Titus 3:3

KJV

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 3:3 offers a profound and unflinching look at the pre-conversion state of humanity, including those who are now believers. Paul, in his letter to Titus, meticulously details the moral and spiritual depravity that characterized their former lives, encompassing intellectual blindness, rebellion against divine authority, enslavement to sinful desires, and destructive interpersonal animosity. This vivid portrayal serves as a crucial theological backdrop, powerfully accentuating the immeasurable grace, kindness, and transformative mercy of God that is subsequently revealed as the sole source of salvation and new life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Titus 3:3 stands as a pivotal verse within Paul's practical instructions to Titus concerning the conduct of believers in Crete. Following exhortations for Christians to submit to governing authorities and to live peaceably and graciously with all people ([Titus 3:1-2](/titus/3-1-2 "Titus 3:1-2 - Christian Conduct and Submission")), Paul abruptly shifts to a candid reflection on the past. This stark reminder of their former spiritual and moral condition is not meant to condemn, but rather to establish the profound contrast with the divine intervention described immediately thereafter in [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Kindness and Salvation"). By first exposing the depth of human sinfulness, Paul magnifies the magnitude of God's redemptive work, setting the stage for the theological foundation of Christian living rooted in grace, not human merit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crete, the island where Titus was ministering, was known for a challenging cultural environment. Ancient sources, including Epimenides (quoted by Paul in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans and Their Character")), described Cretans as "always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." While Paul's description in [Titus 3:3](/titus/3-3 "Titus 3:3 - The Former Life of Believers") is a universal statement about humanity's fallen state, it would have resonated particularly strongly with the Cretan believers who were emerging from a society saturated with the very vices Paul enumerates. The emphasis on "malice and envy," "hateful," and "hating one another" speaks to a social fabric often characterized by discord, self-interest, and a lack of genuine love, making the transformation brought by the Gospel all the more striking and necessary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Epistle to Titus and Pauline theology. It underscores the theme of **Universal Human Depravity**, asserting that all individuals, regardless of background, were once enslaved to sin, echoing the truth found in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). It also highlights the **Nature of Sin**, portraying it not merely as isolated acts but as a comprehensive state of being—intellectually misguided, volitionally rebellious, emotionally corrupt, and relationally destructive. Crucially, [Titus 3:3](/titus/3-3 "Titus 3:3 - The Former Life of Believers") serves as the essential **Precursor to Grace**, setting the dark stage against which the brilliant light of God's kindness, love, and saving work (as detailed in [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Saving Grace")) can be fully appreciated. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of divine mercy, not human reform.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foolish (Greek, _anóētos'_):** This term, derived from a negative particle and a word related to "mind" or "understanding," signifies a lack of intelligence or discernment, particularly in spiritual matters. It implies a state of being senseless or without proper understanding, leading to irrational and ungodly behavior.
* **serving (Greek, _douleúō'_):** This powerful verb literally means "to be a slave to" or "to be in bondage." It vividly portrays the pre-conversion human condition as one of involuntary servitude to "divers lusts and pleasures," emphasizing that individuals were not free agents but compelled by their sinful appetites.
* **hating (Greek, _miséō'_):** This word denotes a strong detestation or animosity, often leading to persecution or active ill-will. In the context of "hating one another," it highlights the destructive, divisive, and deeply fractured nature of human relationships apart from God's transforming love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish,"**: Paul includes himself ("we ourselves"), emphasizing the universal nature of this fallen state. "Sometimes" (poté) indicates a former time, prior to their conversion. "Foolish" describes a lack of spiritual understanding and discernment, a mind darkened by sin, unable to grasp divine truth or act wisely in God's sight.
* **"disobedient,"**: This refers to a willful refusal to submit to God's authority or to the moral order He has established. It denotes a rebellious spirit, unwilling to heed divine commands or guidance.
* **"deceived,"**: This highlights the state of being misled or led astray from truth and righteousness. It suggests a vulnerability to error, whether from internal sinful desires or external influences, resulting in a distorted view of reality and God's will.
* **"serving divers lusts and pleasures,"**: This is a potent image of spiritual slavery. "Serving" (douleúō) means being enslaved to, indicating that pre-conversion humanity was not free but compelled by a variety ("divers") of sinful desires ("lusts," epithymía, often for what is forbidden) and worldly gratifications ("pleasures," hēdonḗ, sensual delights).
* **"living in malice and envy,"**: This describes the destructive interpersonal aspects of the fallen nature. "Malice" (kakía) refers to general wickedness, ill-will, or depravity of heart, while "envy" (phthónos) denotes a resentful displeasure at another's good fortune or possessions, often leading to destructive actions. This phrase portrays a life characterized by internal corruption manifesting in outward relational brokenness.
* **"hateful,"**: This adjective (stygnētós) means odious or detestable, describing a character trait that evokes strong aversion from others and and, implicitly, from God. It signifies a disposition that is inherently unpleasant and morally repugnant.
* **"and hating one another."**: This final phrase encapsulates the ultimate relational consequence of the preceding vices. It speaks to a pervasive state of animosity and antagonism among people, a stark contrast to the love and unity commanded within the Christian community. This mutual hatred underscores the deep brokenness of human relationships apart from divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **literary devices** in [Titus 3:3](/titus/3-3 "Titus 3:3 - The Former Life of Believers") to paint a vivid picture of pre-conversion humanity. The most prominent is **Enumeration** (or Polysyndeton, given the repeated "and"), where a long list of vices is presented to create an overwhelming sense of the pervasive nature of sin. This cumulative effect emphasizes the comprehensive depravity of the human heart, leaving no aspect of life untouched by sin's influence—from intellectual understanding ("foolish," "deceived") to volitional rebellion ("disobedient") to internal desires ("lusts and pleasures") and, finally, to interpersonal relationships ("malice and envy," "hateful," "hating one another"). The use of **Parallelism** in phrases like "living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another" reinforces the destructive and self-perpetuating cycle of sin in human interaction. Furthermore, the strong **Imagery** of "serving divers lusts and pleasures" evokes the concept of **Slavery**, powerfully illustrating the bondage of sin over the unregenerate individual, where desires act as cruel masters. This stark portrayal serves as a dramatic **Contrast** to the freedom and new life offered through God's grace, which Paul immediately introduces in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 3:3 serves as a foundational statement regarding the universal human condition apart from Christ, emphasizing that sin is not merely a collection of bad deeds but a pervasive state of being that corrupts intellect, will, and relationships. This comprehensive description of depravity highlights the absolute necessity of divine intervention for salvation. It underscores that humanity, left to its own devices, is incapable of achieving righteousness or true peace, being enslaved to destructive desires and prone to interpersonal animosity. This theological truth magnifies the glory of God's unmerited favor, as it is against this dark backdrop that His kindness and love shine forth as the sole source of redemption and transformation.

* [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous")
* [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")
* [Colossians 3:5-9](/colossians/3-5-9 "Colossians 3:5-9 - Put Off the Old Self")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 3:3 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful mirror for believers today. Reflecting on our former state of foolishness, disobedience, and enslavement to sin should cultivate profound humility and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for God's merciful intervention. It reminds us that our salvation is entirely a gift of His grace, not a reward for any inherent goodness or effort on our part. This recognition fosters a deep compassion for those still living in spiritual darkness, prompting us to extend the same grace we received to others, rather than judgment. Furthermore, understanding the stark contrast between our past and present empowers us to appreciate the radical transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit, motivating us to live lives that genuinely reflect the new nature we have in Christ, actively putting off the old patterns of malice, envy, and hatred, and embracing the love and unity that characterize God's family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering your pre-conversion state deepen your appreciation for God's grace and mercy?**
* **In what specific ways do the vices listed in Titus 3:3 (e.g., foolishness, envy, hatred) manifest in society today, and how should believers respond?**
* **How can reflecting on this verse cultivate greater compassion and humility in your interactions with those who do not yet know Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul include himself ("we ourselves") in this description of past sinfulness?**

Answer: Paul's inclusion of himself ("we ourselves") is a crucial rhetorical and theological move. It emphasizes the universality of human depravity, demonstrating that no one, not even an apostle, is exempt from the fallen condition apart from God's grace. By saying "we ourselves," Paul identifies with his audience, fostering humility and solidarity among believers. It underscores that salvation is not a reward for human merit or a distinction between inherently good and bad people, but a gracious act of God extended to all who were once "foolish, disobedient, deceived" ([Titus 3:3](/titus/3-3 "Titus 3:3 - The Former Life of Believers")). This shared past magnifies the transformative power of the Gospel and highlights that salvation is entirely by God's kindness and love, as explained in [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Saving Grace").

**What is the significance of "serving divers lusts and pleasures"?**

Answer: The phrase "serving divers lusts and pleasures" is highly significant because it uses the Greek word _douleúō_ (G1398), which literally means "to be a slave to." This imagery powerfully conveys the pre-conversion human condition as one of bondage. It means that individuals were not truly free but were compelled and controlled by their various ("divers") sinful desires (_epithymía_, G1939, often for forbidden things) and worldly gratifications (_hēdonḗ_, G2237, sensual delights). This highlights that sin is not merely a choice but a state of enslavement, where the unregenerate heart is naturally inclined towards and driven by self-gratification and rebellion against God. This bondage contrasts sharply with the freedom found in Christ, who sets us free from the dominion of sin, as articulated in [Romans 6:16-18](/romans/6-16-18 "Romans 6:16-18 - Slaves to Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 3:3, with its stark portrayal of humanity's fallen state, lays the essential groundwork for understanding the profound necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work. The "foolish, disobedient, deceived" nature of humanity underscores the need for divine wisdom and truth, which are perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who is revealed as "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")). Our former enslavement to "divers lusts and pleasures" highlights the bondage of sin from which only the Son can truly liberate, as Jesus Himself declared, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). The pervasive "malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another" vividly illustrates the brokenness that only the reconciling blood of Christ can mend, for He "made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, this verse serves as a dark canvas upon which the brilliant light of Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrecting power is painted, revealing Him as the only one capable of transforming utterly depraved individuals into new creations, filled with His love and empowered to live lives of righteousness and peace, as beautifully described in the subsequent verses of [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "God's Kindness and Salvation").

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

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.