3:2 3:2

Titus 3:3

3:4 3:4

Bible Versions

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
For {G1063} we ourselves {G2249} also {G2532} were {G2258}{G453} sometimes {G4218} foolish {G453}, disobedient {G545}, deceived {G4105}, serving {G1398} divers {G4164} lusts {G1939} and {G2532} pleasures {G2237}, living {G1236} in {G1722} malice {G2549} and {G2532} envy {G5355}, hateful {G4767}, and hating {G3404} one another {G240}.
For at one time, we too were foolish and disobedient, deceived and enslaved by a variety of passions and pleasures. We spent our lives in evil and envy; people hated us, and we hated each other.
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Titus 3:3 offers a stark and honest reflection on the pre-conversion state of humanity, including believers themselves. Paul, writing to Titus, reminds him and the Cretan Christians of their former lives, characterized by a range of moral and spiritual failings. This verse serves as a crucial backdrop, highlighting the profound grace and mercy of God that follows in the subsequent verses.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to Titus regarding Christian conduct and sound doctrine, particularly in the challenging cultural environment of Crete. Paul emphasizes the importance of believers living exemplary lives, marked by good works and submission to authority (Titus 3:1-2). Before outlining the virtues that should characterize Christian living, Paul first grounds his exhortation in a reminder of their shared past. By recalling their former state, he underscores the immense transformative power of God's kindness and love, which serves as the foundation for all righteous living.

Key Themes

  • Universal Human Depravity: The phrase "For we ourselves also were sometimes" emphasizes that this description applies to all, Jew or Gentile, before coming to faith. It is a reminder that no one is inherently good or righteous apart from God. Paul's description echoes the universal truth that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
  • The Nature of Sin: The verse paints a comprehensive picture of sin, encompassing:
    • Intellectual/Spiritual Ignorance: "foolish, deceived" – a lack of true understanding and being led astray.
    • Rebellion against Authority: "disobedient" – a refusal to submit to divine or proper human authority.
    • Bondage to Desires: "serving divers lusts and pleasures" – being enslaved to various sinful appetites and worldly enjoyments, rather than serving God.
    • Interpersonal Malice: "living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another" – highlighting the destructive and divisive nature of sin in relationships, marked by ill will, resentment, and animosity.
  • The Need for Redemption: This dark portrayal of humanity's natural state serves to magnify the glorious work of salvation. It sets the stage for the profound transformation brought about by God's kindness and love through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses strong terms that convey deeper meaning in the original Greek:

  • "Foolish" (Greek: anoētoi): Implies a lack of spiritual understanding or discernment, senselessness in matters of God.
  • "Deceived" (Greek: planōmenoi): Meaning to be led astray, to wander, or to err from the truth. It suggests being actively misled by sin or false teachings.
  • "Serving divers lusts and pleasures" (Greek: douleuontes epithymiais kai hēdonais poikilais): The word "serving" (douleuontes) literally means "being enslaved to." This highlights the bondage of sin, where individuals are not free but compelled by their desires ("lusts" - epithymiais) and worldly gratifications ("pleasures" - hēdonais). "Divers" (poikilais) emphasizes the varied and multifaceted nature of these enslaving desires.
  • "Malice" (Greek: kakia): Refers to general wickedness, ill-will, or depravity of heart.
  • "Envy" (Greek: phthonos): Denotes a deep-seated resentment or ill-will towards another's good fortune or possessions.

Practical Application

Titus 3:3 offers several vital lessons for believers today:

  • Humility and Gratitude: Remembering our former state fosters humility and deepens our gratitude for God's unmerited favor. It reminds us that our salvation is solely by His grace, not our own merit.
  • Compassion for Others: Recognizing that all people, apart from Christ, are in a similar state of spiritual bondage and sin should cultivate compassion rather than judgment towards those who do not yet know God.
  • Understanding Transformation: The stark contrast between our past and present (as described in the following verses) provides a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.
  • Motivation for Outreach: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for the Gospel, as it is the only means by which people can be freed from the destructive patterns of sin described here.
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.

  • Ephesians 2:1

    ¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

  • Ephesians 2:3

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

  • Romans 6:17

    But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

  • Colossians 1:21

    And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

  • Colossians 3:7

    In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
 Back

Search Scripture