Titus 3:5
What does Titus 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:5 means
Salvation is entirely of God’s mercy, not a reward for righteous deeds we performed. Paul insists that God saved us “according to his mercy,” cutting off every ground for boasting. How did he do this? Through “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” This speaks of cleansing and new birth—the Spirit applies Christ’s saving work by giving us a fresh, God-centered life and washing away the guilt and stain of sin. Renewal is not cosmetic; it is a new creation worked by God within. The verse anchors assurance: our hope rests on God’s merciful action and the Spirit’s transforming power, not on the shifting sands of human achievement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000not 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901not 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation, through the washing of the new birth and the giving of new life in the Holy Spirit,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862(not by works that <FI>are<Fi> in righteousness that we did but according to His kindness,) He did save us, through a bathing of regeneration, and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890not on the principle of works which [have been done] in righteousness which we had done, but according to his own mercy he saved us through [the] washing of regeneration and renewal of [the] Holy Spirit,
Context
Continuing the announcement that God’s kindness appeared (v. 4), verse 5 explains the basis and means of salvation. It is mercy, not merit, and it comes by the Spirit’s regenerating and renewing work. The following verse (v. 6) shows the lavishness of this gift and identifies Jesus Christ as the one through whom the Spirit is poured out. Verse 7 then describes the outcome of this saving mercy: being justified by grace and made heirs with the sure hope of eternal life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.
- Psalms 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee.
- 1 Peter 2:10
who in time past were no people, but now are the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
- Romans 3:20
because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.
- Titus 3:4
But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,
- Romans 12:2
And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
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