Titus 3:8
What does Titus 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:8 means
Paul calls his summary of salvation a “faithful saying” and urges Titus to insist on it, because right doctrine fuels right living. Those who have believed God are to take care to “maintain good works”—to devote themselves intentionally and consistently to doing what is beneficial. Such works are not the root of salvation but its fruit, and they are “good and profitable” for people; they build up the church and bless society. Gospel assurance does not produce laziness; it produces careful, sustained service. Pastors must therefore keep grace central, not as a slogan, but as the engine that drives an active, generous, and useful Christian life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Faithful 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Faithful 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is a true saying; and it is my desire that you may give certain witness about these things, so that those who have had faith in God may give attention to good works. These things are good and of profit to men;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Stedfast <FI>is<Fi> the word; and concerning these things I counsel thee to affirm fully, that they may be thoughtful, to be leading in good works--who have believed God; these are the good and profitable things to men,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have thee affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The word [is] faithful, and I desire that thou insist strenuously on these things, that they who have believedGod may take care to pay diligent attention to good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Context
After expounding God’s saving mercy (vv. 4–7), Paul applies it directly: stress this truth so that believers will live it out in good works. Verse 8 highlights what is truly “profitable.” The contrast follows in verse 9, where Paul warns against unprofitable debates—foolish controversies, genealogies, and legal quarrels. Thus the chapter pivots from doctrine to practice and then to discernment about what builds up versus what distracts and divides.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:21
who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
- 1 Timothy 1:15
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:
- John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.
- Job 22:2
Can a man be profitable unto God? Surely he that is wise is profitable unto himself.
- Psalms 16:2
O my soul, thou hast said unto Jehovah, Thou art my Lord: I have no good beyond thee.
- Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Titus 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Titus 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Born Again
Being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth, a transformative process initiated by God and experienced through faith in Jesus Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.