Titus 3:9

¶ But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

But {G1161} avoid {G4026} foolish {G3474} questions {G2214}, and {G2532} genealogies {G1076}, and {G2532} contentions {G2054}, and {G2532} strivings about {G3163} the law {G3544}; for {G1063} they are {G1526} unprofitable {G512} and {G2532} vain {G3152}.

But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, quarrels and fights about the Torah; because they are worthless and futile.

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

In Titus 3:9, the Apostle Paul issues a clear directive to Titus, his spiritual son and a leader on the island of Crete, urging him to steer clear of specific types of discussions and disputes. This verse serves as a crucial guide for maintaining peace and spiritual health within the early Christian communities and remains highly relevant today.

Context

This instruction follows Paul's emphasis on the importance of living a life transformed by grace, marked by good works, and characterized by submission to governing authorities (Titus 3:1-8). Paul contrasts the positive, constructive behaviors he just outlined with the negative, destructive ones described in this verse. The letter to Titus is largely concerned with establishing sound doctrine and proper conduct within the nascent churches on Crete, which were susceptible to false teachers and divisive individuals.

Key Themes

  • Avoiding Futile Debates: Paul identifies "foolish questions" (moras zeteseis) and "genealogies" as unproductive. These likely refer to speculative, unedifying inquiries or endless discussions about ancestry (especially prevalent in Jewish circles) that offered no spiritual benefit.
  • Warning Against Legalistic Strife: "Contentions, and strivings about the law" (erias kai machas nomikas) point to quarrels and legalistic disputes, possibly concerning the Mosaic Law's continued applicability or its minute interpretations. Such arguments could easily devolve into bitter divisions rather than fostering genuine faith.
  • Emphasis on Profitability: The concluding phrase, "for they are unprofitable and vain" (anopheleis kai mataias), underscores why these activities must be avoided. They yield no spiritual fruit, contribute nothing to godliness, and are ultimately empty and useless. This contrasts sharply with the "good works" that are "profitable unto men" mentioned in the preceding verse.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "foolish questions," moras zeteseis, carries the sense of senseless or stupid inquiries, highlighting their lack of substance or spiritual value. "Genealogies" (genealogias) refers to tracing family lines, which could become an obsessive and divisive practice, particularly among those who prided themselves on their Jewish heritage rather than their faith in Christ. The phrase "strivings about the law" (machas nomikas) specifically denotes legalistic battles, often over interpretations of the Mosaic Law that led to quarrels and division rather than unity and love.

Practical Application

For believers today, Titus 3:9 serves as a timeless reminder to exercise discernment in discussions and to prioritize what builds up the body of Christ over what tears it down. It encourages us to:

  • Focus on Core Truths: Direct energy towards understanding and living out the essential doctrines of faith rather than engaging in speculative or trivial debates.
  • Promote Unity: Avoid arguments that lead to division or foster an argumentative spirit within the church or personal relationships. Paul gives similar warnings in 2 Timothy 2:23 and 1 Timothy 1:4.
  • Be Productive: Invest time and effort in activities that yield spiritual fruit, lead to practical good works, and contribute to the spiritual growth of oneself and others, rather than engaging in "unprofitable and vain" pursuits.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:14

    ¶ Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.

  • 2 Timothy 2:23

    But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

  • 1 Timothy 4:7

    But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

  • Titus 1:14

    Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

  • 2 Timothy 2:16

    But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

  • 1 Timothy 1:3

    As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

  • 1 Timothy 1:7

    Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

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