Titus 1:2
What does Titus 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 1:2 means
Paul ties his ministry to the hope of eternal life. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a sure expectation based on God’s character. God does not lie; therefore his promise stands firm. That promise reaches back before time, showing that salvation in Christ is no afterthought but part of God’s eternal purpose. The assurance of eternal life steadies believers amid a deceptive world. It also shows that Christian conduct flows from confidence in a faithful God: we live differently because our future is secure by divine promise, not by our performance. The God who cannot lie anchors both our doctrine and our daily choices.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;
KJV
King James Version · 1611In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In the hope of eternal life, which was made certain before eternal time, by the word of God who is ever true;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862upon hope of life age-during, which God, who doth not lie, did promise before times of ages,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in [the] hope of eternal life, whichGod, who cannot lie, promised before the ages of time,
Context
Flowing from his apostolic identity in verse 1, Paul highlights the content and security of the gospel he proclaims. This emphasis on God’s truthful promise contrasts with the deceitfulness that will later be associated with false teachers and the Cretan context (vv. 10–12). It prepares the reader to see church order and moral seriousness as fruit of a hope rooted in God’s unchanging truth.
v.1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
v.2This passage
v.3but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 5:2
through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- Colossians 1:27
to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
- Revelation 13:8
And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- Hebrews 6:17
Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;
- John 6:54
He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
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