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.
• New King James Version (NKJV)But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
• New Living Translation (NLT)Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

Context of Titus 3:9

7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

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