Titus 3:5

KJV

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} by {G1537} works {G2041} of {G1722} righteousness {G1343} which {G3739} we {G2249} have done {G4160}, but {G235} according to {G2596} his {G846} mercy {G1656} he saved {G4982} us {G2248}, by {G1223} the washing {G3067} of regeneration {G3824}, and {G2532} renewing {G342} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151};

Complete Jewish Bible

he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh,

Berean Standard Bible

He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 3:5 profoundly encapsulates the essence of Christian salvation, declaring that humanity's redemption is solely an act of God's unmerited grace and boundless mercy, entirely independent of human effort or merit. This pivotal verse establishes that our deliverance from sin and spiritual death is accomplished through the divine initiative of God, who saves us through the transformative "washing of regeneration" and the ongoing "renewing of the Holy Ghost," thereby highlighting the Triune God's active role in bringing about new life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial theological anchor within Paul's practical instructions to Titus regarding the conduct of believers in Crete. In the preceding verses [Titus 3:1-2](/titus/3-1-2 "Titus 3:1-2 - Instructions for Christian Conduct"), Paul urges Christians to live peaceably, obediently, and gently towards all people, emphasizing the importance of good citizenship and a gracious demeanor. He then reminds them of their own past sinful and foolish lives as a contrast to their current transformed state [Titus 3:3](/titus/3-3 "Titus 3:3 - Our Past State of Sin"). Verse 5 serves as the foundational explanation for this transformation, underscoring that their deliverance from such a depraved state was not due to any inherent goodness or righteous deeds they performed, but solely to God's sovereign initiative and compassion. It sets the stage for understanding the true source of their new life and the divine power by which they are enabled to live righteously, which then flows into the subsequent call to devote themselves to good works [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works as a Result of Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Crete, the island where Titus was ministering, was known for its challenging cultural environment, characterized by falsehood, laziness, and gluttony, as noted in [Titus 1:12-13](/titus/1-12-13 "Titus 1:12-13 - Cretan Character"). Paul's letter to Titus, therefore, addresses the need for sound doctrine and godly living within a community that was susceptible to corrupt influences and false teachings. The emphasis on salvation by grace, distinct from "works of righteousness," directly counters any prevalent Jewish legalism or pagan notions of earning divine favor through rituals or moral performance. In the Greco-Roman world, various philosophical schools and mystery religions offered paths to enlightenment or salvation, often involving human effort or secret knowledge. Paul's declaration in [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Grace") firmly distinguishes Christian salvation as a divine gift, not a human achievement, setting it apart from the surrounding cultural and religious landscape.
* **Key Themes:** [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Grace") contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book of Titus and Pauline theology at large. Foremost is the theme of **Salvation by Grace Alone**, emphatically stating "Not by works of righteousness which we have done," thereby directly refuting any notion that human effort or good deeds can earn salvation. This truth is foundational to the gospel, echoing similar declarations found throughout Paul's epistles, such as in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereign Mercy**, presenting salvation as an act of God's unmerited favor, flowing "according to his mercy." God's profound compassion for undeserving humanity is the sole motivation for His saving work, underscoring His character as loving and merciful, a truth also celebrated in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the concept of **Regeneration and New Birth** through "the washing of regeneration," signifying a profound inner transformation where a person is made spiritually new by God. This radical change from spiritual death to life is also described as being [“born again” in John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You Must Be Born Again"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **The Holy Spirit's Role in Renewal**, identifying the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" as the active agent in this process of regeneration and ongoing spiritual transformation. It is through the Spirit that believers are made new and empowered to live a life pleasing to God, leading to a renewed mind and spirit, as mentioned in [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Gives Life to Mortal Bodies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē_):** This term refers to equity of character or act, and in a Christian context, specifically to justification. In this verse, it denotes human deeds or moral acts performed with the intention of achieving a right standing before God. Paul explicitly states that salvation is "not by works of *dikaiosýnē* which we have done," thereby dismissing human merit as a basis for salvation.
* **mercy (Greek, _éleos_):** This word signifies compassion, whether human or divine, particularly active pity towards the miserable and undeserving. Its use here underscores that God's saving act is not a response to human worthiness but flows entirely from His inherent, active compassion for humanity in its fallen state. It is the antithesis of earning salvation.
* **regeneration (Greek, _palingenesía_):** Derived from "again" (πάlin) and "birth" (γένεσις), this term literally means "new birth" or "renewal." In a spiritual sense, it denotes a radical, spiritual renovation or rebirth, a complete transformation from a state of spiritual death to new life in Christ. It's a singular, decisive act of God that imparts spiritual life.
* **renewing (Greek, _anakaínōsis_):** This word refers to renovation or making new, implying a continuous process of transformation and spiritual growth. While "regeneration" points to the initial act of new birth, "renewing" suggests an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, conforming them to the image of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not by works of righteousness which we have done,"**: This opening clause serves as a powerful negation, emphatically dismissing human effort, good deeds, or moral performance as the basis for salvation. It directly confronts any notion of earning God's favor or meriting redemption through personal merit, setting the stage for a grace-based understanding of salvation.
* **"but according to his mercy he saved us,"**: This phrase introduces the true and sole ground of salvation: God's divine mercy. "Mercy" highlights God's compassionate disposition towards the undeserving, while "he saved us" declares that salvation is a past, completed act initiated and accomplished by God Himself, not by human striving.
* **"by the washing of regeneration,"**: This clause describes the means through which God's saving mercy is applied. "Washing" (loutron) often carries connotations of cleansing, while "regeneration" (palingenesia) signifies a spiritual new birth. This refers to the profound, spiritual transformation where a person is made new, cleansed from sin, and given new life by God, often symbolically associated with baptism as an outward sign of this inward reality.
* **"and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"**: This final phrase identifies the divine agent and the ongoing nature of this transformation. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is the one who actively brings about this "renewing" (anakainosis), which implies a continuous, progressive process of spiritual renovation and transformation that follows the initial regeneration. It is through the Spirit's work that believers are empowered to live a new life in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is foundational, explicitly setting "works of righteousness" against "his mercy" as the basis for salvation, thereby highlighting the absolute distinction between human effort and divine grace. The phrase "washing of regeneration" uses **Metaphor**, portraying spiritual cleansing and new birth through the imagery of a physical bath, which symbolically communicates the profound transformation that occurs in salvation. Furthermore, the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" employs **Personification** by attributing the active role of "renewing" directly to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His divine agency and ongoing work in the believer's life. Together, these devices powerfully convey the theological truth that salvation is entirely God's work, initiated by His mercy, resulting in a radical new life, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 3:5 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace, not human merit. It underscores God's sovereign initiative and boundless mercy as the sole foundation for our redemption. This verse beautifully weaves together the concepts of justification, regeneration, and sanctification, portraying salvation as a comprehensive transformation initiated by God's compassion and actualized by the Holy Spirit. It dismantles any pride in human achievement, redirecting all glory to God for His unmerited favor and powerful work in making us new creatures in Christ. The "washing of regeneration" speaks to the radical new birth, while the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" points to the ongoing process of sanctification and spiritual growth, both indispensable aspects of the Christian life that flow from God's saving act.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")
* [John 3:5-7](/john/3-5-7 "John 3:5-7 - Born of Water and the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 3:5 offers profound implications for believers today, fostering both humility and assurance. Understanding that our salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy" should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and eliminate any basis for boasting. It liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor, allowing us to rest in the finished work of Christ and the unfailing mercy of God. This truth provides immense assurance, as our salvation is grounded in God's unchanging character and power, not our fluctuating performance. Furthermore, recognizing the "washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" reminds us that Christian living is not about self-improvement but about divine transformation. Our good works become a natural outflow of a regenerated heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than a means to achieve salvation. This calls us to daily reliance on the Spirit for ongoing renewal and sanctification, living out the new life God has graciously given us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that salvation is "not by works of righteousness" impact your sense of humility and gratitude towards God?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "the washing of regeneration" affirm the radical, transformative nature of your new life in Christ?**
* **How does your daily reliance on "the renewing of the Holy Ghost" manifest in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions?**
* **If salvation is entirely by God's mercy, what is your motivation for pursuing good works and living a righteous life?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between "regeneration" and "renewing" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and both aspects of God's saving work, "regeneration" (Greek, _palingenesía_) refers to the initial, decisive act of God imparting spiritual life and a new nature to a person who was spiritually dead. It is a singular, instantaneous event of new birth, making one a child of God. "Renewing" (Greek, _anakaínōsis_), on the other hand, describes the ongoing, progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life after regeneration. It is the continuous process of transformation, conforming the believer's mind, will, and character to the image of Christ, leading to spiritual growth and sanctification. So, regeneration is the beginning of the new life, and renewing is the ongoing process of that new life being lived out and matured by the Spirit.

**Does "the washing of regeneration" refer to water baptism?**

Answer: The phrase "the washing of regeneration" (Greek, _loutron palingenesías_) has been interpreted in various ways throughout church history. While some traditions understand it as directly referring to water baptism as the means of regeneration, the prevailing theological view, especially in Reformed and Evangelical circles, sees "washing" here as a metaphor for the spiritual cleansing and new birth that God accomplishes. Baptism, in this view, is an outward symbol or sign of this inward spiritual reality of regeneration, rather than the cause of it. The emphasis of [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Grace") is on the divine act of God's mercy and the Spirit's work, not on a human ritual as the basis for salvation, which aligns with the preceding "not by works of righteousness." Therefore, it speaks to the spiritual reality of cleansing and new life that baptism symbolizes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 3:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that God's mercy could be extended to humanity without compromising His justice. The "works of righteousness" that we could never perform were perfectly fulfilled by Christ, who lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). God "saved us" precisely because Christ bore the penalty for our unrighteousness, allowing divine mercy to flow freely to those who believe [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"). The "washing of regeneration" is made possible by Christ's cleansing blood, which purifies us from all sin and makes us new creations [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us"). Moreover, the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" is a direct result of Christ's ascension and His promise to send the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who indwells believers and empowers them for new life [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit"). Thus, every aspect of salvation described in this verse—from God's initiating mercy to the Spirit's transforming power—is intricately woven into the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, making Him the central figure and the very source of our hope and new life.

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 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:9

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

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.

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.