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Titus 2:14

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

Who {G3739} gave {G1325} himself {G1438} for {G5228} us {G2257}, that {G2443} he might redeem {G3084} us {G2248} from {G575} all {G3956} iniquity {G458}, and {G2532} purify {G2511} unto himself {G1438} a peculiar {G4041} people {G2992}, zealous {G2207} of good {G2570} works {G2041}.

He gave himself up on our behalf in order to free us from all violation of Torah and purify for himself a people who would be his own, eager to do good.

He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

Commentary

Commentary on Titus 2:14 (KJV)

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

This powerful verse summarizes the essence of Christ's sacrifice and its intended outcome for believers. It follows the description of the grace of God bringing salvation (v. 11) and teaching believers how to live (vv. 12-13).

Historical and Cultural Context: Paul is instructing Titus on how to establish order and sound doctrine within the churches on the island of Crete. The surrounding culture had issues with idleness, deceit, and sensuality (Titus 1:12). This verse provides the theological foundation for the call to live differently ("soberly, righteously, and godly" - v. 12), emphasizing that this transformed life is the very purpose for which Christ died.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • Sacrifice: Jesus "gave himself for us," highlighting the voluntary and substitutionary nature of his death.
  • Redemption: His sacrifice was a ransom ("redeem us") paid to free us from the bondage and guilt of "all iniquity" (sin).
  • Purification: Beyond just freeing us, his work also cleanses and makes us holy.
  • Peculiar People: The purpose is to create a special people for himself, distinct from the world, who are his treasured possession. This echoes Old Testament language used for Israel (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:6).
  • Zealous of Good Works: The result and evidence of this redemption and purification is not passive salvation, but an active, passionate commitment to living out faith through good deeds. Good works are not the *cause* of salvation, but the *fruit* of it.

Linguistic Insights:

  • "Redeem" translates the Greek word lytroō (λυτρόω), meaning to release by paying a ransom.
  • "Peculiar people" translates periousios (περιούσιος), meaning specially selected, belonging to one's own possession, treasured. It emphasizes God's ownership and special regard for believers.
  • "Zealous" comes from zēlōtēs (ζηλωτής), indicating someone who is eager, ardent, or passionately devoted to something.

Cross-references:

Practical Application: This verse reminds believers of the immense cost of their salvation and the transformative purpose behind it. It calls us to live lives that reflect our redeemed status – lives free from the dominion of sin, purified by Christ, and actively engaged in doing good for God's glory and the benefit of others. Our identity as God's "peculiar people" should motivate a passionate pursuit of holiness and good works.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 9:14 (32 votes)

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

  • Ephesians 2:10 (29 votes)

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

  • 1 Peter 2:9 (22 votes)

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Titus 3:8 (19 votes)

    [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.

  • 1 Peter 1:18 (19 votes)

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • Galatians 3:13 (17 votes)

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • Revelation 5:9 (17 votes)

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;