Titus 3:4
What does Titus 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:4 means
Against the backdrop of human sin and strife, Paul announces that the kindness and love of “God our Saviour” appeared. This is God taking the first step, revealing his benevolent heart toward humanity. The word “appeared” points to a decisive unveiling—ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, in whom God’s saving love became visible in history. The emphasis lies on God’s character: he is kind and he loves people. Our hope does not rest in moral self-improvement but in God’s initiative to draw near and rescue. The verse prepares us to see salvation as something done for us and given to us, not earned by us.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,
KJV
King James Version · 1611But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when the mercy of God our Saviour, and his love to man was seen,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when the kindness and the love to men of God our Saviour did appear
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when the kindness and love to man of our SaviourGod appeared,
Context
After recalling our former slavery to sin (v. 3), Paul turns to the bright center of the gospel. Verse 4 opens the theological core of the chapter (vv. 4–7) by focusing on God’s kindness and love appearing. The next verse will clarify that salvation is not by our works but by God’s mercy, applied through the Holy Spirit’s renewing work. Verses 6–7 then name Jesus Christ as the mediator of the Spirit and unfold the gracious results: justification and heirship to eternal life.
v.3For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
v.4This passage
v.5not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 2:4
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
- Ephesians 2:4
but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
- 2 Timothy 1:10
but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
- 1 Timothy 4:10
For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.
- Titus 2:10
not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
- Hebrews 9:26
else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
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