Titus 3:9

Titus 3:9 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
• New International Version (NIV)But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
• English Standard Version (ESV)But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
• New King James Version (NKJV)But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

Context of Titus 3:9

7so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee). 8This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people. But avoid foolish and ill-informed and stupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless. 10After a first and second warning reject a divisive man [who promotes heresy and causes dissension—ban him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him], 11well aware that such a person is twisted and is sinning; he is convicted and self-condemned [and is gratified by causing confusion among believers].

Titus 3:9 word by word

μωρὰς δὲ ζητήσεις καὶ γενεαλογίας καὶ ἔρεις καὶ μάχας νομικὰς περιΐστασο· εἰσὶν γὰρ ἀνωφελεῖς καὶ μάταιοι.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Butδέde · thenG1161
• avoidπεριΐστημιperiistēmi · to stand aroundG4026
• foolishμωρόςmōros · foolishG3474
• questionsζήτησιςzētēsis · controversyG2214
• andκαίkai · andG2532
• genealogiesγενεαλογίαgenealogia · genealogyG1076
• contentionsἔριςeris · quarrelG2054
• strivingsμάχηmachē · quarrelG3163
• about the lawνομικόςnomikos · lawyerG3544
• forγάρgar · forG1063
• they areεἰμίeimi · to beG1510
• unprofitableἀνωφελήςanōpheles · uselessG512
• vainμάταιοςmataios · futileG3152

Commentaries on Titus 3:9

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 9Avoid foolish questions, and genealogies - In these the Jews particularly delighted; they abounded in the most frivolous questions; and, as they had little piety themselves, they were solicitous to show that they had descended from godly ancestors. Of their frivolous questions, and the answers given to them by the wisest and most reputable of their rabbins, the following is a specimen: - Rabbi Hillel was asked: Why have the Babylonians round heads? To…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 9But avoid foolish questions and genealogies - See the 1 Timothy 1:4 note; 2 Timothy 2:16, 2 Timothy 2:23 notes. And contentions, and strivings about the law - Such as the Jews started about various matters connected with the law - about meats and drinks, etc.; the notes at 1 Timothy 1:4; compare the notes at Acts 18:15. For they are unprofitable and vain - - They disturb and embitter the feelings; they lead to the indulgence of a bad spirit; they are…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 8-11Verses 8-11 When the grace of God towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed. Those who believe in God, must make it their care to maintain good works, to seek opportunities for doing them, being influenced by love and gratitude. Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but love sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. Though we…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-11The emphasis on sound teaching continues (1:9; 2:1). Now Paul shifts his focus to how the Christian community relates to society in general (compare 1 Timothy 2:2–4). As in Titus 2:1–15, God’s instructions for his people in 3:1–2 are based on his interactions with them (3:3–7; compare study note on 2:11–15). Paul then instructs Titus to avoid pointless arguments and to insist on beneficial teaching (3:8–11).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 99. avoid--stand aloof from. Same Greek, as in 2Ti 2:16; see on 2Ti 2:16. foolish--Greek, "insipid"; producing no moral fruit. "Vain talkers." genealogies--akin to the "fables" (see on 1Ti 1:4). Not so much direct heresy as yet is here referred to, as profitless discussions about genealogies of aeons, &c., which ultimately led to Gnosticism. Synagogue discourses were termed daraschoth, that is, "discussions." Compare "disputer of this world (Greek…Read the comment

Topics related to Titus 3:9

• Genealogy
• Minister, Christian
• Preaching
• Strife
• Vanity

In the dictionaries

• Admonition
• Constantly
• Contention
• Principality
• Regeneration
• Serve
• Striving
• Subject
• Titus, Epistle to
• Apostolic Age

Commentaries on Titus 3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings