Titus 3:14
New International Version
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

New Living Translation
Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

English Standard Version
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Berean Standard Bible
And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Berean Literal Bible
And also let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they should not be unfruitful.

King James Bible
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

New King James Version
And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

New American Standard Bible
Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.

NASB 1995
Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

NASB 1977
And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Legacy Standard Bible
And our people must also learn to lead in good works to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Amplified Bible
Our people must learn to do good deeds to meet necessary demands [whatever the occasion may require], so that they will not be unproductive.

Christian Standard Bible
Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful.

American Standard Version
And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Contemporary English Version
Our people should learn to spend their time doing something useful and worthwhile.

English Revised Version
And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Our people should also learn how to set an example by doing good things when urgent needs arise so that they can live productive lives.

Good News Translation
Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives.

International Standard Version
Our own people should also learn to make good deeds a priority when urgent needs arise, so they won't be unproductive.

Majority Standard Bible
And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.

NET Bible
Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful.

New Heart English Bible
Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

Webster's Bible Translation
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

Weymouth New Testament
And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.

World English Bible
Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and let them learn—ours also—to be leading in good works to the necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

Berean Literal Bible
And also let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they should not be unfruitful.

Young's Literal Translation
and let them learn -- ours also -- to be leading in good works to the necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

Smith's Literal Translation
And let ours also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But let our men also learn to excel in good works pertaining to the necessities of life, so that they may not be unfruitful.

New American Bible
But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

New Revised Standard Version
And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And let our people be taught to do good works in times of emergency, that they be not unfruitful.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they will teach those who are ours also to cultivate good works in matters of distress, lest they should be fruitless.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Let our people also learn to practice good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

Godbey New Testament
And let our people indeed learn to excel in good works for necessary uses, in order that they may not be unfruitful.

Haweis New Testament
And let those who belong to us learn also to be pre-eminent in good works for all necessary calls, that they be not without fruits.

Mace New Testament
Let our brethren too learn some honest profession to supply their occasions, that they may not be destitute of an income.

Weymouth New Testament
And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.

Worrell New Testament
And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful.

Worsley New Testament
And let our brethren-also learn to excel in good works for necessary exigencies, that they may not be unfruitful.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Final Remarks and Greetings
13Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. 14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful. 15All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.…

Cross References
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

2 Thessalonians 3:13
But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Romans 12:13
Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Colossians 1:10
so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


Treasury of Scripture

And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

learn.

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.

maintain good works.

Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

Acts 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

that.

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Matthew 7:19
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 21:19
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Jump to Previous
Apply Cases Daily Deeds Devote Engage Example Following Good Help Honest Learn Maintain Meet Necessary Necessities Need Order Ours Our's Pressing Provide Supply Themselves Unfruitful Unproductive Urgent Useless Uses Works
Jump to Next
Apply Cases Daily Deeds Devote Engage Example Following Good Help Honest Learn Maintain Meet Necessary Necessities Need Order Ours Our's Pressing Provide Supply Themselves Unfruitful Unproductive Urgent Useless Uses Works
Titus 3
1. Titus is further directed by Paul concerning the things that he should teach and not teach.
10. He is to reject obstinate heretics.
12. Paul appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him.














And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works
This phrase emphasizes the importance of active participation in good works as a reflection of faith. The early Christian community was encouraged to live out their faith through tangible actions, aligning with James 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead. The call to "learn" suggests a process of growth and discipleship, indicating that good works are not innate but cultivated through teaching and practice. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ, who exemplified a life of service and compassion.

in order to meet the pressing needs of others
The early church was characterized by a strong sense of community and mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions to ensure no one was in need. This phrase highlights the practical aspect of Christian love, which is not merely theoretical but actively seeks to address the immediate and tangible needs of others. The historical context of the early church, often facing persecution and poverty, made such support crucial for survival and witness. This call to action reflects the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized caring for the "least of these" (Matthew 25:40).

so that they will not be unfruitful
Fruitfulness in the Christian life is a recurring theme in the New Testament, symbolizing spiritual growth and the visible evidence of a transformed life. Jesus spoke of bearing fruit as a sign of true discipleship in John 15:5, where He states that those who abide in Him will bear much fruit. The concept of fruitfulness is also linked to the idea of living a life that glorifies God and advances His kingdom. In the cultural context of the time, fruitfulness was often associated with productivity and blessing, contrasting with the barrenness that symbolized disobedience or judgment. This phrase serves as a reminder that good works are not only beneficial to others but also essential for the spiritual vitality and witness of the believer.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living.

2. Titus
A trusted companion of Paul, serving as a leader in the early church on the island of Crete, tasked with organizing and instructing the believers there.

3. Cretan Believers
The recipients of Paul's letter, who were encouraged to live out their faith through good works and sound doctrine.

4. Crete
An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to oversee the church and ensure the believers were living according to the teachings of Christ.

5. Urgent Need
Situations requiring immediate attention and assistance, highlighting the importance of readiness and willingness to help others.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Learning
Believers must be taught and learn to devote themselves to good works. This is not an innate behavior but a discipline that requires intentionality and practice.

Devotion to Good Works
The call to devote oneself to good works is a continuous commitment. It involves prioritizing actions that meet urgent needs and reflect Christ's love.

Addressing Urgent Needs
Christians are called to be attentive and responsive to the immediate needs around them. This requires discernment and a readiness to act.

Fruitfulness in the Christian Life
A fruitful Christian life is marked by active engagement in good works. This fruitfulness is evidence of a living faith and a testimony to the world.

Community Responsibility
The phrase "our people" indicates a communal responsibility. The church as a body should collectively engage in good works, supporting one another in this mission.(14) And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses.--"Ours," that is, those who with St. Paul and Titus in Crete called upon the name of Jesus. A last reminder to the brethren, whom with a loving thought he calls "ours," constantly to practise good and beneficent works. In the expression "let ours also learn," it would seem as though St. Paul would have Christians trained to the wise and thoughtful performance of works of mercy and charity.

It was with such injunctions as these that men like St. Paul and St. James laid the foundation storeys of those great Christian works of charity--all undreamed of before the Resurrection morning--but which have been for eighteen centuries in all lands, the glory of the religion of Jesus--one grand result of the Master's presence with us on earth, which even His bitterest enemies admire with a grudging admiration.

In the short compass of these Pastoral Epistles, in all only thirteen chapters, we have no less than eight special reminders to be earnest and zealous in good works. There was evidently a dread in St. Paul's mind that some of those who professed a love of Jesus, and said that they longed after the great salvation, would content themselves with a dreamy acquiescence in the great truths, while the life remained unaltered. It is noteworthy that these Epistles, containing so many urgent exhortations to work for Christ, were St. Paul's last inspired utterances. The passages in question are Titus 1:16; Titus 2:7; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:14; 1Timothy 2:10; 1Timothy 5:10; 1Timothy 6:18; 2Timothy 2:21. . . .

Verse 14. - Our people for ours, A.V. Our people also. The natural inference is that Titus had some fund at his disposal with which he was to help the travelers, but that St. Paul wished the Cretan Christians to contribute also. But it may also mean, as Luther suggests, "Let our Christians learn to do what Jews do, and even heathens too, viz. provide for the real wants of their own." To maintain good works (ver. 8, note) for necessary uses (εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας); such as the wants of the missionaries (comp. 3 John 5:6; see also Romans 12:13; Philippians 2:25; Philippians 4:16, etc.). The phrase means "urgent necessities," the "indispensable wants." In classical Greek τὰ ἀνάγκαια are "the necessaries of life." That they be not unfruitful (ἄκαρποι); comp. 2 Peter 1:8 and Colossians 1:6, 10.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

our [people]
ἡμέτεροι (hēmeteroi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2251: Our, our own. From thnetos; our.

must also learn
μανθανέτωσαν (manthanetōsan)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

to devote themselves to
προΐστασθαι (proistasthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle
Strong's 4291: From pro and histemi; to stand before, i.e. to preside, or to practise.

good
καλῶν (kalōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

works
ἔργων (ergōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

in order to meet
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] pressing
ἀναγκαίας (anankaias)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 316: Necessary, essential, intimate, right, proper. From anagke; necessary; by implication, close.

needs [of others],
χρείας (chreias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5532: From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

they will not be
ὦσιν (ōsin)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

unfruitful.
ἄκαρποι (akarpoi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 175: Unfruitful, barren, profitless. Barren.


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NT Letters: Titus 3:14 Let our people also learn to maintain (Ti. Tt.)
Titus 3:13
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