Titus 3:1
What does Titus 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:1 means
Paul urges Titus to keep reminding believers to live as good citizens. Christians are to submit to rulers and authorities, not as blind loyalists but as those who honor God’s order in society. Obedience here means a ready, willing posture, not grudging compliance. Being “ready for every good work” widens the call beyond mere avoidance of trouble; it is a summons to active service—meeting needs, promoting justice, and doing tangible good. The verse guards the church’s witness in a pagan culture: humble cooperation, industrious helpfulness, and public-spirited kindness commend the gospel more than loud claims. True piety shows itself in patient, civic faithfulness for the common good.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Remind them to be subject to principalities and authorities, to obey rule, unto every good work to be ready,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Put them in mind to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient to rule, to be ready to do every good work,
Context
This opening command continues Paul’s practical focus from earlier in the letter, moving from household and church order to conduct in public life. Verse 1 sets the tone: believers must be known for constructive obedience and readiness to serve. The next verse fills out the relational spirit that should mark this stance—no slander, no quarrels, but gentleness toward all. Then Paul will ground these ethical calls in the gospel itself (verses 3–7), showing that our redeemed past and God’s mercy shape our present behavior in society.
v.1This passage
v.2to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:
- Isaiah 43:26
Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: set thou forth thy cause, that thou mayest be justified.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
- Romans 13:1
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.
- 1 Peter 2:13
Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;
- Ecclesiastes 8:2
I counsel thee, Keep the king’s command, and that in regard of the oath of God.
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