This verse is part of a long sentence that begins in verse 11 and ends in verse 14, a form that is retained by Revised Standard Version. Many translations start a new sentence here in order to clearly indicate that the subject of this verse is “grace” mentioned in verse 11 (for example, Good News Translation “That grace,” Translator’s New Testament “It”).

This verse relates “grace” to Christian behavior, that is, it is revealed for the purpose of showing Christians how to live properly in this world. “Grace” is here personified, since it is able to train; this may be a problem in some languages, in which case the verse can be restructured to show that it is indeed God who does the training, and “grace” is God’s instrument (for example, “By this grace God instructs us” or “Through his kindness God…”; compare Revised English Bible “and by it we are disciplined…”).

Training translates a participial form of the verb that refers to the education and disciplining of a child; hence “to teach,” “to instruct,” “to discipline” (see further on “learn” in 1 Tim 1.20 and on “correcting” in 2 Tim 2.25). The object of training is us, which in this context is a general reference to Christians, including Titus, and therefore should be translated as inclusive. The instruction consists of negative and positive elements. Negatively we are to renounce (“give up,” see “disowned” in 1 Tim 5.8) irreligion and worldly passions.

Irreligion is the negative form of the word often used in these letters to mean “godliness” or “religion,” hence “godlessness,” “ungodliness.” See further on 2 Tim 2.16. Other ways of expressing this are “wicked ways” (Contemporary English Version), “way of life which does not reverence God.”

Worldly translates a term that pertains to systems or standards of this world, with the implication that this world is bad or corrupt. For passions see “desires” and comments in 1 Tim 6.9. Worldly passions are desires that are according to worldly standards resulting in immoral behavior and therefore against the will of God.

Positively we are to live lives characterized by sobriety, uprightness, and godliness. For sober see “sensible” in 1 Tim 3.2; for upright see on Titus 1.8; for godly see 2 Tim 3.12. For in this world see on 1 Tim 6.17.

Alternative translation models for the first part of this verse are:

• God’s kindness to us instructs us to renounce our [inclusive] wicked ways (or, sinful life) and worldly desires …

Or:

• Through his kindness God teaches us [inclusive] to …

Or:

• He [God] taught us …

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Titus. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .