The Meaning of Titus 3:3 Explained

Titus 3:3

KJV: For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

YLT: for we were once -- also we -- thoughtless, disobedient, led astray, serving desires and pleasures manifold, in malice and envy living, odious -- hating one another;

Darby: For we were once ourselves also without intelligence, disobedient, wandering in error, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

ASV: For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  we ourselves  also  were  sometimes  foolish,  disobedient,  deceived,  serving  divers  lusts  and  pleasures,  living  in  malice  and  envy,  hateful,  [and] hating  one another. 

What does Titus 3:3 Mean?

Verse Meaning

To motivate his readers to obey these commands Paul encouraged them by reminding them of the way they used to be. They had already come a long way. Each characteristic he mentioned in this verse contrasts with one he had urged his readers to adopt earlier in this epistle. They-Paul included himself-had been foolish, not sensible; disobedient, not submissive; deceived, not enlightened; and enslaved, not free and self-disciplined. Moreover they had been malicious, not peaceable; envious, not considerate; and hateful, not loving. [1] Again, Christian behavior is to be the opposite of Cretan behavior.

Context Summary

Titus 3:1-7 - Making Return To God's Loving-Kindness
Throughout this Epistle, the Apostle insists on good works. See Titus 2:7; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:8; Titus 3:14. The word good might be rendered beautiful. We must not work to be saved, but being saved we must be ready to every good work, and careful to maintain good works. In this last phrase the Apostle apparently refers to the trades and callings by which his converts were to earn their daily bread.
What singular beauty there is in this allusion to the appearance of the kindness and love of God our Savior! These appeared in the person of Jesus, whose human nature alternately veiled and revealed them. The full outshining of God's love was curtained by the veil of His humanity, but enough was shown to irradiate the life of humanity, if only men's eyes had not been blind. Paul speaks of the laver of regeneration, Titus 3:5, r.v., margin, because the new nature, which we receive when we are born again, is clean, and cleanses the entire life from within outward. This is the result of the daily renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom God is ever pouring richly into our hearts. Is this your experience? Will you not claim an ever-increasing inflow? You have been born again; then, as an heir, enter upon the double portion of the firstborn, Titus 3:7. [source]

Chapter Summary: Titus 3

1  Titus is further directed by Paul concerning the things that he should teach and not teach
10  He is to reject obstinate heretics
12  Paul appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him

Greek Commentary for Titus 3:3

Aforetime [ποτε]
“Once” in our unconverted state as in Ephesians 2:3. [source]
Foolish [ανοητοι]
See Romans 1:14, Romans 1:21. Disobedient (απειτεις — apeitheis). See note on Romans 1:30. Deceived Present passive participle of πλαναω — planaō though the middle is possible. Divers lusts (ηδοναις ποικιλαις — hēdonais poikilais). “Pleasures” (ηδοναις — hēdonais from ηδομαι — hēdomai old word, in N.T. only here, Luke 8:14; James 4:1, James 4:3; 2 Peter 2:13). Ποικιλαις — Poikilais (old word) is many-coloured as in Mark 1:34; James 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:6, etc. Living See note on 1 Timothy 3:6 (supply βιον — bion). In malice (εν κακιαι — en kakiāi). See note on Romans 1:29. Envy See note on Romans 1:29. Hateful (στυγητοι — stugētoi). Late passive verbal from στυγεω — stugeō to hate. In Philo, only here in N.T. Hating one another Active sense and natural result of being “hateful.” [source]
Disobedient [απειτεις]
See note on Romans 1:30. [source]
Deceived [πλανωμενοι]
Present passive participle of πλαναω — planaō though the middle is possible. Divers lusts (ηδοναις ποικιλαις — hēdonais poikilais). “Pleasures” (ηδοναις — hēdonais from ηδομαι — hēdomai old word, in N.T. only here, Luke 8:14; James 4:1, James 4:3; 2 Peter 2:13). Ποικιλαις — Poikilais (old word) is many-coloured as in Mark 1:34; James 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:6, etc. Living See note on 1 Timothy 3:6 (supply βιον — bion). In malice (εν κακιαι — en kakiāi). See note on Romans 1:29. Envy See note on Romans 1:29. Hateful (στυγητοι — stugētoi). Late passive verbal from στυγεω — stugeō to hate. In Philo, only here in N.T. Hating one another Active sense and natural result of being “hateful.” [source]
Divers lusts [ηδοναις ποικιλαις]
“Pleasures” Ποικιλαις — Poikilais (old word) is many-coloured as in Mark 1:34; James 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:6, etc. [source]
Living [διαγοντες]
See note on 1 Timothy 3:6 (supply βιον — bion). In malice (εν κακιαι — en kakiāi). See note on Romans 1:29. Envy See note on Romans 1:29. Hateful (στυγητοι — stugētoi). Late passive verbal from στυγεω — stugeō to hate. In Philo, only here in N.T. Hating one another Active sense and natural result of being “hateful.” [source]
In malice [εν κακιαι]
See note on Romans 1:29. [source]
Envy [πτονωι]
See note on Romans 1:29. Hateful (στυγητοι — stugētoi). Late passive verbal from στυγεω — stugeō to hate. In Philo, only here in N.T. Hating one another Active sense and natural result of being “hateful.” [source]
Hateful [στυγητοι]
Late passive verbal from στυγεω — stugeō to hate. In Philo, only here in N.T. [source]
Hating one another [μισουντες αλληλους]
Active sense and natural result of being “hateful.” [source]
Divers - pleasures [ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις]
Ἡδονή pleasureonly here in Pastorals. oP. See on James 4:1. For ποικίλαις diverssee on 2 Timothy 3:6. [source]
Malice [κακίᾳ]
Only here in Pastorals. See on James 1:21. In N.T. κακία is a special form of vice, not viciousness in general, as Cicero, Tusc. iv. 15, who explains by “vitiositas, a viciousness which includes all vices.” Calvin, on Ephesians 4:32, defines as “ a viciousness of mind opposed to humanity and fairness, and commonly styled malignity.” The homily ascribed to Clement of Rome, describes κακία as the forerunner ( προοδοίπορον ) of our sins (x). Malice is a correct translation. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Titus 3:3

Romans 1:30 Haters of God [θεοστυγεῖς]
Rev., hateful to God. All classical usage is in favor of the passive sense, but all the other items of the list are active. Meyer defends the passive on the ground that the term is a summary of what precedes. The weight of authority is on this side. The simple verb στυγέω tohate, does not occur in the New Testament. Στυγητός hatefulis found Titus 3:3. The verb is stronger than, μισέω Ihate, since it means to show as well as to feel hatred. [source]
Galatians 3:1 Foolish [ἀνόητοι]
See on Luke 24:25. In N.T. and lxx always in an active sense. See Luke 24:25; Romans 1:14; 1 Timothy 6:9; Titus 3:3. Νοῦς is used by Paul mainly with an ethical reference, as the faculty of moral judgment. See on Romans 7:23. Ἀνόητος therefore indicates a folly which is the outgrowth of a moral defect. Paul is not alluding to a national characteristic of the Galatians. [source]
1 Timothy 2:2 We may lead [διάγωμεν]
PastoComp. Titus 3:3. [source]
1 Timothy 2:2 And all them that are in high place [και παντων των εν υπεροχηι οντων]
υπεροχη — Huperochē is old word (from υπεροχος — huperochos and this from υπερ — huper and εχω — echō), but in N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 2:1. That we may lead (ινα διαγωμεν — hina diagōmen). Purpose clause with present active subjunctive of διαγω — diagō an old and common verb, but in N.T. only here and Titus 3:3. Tranquil Late adjective from the old adverb ηρεμα — ērema (stilly, quietly). Here only in N.T. Quiet (ησυχιον — hēsuchion). Old adjective, once in lxx (Isa 66:2), in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 3:4. Life Old word for course of life (not ζωη — zōē). So Luke 8:14. Gravity (σεμνοτητι — semnotēti). Old word from σεμνος — semnos (Philemon 4:8), in N.T. only here, 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 2:7. [source]
1 Timothy 2:2 That we may lead [ινα διαγωμεν]
Purpose clause with present active subjunctive of διαγω — diagō an old and common verb, but in N.T. only here and Titus 3:3. [source]
2 Timothy 3:6 Divers [ποικίλαις]
In Pastorals only here and Titus 3:3. Lit. variegated, of different tints. See on manifold wisdom, Ephesians 3:10. [source]
2 Timothy 3:6 Take captive [αιχμαλωτιζοντες]
“Taking captive.” Present active participle of αιχμαλωτιζω — aichmalōtizō for which see note on 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 7:23. Silly women (γυναικαρια — gunaikaria). Literally, “little women” (diminutive of γυνη — gunē), found in Diocles (comedian of 5 century b.c.) and in Epictetus. The word here is neuter (grammatical gender) plural. Used contemptuously here (only N.T. example). Ramsay suggests “society ladies.” It is amazing how gullible some women are with religious charlatans who pose as exponents of “new thought.” Laden with sins Perfect passive participle of σωρευω — sōreuō old word from Aristotle down (from σωρος — sōros a heap) to heap up. In N.T. only here and Romans 12:20. Associative instrumental case αμαρτιαις — hamartiais Divers (ποικιλαις — poikilais). Many coloured. See note on Titus 3:3. One has only to recall Schweinfurth, the false Messiah of forty odd years ago with his “heavenly harem” in Illinois and the recent infamous “House of David” in Michigan to understand how these Gnostic cults led women into licentiousness under the guise of religion or of liberty. The priestesses of Aphrodite and of Isis were illustrations ready to hand. Αγομενα — Agomena (present passive participle) means “continually led astray or from time to time.” [source]
2 Timothy 3:6 Laden with sins [σεσωρευμενα αμαρτιαις]
Perfect passive participle of σωρευω — sōreuō old word from Aristotle down (from σωρος — sōros a heap) to heap up. In N.T. only here and Romans 12:20. Associative instrumental case αμαρτιαις — hamartiais Divers (ποικιλαις — poikilais). Many coloured. See note on Titus 3:3. One has only to recall Schweinfurth, the false Messiah of forty odd years ago with his “heavenly harem” in Illinois and the recent infamous “House of David” in Michigan to understand how these Gnostic cults led women into licentiousness under the guise of religion or of liberty. The priestesses of Aphrodite and of Isis were illustrations ready to hand. Αγομενα — Agomena (present passive participle) means “continually led astray or from time to time.” [source]
2 Timothy 3:6 Divers [ποικιλαις]
Many coloured. See note on Titus 3:3. One has only to recall Schweinfurth, the false Messiah of forty odd years ago with his “heavenly harem” in Illinois and the recent infamous “House of David” in Michigan to understand how these Gnostic cults led women into licentiousness under the guise of religion or of liberty. The priestesses of Aphrodite and of Isis were illustrations ready to hand. Αγομενα — Agomena (present passive participle) means “continually led astray or from time to time.” [source]

What do the individual words in Titus 3:3 mean?

Were for once also we ourselves foolish disobedient being deceived serving lusts and pleasures various in malice envy living hateful hating one another
Ἦμεν γάρ ποτε καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀνόητοι ἀπειθεῖς πλανώμενοι δουλεύοντες ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἡδοναῖς ποικίλαις ἐν κακίᾳ φθόνῳ διάγοντες στυγητοί μισοῦντες ἀλλήλους

ποτε  once 
Parse: Particle
Root: ποτέ  
Sense: once i.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
ἡμεῖς  we  ourselves 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἀνόητοι  foolish 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀνόητος 
Sense: not understood, unintelligible.
ἀπειθεῖς  disobedient 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπειθής  
Sense: impersuasible, not compliant, disobedient, contumacious.
πλανώμενοι  being  deceived 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: πλανάω  
Sense: to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way.
δουλεύοντες  serving 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: δουλεύω  
Sense: to be a slave, serve, do service.
ἐπιθυμίαις  lusts 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἐπιθυμία  
Sense: desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust.
ἡδοναῖς  pleasures 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ἡδονή  
Sense: pleasure.
ποικίλαις  various 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Plural
Root: ποικίλος  
Sense: a various colours, variegated.
κακίᾳ  malice 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: κακία  
Sense: malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure.
φθόνῳ  envy 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: φθόνος  
Sense: envy.
διάγοντες  living 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: διάγω  
Sense: to lead through, lead across, send across.
στυγητοί  hateful 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: στυγητός  
Sense: hated, detestable.
μισοῦντες  hating 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: μισέω  
Sense: to hate, pursue with hatred, detest.
ἀλλήλους  one  another 
Parse: Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀλλήλων  
Sense: one another, reciprocally, mutually.