Titus 2:9
What does Titus 2:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 2:9 means
Servants are urged to submit to their own masters, to aim at pleasing them in all things, and not to talk back. In the Roman world, many believers were enslaved; the gospel met them where they were and transformed their manner of life. Paul does not here reform social structures; he reforms hearts within them. For Christian servants, respectful obedience is a testimony to Christ’s lordship and a refusal to let resentment rule. Their daily work becomes worship when done with a willing spirit. By avoiding argumentative resistance, they display a different power—the quiet strength of those who serve God first, even as they serve human authorities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Servants are to be under the authority of their masters, pleasing them in all things, without argument;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Servants--to their own masters <FI>are<Fi> to be subject, in all things to be well-pleasing, not gainsaying,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters: in all things pleasing, not gainsaying:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890bondmen to be subject to their own masters, to make themselves acceptable in everything; not gainsaying;
Context
Paul extends sound doctrine’s implications to the most constrained social role in the ancient household: servants. Verse 9 begins with submission and respectful demeanor; verse 10 will add integrity and trustworthiness, culminating in a purpose that reaches beyond the workplace—adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour. This shift reminds the reader that Christian ethics are not limited to church gatherings but touch ordinary labor and relationships, where the faith’s credibility is most visible.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord:
- Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
- 1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed.
- 1 Peter 2:18
Servants, bein subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
- Ephesians 5:24
But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.
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