Titus 3:8

KJV

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is a faithful {G4103} saying {G3056}, and {G2532} these things {G4012}{G5130} I will {G1014} that thou {G4571} affirm constantly {G1226}, that {G2443} they which have believed {G4100} in God {G2316} might be careful {G5431} to maintain {G4291} good {G2570} works {G2041}. These things {G5023} are {G2076} good {G2570} and {G2532} profitable unto men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You can trust what I have just said, and I want you to speak with confidence about these things, so that those who have put their trust in God may apply themselves to doing good deeds. These are both good in themselves and valuable to the community.

Berean Standard Bible

This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.

American Standard Version

Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 3:8 serves as a foundational declaration of Christian living, emphasizing that the profound grace of God, which brings salvation, necessarily leads believers to a diligent pursuit of good works. Paul instructs Titus to constantly affirm this truth, underscoring the vital connection between genuine faith and practical, ethical conduct, which is not only inherently good but also demonstrably beneficial to all people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's profound theological exposition in [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Grace and Regeneration"), which articulates the basis of salvation as God's kindness, love, and mercy, manifested through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Having established that salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Grace")), Paul pivots to the necessary outcome of such grace: a life characterized by good works. This transition highlights Paul's consistent theological framework where justification by faith inevitably produces sanctification, demonstrating that true faith is never barren but always active in love.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul had left Titus in Crete to organize the nascent churches and appoint elders, a challenging task given the Cretan reputation for deceit and idleness (as noted in [Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans' Reputation")). The letter provides practical guidance on sound doctrine and proper Christian conduct, essential for new believers navigating a morally compromised society. In this environment, the visible demonstration of good works by Christians would serve as a powerful counter-cultural witness, distinguishing them from their pagan neighbors and validating the transformative power of the gospel. The emphasis on "maintaining good works" was crucial for establishing the credibility and integrity of the Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** Titus 3:8 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the Epistle to Titus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **sound doctrine** (e.g., [Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "Titus 1:9 - Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine")), as the "faithful saying" is precisely what Titus is to affirm. Secondly, it underscores the **inseparable link between faith and works**, a recurring Pauline emphasis that true faith expresses itself through love and obedience, not as a means of earning salvation but as its natural fruit (compare [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **practicality and social impact of Christian living**, asserting that good works are "profitable unto men," thereby contributing to the welfare of society and serving as a positive witness to the gospel, aligning with broader instructions for Christian conduct in [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Christian Households").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **diabebaióomai (Greek, _diabebaióomai'_):** Translated "affirm constantly," this word means to confirm thoroughly by words, to asseverate. It implies a strong, unwavering declaration, emphasizing the importance of persistent and confident teaching. Titus is not merely to mention these truths but to establish them firmly and repeatedly in the minds of the believers, ensuring deep conviction and understanding.
* **phrontízō (Greek, _phrontízō'_):** Translated "might be careful," this word means to exercise thought, to be anxious or to be concerned. In this context, it denotes a deliberate, thoughtful, and intentional effort. Believers are not to stumble into good works accidentally but are to actively plan, consider, and prioritize their engagement in righteous living, reflecting a conscious commitment.
* **proḯstēmi (Greek, _proḯstēmi'_):** Translated "to maintain," this word literally means "to stand before," and by implication, "to preside over" or "to practice." It suggests a proactive, leading role in good works, not just passive participation. It implies diligence, oversight, and a consistent commitment to leading a life characterized by good deeds, demonstrating a public and active pursuit of them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly":** Paul introduces the subsequent statement as a trustworthy and foundational truth, a common Pauline literary device. He then issues a direct command to Titus, emphasizing the necessity of persistently and confidently teaching these principles to the Cretan believers. This highlights the authoritative nature of the message and the pastoral responsibility to ensure its firm establishment within the church.
* **"that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works":** This clause reveals the purpose of Titus's constant affirmation: to motivate believers to intentional action. Having received salvation by grace through faith, those who "have believed in God" are now called to a deliberate, thoughtful, and proactive engagement in "good works." This is not a means to earn salvation, but the natural and necessary outflow of a transformed heart, demonstrating the authenticity of their faith.
* **"These things are good and profitable unto men":** The verse concludes by articulating the inherent value and practical benefit of such a life. The "good works" are not only morally excellent in themselves ("good") but also yield tangible advantages and positive outcomes for humanity ("profitable unto men"). This underscores the societal impact and evangelistic potential of righteous living, showcasing the transformative power of the gospel in a way that benefits the broader community.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "**faithful saying**" (Greek: _pistos ho logos_) functions as a **rhetorical marker**, drawing attention to the profound importance and trustworthiness of the statement that follows, signaling a foundational truth of the Christian faith. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **cause and effect**, linking the affirmation of truth ("these things I will that thou affirm constantly") directly to the desired outcome ("that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works"). Furthermore, the concluding statement, "These things are good and profitable unto men," serves as an **affirmation** and **justification**, providing a compelling reason for the emphasis on good works by highlighting their inherent moral excellence and practical utility to society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 3:8 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that while salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace, received through faith and not by human merit, it invariably leads to a transformed life characterized by good works. This verse stands as a powerful corrective to any notion of a passive or antinomian faith, asserting that genuine belief in God manifests itself in active obedience and service. It bridges the theological gap between justification and sanctification, demonstrating that the same divine power that saves also empowers believers to live righteously, not to earn favor, but to reflect the character of God and to bless those around them.

* [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace, Faith, and Good Works")
* [James 2:20](/james/2-20 "James 2:20 - Faith Without Works is Dead")
* [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 3:8 calls every believer to a life of intentional and diligent engagement in good works, not as a burden or a means to earn God's favor, but as the natural, joyful overflow of a heart transformed by grace. It challenges us to reflect on whether our faith is merely intellectual assent or a vibrant, active force that shapes our daily choices and interactions. Are we "careful to maintain" good works, proactively seeking opportunities to serve, to love, and to contribute positively to the world around us? This verse reminds us that our actions have profound implications, not only for our own spiritual growth and the integrity of our witness but also for the benefit and flourishing of those in our communities. Our good works are a tangible demonstration of God's love and the transformative power of the gospel, making our faith visible and compelling to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life can I be more "careful to maintain good works" this week?**
* **How does my daily conduct demonstrate the transformative power of God's grace to those around me?**
* **Am I actively seeking opportunities to do good, or am I waiting for them to come to me?**
* **How can my good works be more "profitable unto men" in my community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does "This is a faithful saying" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "This is a faithful saying" (Greek: _pistos ho logos_) is a recurring Pauline affirmation found in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")). It serves as a rhetorical marker, signaling that the statement which follows is profoundly true, trustworthy, and foundational to Christian doctrine and practice. In [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Faithful Saying on Good Works"), it lends gravity and authority to the subsequent instruction about the necessity of good works for believers.

**Does this verse imply that good works are necessary for salvation?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that good works are necessary for salvation. Paul explicitly states earlier in [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Salvation by Grace") that salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy." Instead, [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works as a Result of Faith") teaches that good works are the *result* and *evidence* of genuine faith and salvation, not their cause. Those who "have believed in God" are then called to "be careful to maintain good works," demonstrating that a transformed heart naturally produces righteous living. It's a matter of fruit, not root.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 3:8, with its emphasis on believers diligently pursuing good works, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks to the outworking of salvation in the lives of believers, Christ Himself perfectly embodied the principle of "good works" as the very essence of His earthly ministry. He "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Good Works")), demonstrating compassion, justice, and selfless service. His entire life was a seamless tapestry of divine love expressed through tangible deeds, culminating in the ultimate act of self-giving on the cross. Believers are called to "walk in the same way in which he walked" ([1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Walking as Jesus Walked")), reflecting His character and continuing His mission of bringing light and life to a broken world. Our good works, therefore, are not merely ethical duties but a participation in the ongoing work of Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and ultimately aimed at glorifying the Father, just as Jesus declared: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Glorifying God Through Good Works")).

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

Titus 3:14

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Psalms 16:2

[O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

John 12:44

¶ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.