BHT with Full Translator’s NotesTitus 3 =
3
“These Things Are Valuable and Beneficial for People”
1 Remind them to submit themselves to rulers and authorities,+ to be obedient, to be ready for indeed+ every kind of good work, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable,+ gracious, displaying toward all people the utmost humility.+ 3 After all, we, too, were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to evil desires and passions of various kinds, living lives of malice and envy,+ loathsome, hating one another. 4 Yet when this+ appeared—God our Savior’s kindness and compassionate concern+ for mankind— 5 it wasn’t+ because of works of righteousness that we ourselves did that he saved us, but because of his own+ great mercy, by washing us, by+ regenerating and renewing us through the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus the Messiah our Savior, 7 so that, having been mercifully+ held to be righteous by his gift, we might become heirs+ in accordance with the hope of the life of the coming age.+ 8 Trustworthy+ is this saying. These things I want you to assert with confidence,+ so that those who have put their faith in God will be careful to devote themselves to good deeds.+ These things are valuable+ and beneficial for people. 9 Keep away, however,+ from foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about Torah, because they are useless and worthless. 10 If someone is causing divisions, give him a first and then a second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with him,+ 11 because+ you know that such a person is twisted and sinful; his own actions are proof enough of his guilt.+
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do everything you can to come to me in the city+ of Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Make every+ effort+ to furnish food and anything else needed for travel+ to Zenas the lawyer and Apollos;+ make sure they don’t lack a+ thing for their journey. 14 The believers in Crete,+ too, must learn to devote themselves to good deeds,+ so as to meet pressing needs, so that they aren’t unfruitful. 15 Those who are with me, all of them,+ send you greetings. Please+ greet our dear friends in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
+1:1In this context, κατὰ ( kata) is most likely signaling purpose, goal, and benefit (see BDAG, 512, sv κατά 4; UBSHS [Tit], 261). The specific advantage must be determined from the nouns in the prepositional phrase. The benefit in this situation would be something like “build up” (cf HCSB, TNT), or “help” (TEV), or “encourage” (CEV), or “further” (RSV) (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Tit], 261). “Build up” or “encourage” sound more natural in English with “faith,” but a bit awkward with “knowledge.” Therefore, a different verb (“spread” [cf 2 Co 2:14]) has been used with the second noun in translation.+1:1The genitive has been interpreted as a subjective genitive. This is reflected in the translation.+1:1See note at “encourage” above.+1:1Or of the truth that accords with the faith. Lit of the truth that is according to religion/godliness/devotion/the faith. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NIV. The function of κατὰ ( kata) here must again be determined from the context (for a brief discussion, see ESS [Tit and Phm], 262; UBSHS [Tit], 262). Cf also translation and notes at 1 Ti 3:15-16; NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 3:16.+1:2Because of the length of this sentence in Greek, it is difficult to know exactly what ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι ( ep’ elpidi) is meant to be read in connection with. Because it is explicitly mentioned as the basis for “faith” in Rm 4:18, I am inclined to see it as connected with “faith.” However, if this choice is made, it means that ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι should be interpreted as being connected, too, with “knowledge,” since the two are coordinated by καὶ ( kai). Hence, the interpretation reflected in the CJB, NIV, and NCV is also reflected in translation here (ie, interpretation 2 in ESS [Tit and Phm], 16).+1:2This is a more literal rendering of ζωῆς αἰωνίου ( zōēs aiōniou), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+1:2ἀψευδὴς ( apseudēs) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore dashes have been used to give this element extra focus. Cf NLT.+1:2Cf 1 Co 2:6-8.+1:3Lit through what is preached, or through the proclamation. Cf Ga 2:7, 1 Th 2:4; 1 Ti 1:11.+1:4γνησίῳ ( gnēsiō) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:4Or in our common faith.+1:5Unless otherwise noted (through superscript [ᵖyou] or some other means), all second person pronouns are in the second person singular.+1:5IT. Cf NLT.+1:5τὰ λείποντα ( ta leiponta) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore a demonstrative pronoun (in Greek, the article is a weak demonstrative) and italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:5πρεσβυτέρους ( presbuterous) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:5διεταξάμην ( dietaxamēn) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore the clause has been translated so as to allow this element to land in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+1:6Lit If someone is blameless. Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:6μιᾶς γυναικὸς (mias gunaikos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:6Or a man devoted solely to his wife, or a man married only once, or a man who has only one wife. Lit a husband of one wife, or a man of one woman. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Ti 3:2).+1:6Or whose children are believers, or whose children are trustworthy. Drawing from the BSL at Col 4:7 in translation here (see BSL, Col 4:7, sv πιστός). While it is probably assumed here that the children are believers, I am inclined to agree with the NET Bible Notes, namely, that “the parallel with 1 Tim 3:4…argues for the sense” of trustworthy/faithful/dependable (see NET Bible Notes, Tit 1:6). τέκνα πιστά ( teka pista) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT). The split element has been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:7ἀνέγκλητον ( anenklēton) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics and a comma have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:7θεοῦ ( theou) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to this element within the ME (see following note).+1:7Lit as a steward of God. ME (see UBSHS [Tit], 272). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, TEV.+1:7Maintaining consistency in translation with 1 Ti 3:8 (see translation and note there).+1:8Lit a lover of what is good. See translation and note at 2 Ti 3:3. The opposite is meant here.+1:9Or word, or message.+1:9Or trustworthy, or faithful. πιστοῦ ( pistou) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and has therefore been placed at the end of the phrase for extra focus and stress.+1:9κατὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ( kata tēn didachēn) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display), and therefore an adverb and commas have been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:9δυνατὸς ( dunatos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb (drawn from L-N; see L-N, 74.4) has been used to give extra focus to this element.+1:9παρακαλέω ( parakaleō) has a broad range of meaning, depending on the context (see translation and notes at 2 Co 1:4).+1:9IT. Cf TEV.+1:9See notes at Mt 18:15 and 1 Ti 5:20. The same applies here.+1:9τοὺς ἀντιλέγοντας ( tous antilegontas) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:10Lit deceivers. A verbal form has been used in translation, since ματαιολόγος ( mataiologos) has been translated such as to make sure that any potential connection with 1 Ti 1:6 isn’t lost in translation. Cf ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:10“This is true” (cf NLT) has been supplied in translation to ensure that “those of the circumcision” is processed in connection with “the rebellious/empty talkers/deceivers,” since “deceivers” has been translated as a verb (see preceding note).+1:10Lit those from/who belong to the circumcision. ME(H) (see translation and notes at Ac 10:45, 11:2, and Ga 2:12; UBSHS [Tit], 275). Cf CJB, NIV.+1:11IT. “Faith” is implied here (see UBSHS [Tit], 276). Cf 2 Ti 2:18.+1:11ὅλους οἴκους ( holous okious) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:11In 1 Ti 3:8 and Tit 1:17 (see translation and notes there), Paul uses a word that is a compound of the two words used here, and therefore I have translated here in a way similar to how I have translated in those two verses.+1:12Lit of them. Cf CJB, TEV.+1:12Lit A certain one of them has said, a prophet of their own. ME. Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+1:12Lit Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies. Following the lead of the ISV in giving the saying a proverbial/poetic feel in English. “Lazy stomachs” means gluttony (see L-N, 8.68). Cf UBSHS (Tit), 277.+1:13Lit This testimony. ME. Cf NCV.+1:14See translation and notes at 2 Ti 1:15. The same verb is used here.+1:15πάντα ( panta) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:15IT. καθαρός ( katharos) is used twice in this verse, the first time in reference to ritual cleanness, and the second time in reference to moral cleanness (see BDAG, 489, sv καθαρός 2, 3; UBSHS [Tit], 279).+1:15Or to, or with respect to.+1:16Lit They. Cf NLT.+1:16θεὸν ( theon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:16ἀρνοῦνται ( arnountai) is in a DFE position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+1:16βδελυκτοὶ καὶ ἀπειθεῖς ( bedeluktoi kai apeitheis) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+1:16ἀδόκιμοί ( adokimoi) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress. The lexeme used here (ἀδόκιμος [ adokimos]) is the opposite of δόκιμος ( dokimos), which “pert.[ains] to being genuine on the basis of testing” ( BDAG, 256, sv δόκιμος 1). Cf the translation and notes at 2 Co 13:5, 2 Ti 3:8, and Php 2:22.+2:1Lit You are speak the things that are appropriate to sound teaching. Paul’s use of πρέπω ( prepō) in other contexts (cf 1 Co 11:13; Eph 5:3; 1 Ti 2:10), and the immediate context (see vv 2-10), indicate that conduct is primarily in view here. Cf CJB, NET, NLT. Cf also 1 Co 4:17. ὑγιαινούσῃ ( hugianousē) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and has therefore been placed at the end of the phrase for extra focus and stress.+2:2νηφαλίους ( nēphalious) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:3οἴνῳ πολλῷ ( oinō pollō) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore an adverb has been used to give extra focus to this element. Cf NCV.+2:4φιλάνδρους ( philandrous) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+2:5Or good.+2:5Translating βλασφημέω ( blasphēmeō) here in the same way as it has been translated at 1 Ti 6:1. Cf ISV, NET.+2:7IT. Cf ISV, NET, NIV.+2:7Or integrity, or purity.+2:8Or a sound message, or sound speech.+2:8Translating ἐντρέπω ( entrepō) in a way similar to how it has been translated at 2 Th 3:14 (see translation and notes there).+2:8μηδὲν φαῦλον ( mēden phaulon) is in a split focal position (see BART Display; cf LDGNT). The split element has been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:9ἰδίοις δεσπόταις ( idiois despotais) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:9Cf HCSB.+2:9Lit to be well-pleasing. ME (see ANLEX, 177, sv εὐάρεστος 2; UBSHS [Tit], 288).+2:10Following the interpretation of D. Edmond Hiebert et al in translation here (see ESS [Tit and Phm], 62). Cf L-N, 57.246.+2:10πᾶσαν πίστιν ἀγαθήν ( pasan pistin agathē) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT). πίστιν and ἀγαθήν have been placed in clause-final within the ME (see following note) for extra focus and stress.+2:10Lit demonstrating all good trustworthiness. ME (see UBSHS [Tit], 289).+2:10Or may make attractive. Lit may adorn. ME (see ANLEX, 235, sv κοσμέω 2; BDAG, 560, sv κοσμέω 2.b.β.). Cf LEB, NET, TEV.+2:10τὴν διδασκαλίαν τὴν τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν θεοῦ ( tēn didaskalian tēn tou sōtērous hēmōn theou) is in P2 (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+2:11Lit pertaining to salvation. Cf HCSB.+2:12Drawing from BSL in translation here (see BSL, Tit 2:12, sv παιδεύω). Cf Heb 2:10-11, 12:1-13.+2:12κοσμικὰς ( kosmikas) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:12σωφρόνως καὶ δικαίως καὶ εὐσεβῶς ( sōphronōs kai dikaiōs kai eusebōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore ἀρνησάμενοι τὴν ἀσέβειαν καὶ τὰς κοσμικὰς ἐπιθυμίας ( arnēsamenoi tēn asebeian kai tas kosmikas epithumias) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this element.+2:13IT (see BSL, Tit 2:13, sv προσδέχομαι). CJB, NET.+2:13μακαρίαν ( makarian) is in an embedded focal position (confirmed through personal correspondence with Dr. Stephen Levinsohn), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+2:13Cf Rm 8:23-24.+2:13The “glorious appearing” is explaining and defining the content of the hope (see Bloomfield et al in ESS [Tit and Phm], 70). Cf NET, NIV, RSV.+2:13Translating the genitive attributively here. Cf ISV, LEB, NET, NIV.+2:14Or special possession, or chosen possession. Cf the LXX at Ex 19:5, 23:22; Dt 7:6, 14:2, 26:18.+2:15περιφρονείτω ( periphroneitō) is in a DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:1ἀρχαῖς ἐξουσίαις ( archais exousias) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:1πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἑτοίμους ( pros pan ergon agathon hetoimous) is in P2 (see BART Display), with πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν in an embedded focal position (see BART Display). An adverb has been used to give extra focus to the embedded element.+3:2ἀμάχους ( amaxhous) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:2Or gentleness, or courtesy. πᾶσαν πραΰτητα ( pasan prautēta) is in a split focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been placed in clause-final for extra focus and stress.+3:3ἐν κακίᾳ καὶ φθόνῳ ( en kakia kai phthonō) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give this element extra focus and emphasis.+3:4ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ φιλανθρωπία τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν θεοῦ ( hē chrēstotēs kai hē philanthrōpia tou sōtēros hēmōn theou) is in an embedded split focal position (see BART Display), and therefore a demonstrative pronoun and dashes have been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:4Or goodness, or benevolence, or affection.+3:5ἐξ ἔργων τῶν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ ( ex ergon tōn en dikaosunē) and κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος ( kata to autou eleos) are in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and constitute a point-counterpoint series (see LDGNT), and therefore a cleft-construction has been used to give extra focus to these elements.+3:5αὐτοῦ ( autou) is in an embedded focal position (Dr. Stephen Levinsohn told me through personal correspondence that he has marked it as such), and therefore a possessive adjective has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:5The genitives here have been interpreted as genitives of apposition. This is reflected in the translation. Cf Rm 12:2; 2 Co 4:16; Eph 4:23; Col 3:10. Cf also interpretations 2 and 4 in the UBSHS ( UBSHS [Tit], 302).+3:7IT. The extension of mercy is implied here. See James B. Prothro, A Pauline Theology of Justification: Forgiveness, Friendship, and Life in Christ. (Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2023). Cf Rom 4:1-8.+3:7κληρονόμοι ( klēronomoi) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:7This is a more literal rendering of ζωῆς αἰωνίου ( zōēs aiōniou), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+3:8Or Faithful. πιστὸς ( pistos) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore inversion has been used to give extra focus to this element.+3:8Trying to maintain some consistency in translation with 1 Ti 1:7 (where the same verb is used).+3:8καλῶν ἔργων ( kalōn ergon) is in an embedded focal position (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:8Or good.+3:9μωρὰς ζητήσεις καὶ γενεαλογίας καὶ ἔρεις καὶ μάχας νομικὰς ( mōras zētēseis kai genealogias kai ereis kai machas nomikas) is in P2 (see BART Display), and therefore δὲ ( de) has been used as a spacer to give extra focus to this element.+3:10Lit A divisive man, after one and a second warning, have nothing to do with [him]. ME (see UBSHS [Tit], 309). Cf CJB, NLT, NIV, TEV.+3:11Translating the participle as an adverbial participle of cause. Cf NRSV.+3:11Lit being self-condemned. ME (see UBSHS [Tit], 310). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+3:12IT (see L-N, 93.543).+3:13σπουδαίως ( spoudaiōs) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore italics have been used to give extra focus and emphasis to this element within the ME (see following note).+3:13Lit Diligently, or Earnestly. ME (see L-N, 68.65). Cf NET, NRSV.+3:13In this context, προπέμπω ( propempō) means to help someone with the provisions needed for a trip (see ANLEX, 330, sv προπέμπω 2; BDAG, 873, sv 2).+3:13Ζηνᾶν τὸν νομικὸν καὶ Ἀπολλῶν ( Zēnan ton nomikon kai Apollōn) is in P2 (see BART Display), and has therefore been placed at the end of the clause for extra focus and stress, with “for their journey” included in the following clause in order to ensure that it is clear to readers that Zenas and Apollos were the ones making the journey.+3:13μηδὲν ( mēden) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been rendered with an indefinite article for extra focus.+3:14Lit Ours, or Our own. ME (see BDAG, 438, sv ἡμέτερος; Robertson, Word Pictures, Tit 3:14; Vincent, Word Studies, 4:352; UBSHS [Tit], 313).+3:14καλῶν ἔργων ( kalōn ergon) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and has therefore been italicized for extra focus and emphasis.+3:15πάντες ( pantes) is in an embedded DFE position (see BART Display), and has therefore been segmented with commas for extra focus.+3:15This is an imperative of entreaty (ie, the imperative is functioning as a polite request/command).
=