Titus 3:14
What does Titus 3:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:14 means
Paul broadens the call: “our people” must learn to devote themselves to good works that meet pressing needs, so they will not be unfruitful. Good works here are purposeful and responsive—they address real necessities, whether within the church or in the wider community. Learning suggests growth: believers cultivate habits of watchfulness, generosity, and initiative. Fruitfulness is measured not by talk but by tangible help that blesses others and reflects God’s mercy. This verse gathers the chapter’s strands—civic readiness, gentleness, gospel-driven obedience—and translates them into everyday service that avoids idle speculation and shows the living power of grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and let them learn--ours also--to be leading in good works to the necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and let ours also learn to apply themselves to good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful.
Context
Following the example of supplying Zenas and Apollos (v. 13), verse 14 generalizes the lesson to the whole church: sustained, practical good works prevent spiritual barrenness. This returns to the “profitable” focus of verse 8 and contrasts again with the “unprofitable” disputes of verse 9. The letter will end with greetings (v. 15), framing the call to fruitfulness within relationships marked by shared faith and the grace that sustains all.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.
- Titus 3:8
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9
For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
- John 15:8
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8
neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:
- Acts 18:3
and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.
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