Titus 3:9
What does Titus 3:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Titus 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Titus 3:9 means
Not all religious talk is helpful. Paul commands Titus to avoid “foolish questionings, genealogies, strifes, and fightings about the law.” These speculative or partisan disputes consume energy but produce no holiness. They are “unprofitable and vain,” the opposite of the good works just commended. The church must learn to distinguish between sound teaching that leads to love and fruitfulness, and agendas that major on minor issues, breed division, or feed pride. By refusing to be drawn into such quarrels, leaders protect the flock’s focus on Christ’s saving grace and the practical obedience that flows from it. Wisdom sometimes says no to debates that only stir up dust.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But have nothing to do with foolish questionings, and lists of generations, and fights and arguments about the law; for they are of no profit and foolish.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law, stand away from--for they are unprofitable and vain.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the law, shun; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Context
Verse 9 contrasts with verse 8: what is profitable (good works rooted in grace) versus what is unprofitable (vain controversies). Paul now moves from avoiding empty disputes to handling those who persist in stirring them up. Verses 10–11 outline a sober approach to a divisive person—patient warning followed by rejection if unrepentant—because such behavior corrodes the church’s unity and mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
- 2 Timothy 2:23
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
- 1 Timothy 4:7
but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:
- 2 Timothy 2:14
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.
- Titus 1:14
not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
- Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk, Or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
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