SIL Translator’s Notes on Titus 2000 – Page 2

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:5

3:5a

He saved us: In Greek the verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saved is the main verb of this long sentence (3:4–7). The pronoun He refers to God our Savior, from 3:4. The pronoun us refers to Paul, Titus, and all believers, all God’s people.

3:5b

not by the righteous deeds we had done: This verse part explains that God did not save his people on the grounds of any good works that they had done. Their righteous acts were not the cause of or reason for their salvation. They did nothing to contribute to it. Their salvation is not a reward for their good deeds.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

it was not because of any upright actions we had done ourselves (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
not because we had done righteous deeds

In some languages it may be natural to begin a new sentence here. For example:

He did not save us because of any righteous things we had done
-or-
It wasn’t because of the good things we had done. (New International Reader’s Version)

righteous deeds we had done: This phrase is more literally “works that we did in righteousness.” Paul did not make it clear whether or not people had in fact ever done any righteous deeds. Try to leave this open or ambiguous. For example:

any good deeds that we have done
-or-
good things we might have done

righteous deeds: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteous deeds refers to behaving or acting in righteous ways, deeds done in obedience to God’s laws. Other ways to translate this include:

upright actions (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
good works/deeds
-or-
things that are good in God’s sight

3:5c

but according to His mercy: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as but here introduces a strong contrast. Paul now gave the real or true reason why God acted to save us. The reason was his own mercy. Here are some other ways to translate this:

Rather, he saved us because he had mercy on us.
-or-
No, it was because of his mercy that he saved us.

His mercy: This phrase refers to God’s mercy, that is, God’s compassion for us. In some languages it may be natural to translate this as a clause with a verb. For example:

God had mercy on us
-or-
God showed us kindness

General Comment on 3:5a-c

In some languages it may be natural to reorder the information in these verse parts and put the positive statement first (5c) and the negative second (5b). God saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of our good deeds that he saved us. For example:

^5aHe saved us ^5cbecause of his mercy. ^5bIt was not because of the righteous things that we had done.

3:5d

through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit: In Greek this complex phrase can be understood in a number of different ways. Here are the main options:

(1) The Holy Spirit is the agent of one action, renewal. God saved people by means of two things: the washing of new birth and the renewal that was given or caused by the Holy Spirit. For example:

through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (NET Bible)

(2) The Holy Spirit is the agent of two actions (new birth, renewal). God saved people by means of one thing: washing them. This washing can be explained or understood as the new birth and renewal of the Holy Spirit. For example:

through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal (God’s Word)

(3) The Holy Spirit is the agent of three actions (washing, new birth, renewal). God saved people through these three actions of the Holy Spirit. For example:

through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us (Good News Bible)

All these options have wide support among scholars, and all can be defended from the Greek sentence structure. Some English translations (such as the Berean Standard Bible) are ambiguous or unclear. These Notes and Display follow interpretation (1).

through: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as through here introduces the means by which God saves people. Following interpretation (1) above, there are two means: “washing of rebirth” and “renewal by the Holy Spirit.” So in some languages it may be natural to repeat the word through and translate the entire phrase as:

through washing of rebirth and through renewal by/of the Holy Spirit

the washing of new birth: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as washing here means “cleansing.” It probably refers to inward cleansing, that is, to purifying people from sin. This washing or cleansing is symbolized by baptism. The phrase washing of new birth probably identifies washing as a new birth, that is, inward cleansing is a kind of rebirth, or results in new birth. For example:

cleansing us, causing us to receive new birth

new birth: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translated as new birth means “new beginning.” This word also occurs in Matthew to refer to the new creation. In this context it refers to the new beginning in someone’s life when they receive new life and become a Christian. Other NT writers use the figure of speech “born again” to refer to the event of becoming a Christian (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:3, 1:23). If you have already translated these passages, check the expression you used there before deciding what to do here. Other ways to translate this include:

God gave us new birth/life
-or-
God enabled us to begin to live in a new way
-or-
God caused us to follow a new path

renewal: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as renewal means “new beginning” in the sense of “a fresh start.” This word also occurs in Romans 12:2. In this context it has a similar meaning to “new birth.” The difference between the two is that the word for “new birth” indicates the starting point of new life, and the word for renewal refers to the new type of life that results from that new birth. Here are some other ways to translate this:

new life (Good News Bible)
-or-
making us/believers new people

by the Holy Spirit: As described in the note earlier in this verse part, scholars do not agree as to which action or actions Paul was referring as performed by the Holy Spirit. It is recommended that you translate this as referring to the action of “renewal,” that is, the Holy Spirit is the one who renews God’s people.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:4

2:4a

In this way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates In this way indicates the purpose for doing something. Here it connects the idea of training younger women (2:4a) as the purpose for the older women teaching what is good (2:3c).

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

so that (New American Standard Bible)

and so (Revised English Bible)

they can train: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as train means “encourage” or “advise.” The older women should show the younger women how to behave through their own good conduct and advice.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

they may encourage (New Revised Standard Version)

they can show (the younger women) how

the young women: This is a general term referring to women old enough to be married but young enough to still have a husband and children to care for.

Here is another way to translate this phrase:

young married women

2:4b

to love their husbands and children: The Greek text is more literally “to be lovers of their husbands, lovers of their children.” These two ideas represent the mark of a good wife in both Greek and Jewish cultures. They describe a deep affection for family and a commitment to meeting their needs.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

to take loving care of their husbands and children

to be loving wives and mothers (Revised English Bible)

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:7

3:7a-c

There are two main ways to understand the structure of 3:7a-c:

(1) The words “having been justified” indicate the basis or grounds for God making us his heirs. For example:

And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life (NET Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), English Standard Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) The words “having been justified” are part of God’s purpose. For example:

so that we might be justified by his grace

Paragraph 3:8

3:8 provides a link between paragraph 3:3–7 and the next paragraph, 3:9–11. It concludes the teachings in 3:4–7 with an assurance that these teachings are true and a command to Titus to emphasize them. Then, in 3:8d, Paul said that these teachings were “excellent and profitable,” in contrast with the “foolish” and “pointless” teachings he would talk about in 3:9–11.

Different translations start the new paragraph at different places. Because this paragraph is a link between two other paragraphs, it may be best to make it a paragraph by itself, as a number of English versions have done (for example, Good News Bible, New Century Version). You should put the paragraph breaks wherever is most helpful to your readers.

3:8a

This saying is trustworthy: This phrase refers back to what Paul has just written, probably 3:4–7, but possibly 3:1-7. Here are some other ways to translate this:

This is doctrine that you can rely on. (New Jerusalem Bible)

saying: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saying is literally “word, message.” It refers to what Paul had just been writing in the previous paragraph. It does not refer to just one word or one statement.

trustworthy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as trustworthy means “reliable,” “sure,” “certain to be true,” “something you can trust.” Paul was telling Titus that he could depend on and trust what he has just told him.

3:8b

And I want you: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And I want you is a way of introducing a request or polite command. You can translate it as:

And so I request that
-or-
And so you should
-or-
And please

to emphasize: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to emphasize means “to insist on” or “to stress.” This verb is in the present tense, which means that Paul wanted Titus to do this frequently or regularly, that is, to keep on emphasizing these matters.

In some languages it may be necessary to indicate to whom Titus was “to emphasize these things.” If this is the case in your language, you could say that Titus was to emphasize these teachings to the believers in Crete, who are mentioned in the following verse part, 3:8c. For example:

I want you to insist on these things to those who have trusted in God

these things: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as these things refers back to the same teachings as 3:8a, that is, the teachings Paul had just given in 3:4–7. You can also translate this phrase as:

these matters
-or-
these teachings
-or-
these instructions

3:8c

so that: The Greek word the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that here introduces the purpose or desired result of Paul’s instructions. Paul wanted Titus to emphasize his teachings in order that the believers in Crete would live in a right way.

those who have believed God: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as who have believed God refers to Christian believers in Crete. They were people who had trusted God to save them through Jesus Christ. If you have supplied an explicit description of them in 3:8b, here you may just refer back to them with a pronoun such as “they/them.”

will take care to devote themselves to good deeds: This long phrase indicates that Paul wanted the believers to think seriously about how to practice good works. He wanted them to consider carefully how they could do good to others and make a strong effort to do so.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

will be careful to use their lives for doing good (New Century Version)
-or-
will be sure to do good deeds (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
may be intent on engaging in good works (NET Bible)

to good deeds: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as good deeds is literally “good works.” See the comment on this in the note on 2:7a.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

good works (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
good things (God’s Word)
-or-
good deeds (Good News Bible)

3:8d

These things are excellent and profitable for the people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as These things refers to the advice and doctrinal truths that Paul had written about in the preceding verses, 3:4–7, or possibly 3:1–7. Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

These things are good and will help everyone. (New Century Version)
-or-
These things are good and beneficial for all people. (NET Bible)

excellent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as excellent means “good.”

profitable: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as profitable means “helpful, useful, beneficial.”

for the people: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as for the people is literally “for men.” This is, however, a use of “men” that refers to people in general.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:9

Paragraph 3:9–11

In this paragraph Paul gave his final instructions to Titus and the Christians on the island of Crete. He told them to avoid foolish arguments and to avoid people who cause division among Christians.

3:9a

But: The word But indicates that verse 3:9 contrasts with the previous verses. In 3:4-8 Paul wrote about parts of the Christian faith that were “excellent and profitable” for everyone. But now he will talk about things that are not excellent or profitable for people.

avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law: Paul lists four things that Titus should avoid. None of these are physical items. They all refer to actions that Titus should not get involved in. So in some languages it may be more natural to use a different verb or verbs. For example:

do not get involved in foolish controversies, in discussing genealogies, or in arguing and quarreling about the law
-or-
do not take part in foolish arguments about controversial things and family histories. Do not argue or quarrel about the law.

foolish controversies: Titus must avoid foolish controversies. These are foolish issues that people argue about unnecessarily.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

stupid arguments (Good News Bible)
-or-
foolish discussions (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

genealogies: Paul told Titus to avoid genealogies. A “genealogy” is a list of the names of ancestors.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

lists of ancestors
-or-
family histories

Paul did not condemn all genealogies. The Bible contains many genealogies. It seems that Paul wanted Titus not to argue about genealogies. We do not know exactly which genealogies Paul was talking about, but it was something to do with religion, and something that people studied and argued about.

In 1 Timothy 1:4 Paul spoke to Timothy about a similar problem with genealogies.

arguments, and quarrels about the law: The law here refers to the Jewish law, the law that God gave to Moses. The words arguments and quarrels are similar in meaning. Both words refer to fighting with words, not physical fighting. If your language does not have two words for arguments and quarrels you can combine them and say:

arguments about the Jewish law

3:9b

because these things are pointless and worthless: In 3:8 Paul said that Christian teachings were “excellent and profitable.” Now, in contrast, he said that arguing about unimportant things was pointless and worthless.

In some languages it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Also, you may want to repeat the main verb “avoid.” For example:

Avoid these arguments because they do not help anyone and are useless.

because: The word because here introduces the reason why Titus must avoid meaningless arguments. He must avoid them because they do not help anyone and they are of no use.

pointless: The word pointless means “of no help.” Things that are pointless do not help us to grow in the Christian faith. This is the opposite of the word translated as “profitable” in 3:8d.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

they do not help us to grow in the faith
-or-
nothing is gained from them

worthless: The word worthless means “useless” or “futile.” It is similar in meaning to “pointless.”

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

useless
-or-
empty
-or-
a waste of time (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:10

3:10a

Reject a divisive man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Reject means “keep/stay away from.” This need not refer to a formal process of excluding the person from the church (excommunication).

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

break off contact with a heretic (New American Bible)
-or-
have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
do not be involved with divisive people any more
-or-
turn away from a divisive person

a divisive man: A divisive man is someone who likes to argue a lot and encourages other people to argue and break relationships with those who disagree. Paul was not talking about a specific person. He wanted Titus to warn any and all people who caused divisions in the church. So in some languages it may be natural to use a plural form. For example:

Reject people who cause divisions among you

3:10b

after a first and second admonition: Paul told Titus that he should warn these people twice before taking stronger action. If the person did not change the way he was behaving after Titus had warned the person a second time, Titus must “reject” the person.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Warn him once and then warn him again.
-or-
Tell them once and if they do not stop tell them again.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:11

3:11a

knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful: The term such a man refers to any divisive person, any person who will not listen to Titus’ warnings. Paul was not talking about a specific person, but about any and all people who caused divisions in the church. So in some languages it may be natural to use a plural form. For example:

You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful (New International Version (2011 Revision))

corrupt: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as corrupt describes people who are not upright and straightforward in their character and behavior. Figuratively speaking, they are twisted.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

warped (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
perverted (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
deviated from what is right (New American Standard Bible)

sinful: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sinful is a verb that describes someone who habitually or regularly sins.

3:11b

he is self-condemned: This type of person condemns himself by the way he behaves. This means that the sinful things that these people do make it clear to everyone that they are sinners, in the wrong. Their sinful behavior shows what sort of people they are and proves that that they are in the wrong.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

their own sins show how guilty they are (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
their sins prove that they are wrong (Good News Bible)
-or-
condemned by their own actions (God’s Word)

Section 3:12–15
Final instructions and greetings

This is the final section of the letter. Paul concludes the letter with instructions about Titus’ situation, closing greetings, and a blessing.

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:12

Paragraph 3:12–14

3:12a

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you: Paul planned to send either Artemas or Tychicus to go to Crete. When Paul wrote this letter he had not yet sent either of these men. He had not yet decided which one to send. Paul was referring to the time when the one he chose would arrive in Crete. Here are some other ways to translate this:

Later I will send either Artemas or Tychicus to take your place. As soon as he arrives…
-or-
Later I will sent Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as that one meets you…

I send Artemas or Tychicus: Paul intended to ask Artemas or Tychicus to go to Crete. He expected that they would do as he asked. In your translation, use a verb that refers to asking someone to make a trip or do a task. For example:

I tell either Artemas or Tychicus to go
-or-
I ask either Artemas or Tychicus to go
-or-
I cause either Artemas or Tychicus to go

Artemas: This man is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.

Tychicus: This is most likely the same Tychicus mentioned in Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; and 2 Timothy 4:12.

3:12b

make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis: The phrase make every effort means “do your best.” Paul wanted Titus to try to join him at the city of Nicopolis on the Greek coast. Crete was an island. So Titus would have to make a voyage by sea.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

hurry to visit me in the city of Nicopolis (God’s Word)
-or-
join me at Nicopolis as soon as you can (Revised English Bible)

Nicopolis: Nicopolis was a city on the coast of Greece, northwest of Athens.

3:12c

because I have decided to winter there: Paul had decided to spend the winter months in Nicopolis. Ships usually did not travel on the Mediterranean Sea during the winter months of November through March because of stormy weather. Paul needed to find a place where he could spend those months.

When Paul wrote this letter, he was not yet in Nicopolis. If you need to make this clear in your translation, you could say:

because I have decided that I will go there and stay there during the winter
-or-
because that is where I will go to spend the winter

to winter: This phrase means “to pass the winter months.” If you do not have “winter” in your part of the world, here are two translation possibilities to consider:

• Use a phrase that mentions the cold. For example:

spend the cold season

• Use a phrase that mentions stormy weather. Refer to a time when it rains a lot, or a time when it is most difficult to travel by sea.

spend the rainy season

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SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:13

3:13a

Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos: Paul wanted Titus to help Zenas and Apollos while they traveled. It is not clear where Zenas and Apollos were when Paul was writing this letter. There are two possibilities:

• These two men were with Paul and he knew that they were soon going to Crete. Possibly they were the ones who took this letter to Titus. Most commentators hold this view.

• These two men were on Crete with Titus, and that they were about to leave on a trip. A few commentators hold this view.

In your translation, try not to be specific about where these men were because Paul did not give us this information.

Do your best: This translates the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “make every effort” in 3:12b. Paul wanted Titus to try hard to help these two men.

to equip: This phrase refers to helping travelers as they set out on a journey. See Acts 15:3; and 1 Corinthians 16:6.

Zenas the lawyer: Zenas is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. If you do not have a word for lawyer in your language, you could say “law expert,” or “person who is an expert in the civil law.” This was his profession. Zenas was probably working in the field of Roman civil law, not the Jewish religious law, the law of Moses.

Apollos: Most scholars think that this is the Apollos mentioned in Acts 18:24 and in 1 Corinthians 3:4–22. Spell his name the same way in each of these places.

3:13b

so that they will have everything they need: The Greek phrase is more literally “so that nothing to them is lacking.” Paul asked Titus to give Zenas and Apollos everything they needed for their journey. This might include money, food, and clothing.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

see that they lack nothing (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
make sure that they have everything that they need for their journey (Easy English Bible)

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Source: SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2000

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:5

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 2:4

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:7

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:9

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:10

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:11

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:12

SIL Translator's Notes on Titus 3:13

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