Titus 3:8
[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.
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}.
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.
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.
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:
Cross-References
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Titus 3:14 (11 votes)
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. -
Psalms 16:2 (7 votes)
[O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee; -
Psalms 16:3 (7 votes)
[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight. -
Titus 1:9 (7 votes)
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 (7 votes)
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 (6 votes)
¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, -
John 12:44 (4 votes)
¶ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
Commentary
Commentary on Titus 3:8 (KJV)
Titus 3:8 is a pivotal verse in Paul’s letter to Titus, serving as a powerful summary of Christian conduct rooted in sound doctrine. It emphasizes the inseparable link between genuine faith and practical, ethical living.
Context
This verse follows Paul’s profound theological exposition in Titus 3:4-7, which highlights God’s saving grace, mercy, and the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, not by works of righteousness we have done, but according to His mercy. Having established the foundation of salvation through grace, Paul immediately transitions to the necessary outflow of that salvation: good works. Paul had left Titus in Crete to organize the churches and appoint elders, and this letter provides guidance on sound doctrine and proper Christian conduct, vital for the new believers in a challenging cultural environment.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "careful to maintain good works" translates the Greek proistasthai kalōn ergōn. Proistasthai means to "stand before," "preside over," or "be diligent in." It suggests not merely doing good works occasionally, but actively leading, pursuing, and being prominent in them. It implies a deliberate, intentional commitment to a life of good deeds, flowing from a heart transformed by grace.
Practical Application
Titus 3:8 serves as a timeless reminder that Christian faith is never passive. While salvation is a free gift received by grace, it calls for an active response in our daily lives.
This verse encourages believers to live lives that authentically reflect the grace they have received, demonstrating the transformative power of God in both word and deed.
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.