endorse slavery. Paul's letters, including Titus, operate within the existing social realities of the Roman Empire, where servitude was a widespread institution. His aim was not to dismantle the social structure directly, which would have been politically revolutionary and potentially disastrous for the early church, but to transform relationships from within through the principles of the Gospel. By instructing both servants and masters on how to live righteously within their roles (as seen in [Ephesians 6:5-9](/ephesians/6-5-9 "Ephesians 6:5-9 - Servants and Masters")), Paul subtly undermined the dehumanizing aspects of the system. He emphasized the spiritual equality of all believers in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free")), and called for love, justice, and respect, which ultimately led to the moral rejection of slavery by Christian societies over centuries. The focus is on the believer's conduct as a witness to the Gospel, regardless of their social standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 2:9, while offering practical instructions for servants, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Himself, though God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), demonstrating perfect obedience to His heavenly Father, even "to the point of death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He perfectly pleased His Father in all things, always doing "what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), and never "answering again" in a contentious spirit, even when reviled and unjustly accused ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")). Therefore, the conduct exhorted in Titus 2:9 is not merely a moral code but a call to imitate Christ, who is the supreme example of humble, obedient, and selfless service. As believers, we are called to be "slaves of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 7:22](/1_corinthians/7-22 "1 Corinthians 7:22 - Called in the Lord")), and our transformed lives, marked by obedience and a desire to please, become a powerful testimony to the saving grace of the One who perfectly fulfilled the role of the suffering servant, redeeming us and enabling us to live lives that "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour" ([Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - Adorning the Doctrine")).

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 Peter 2:18

Servants, [be] subject to [your] masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Peter 2:25

For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

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.

1 Timothy 6:2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Ephesians 6:5

Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;