King James Version

What Does Titus 2:13 Mean?

Titus 2:13 in the King James Version says “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; glorious: Gr. t...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; glorious: Gr. the appearance of the glory of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ”

Titus 2:13 · KJV

HopeSalvation

Context

11

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, hath: or, to all men, hath appeared

12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; glorious: Gr. the appearance of the glory of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ

14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ—προσδεχόμενοι (prosdechomenoi, awaiting/expecting) τὴν μακαρίαν ἐλπίδα (tēn makarian elpida, the blessed hope). καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν (kai epiphaneian, and appearing/manifestation) τῆς δόξης (tēs doxēs, of the glory) τοῦ μεγάλου θεοῦ καὶ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (tou megalou theou kai sōtēros hēmōn Iēsou Christou).

Grammatically, this is the famous "Granville Sharp Rule": single article governing two nouns joined by καί (kai, and) indicates they're the same person. "The great God and our Savior" both refer to Jesus Christ—explicit affirmation of Christ's deity. Jesus is θεός (theos, God), awaited in glory. This motivates present godliness (v. 12): we live between Christ's first appearing (v. 11, ἐπεφάνη, epephanē) and second appearing (v. 13, ἐπιφάνειαν, epiphaneian).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christianity's eschatological orientation distinguished it from pagan resignation and Jewish this-worldly messianism. Believers lived in the "already-not yet," inaugurated eschatology: the kingdom begun but not consummated. This created urgency without fanaticism, hope without passivity. Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22)—"Our Lord, come!"—expressed this longing.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does Christ's return function as living hope shaping daily conduct, or is it abstract doctrine divorced from practice?
  2. How does affirming Jesus's full deity ("the great God") affect your worship, prayer, and obedience?
  3. What specific sins would you cease and what good works would you pursue if you truly expected Christ's imminent return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
προσδεχόμενοι1 of 16

“Looking for”

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

τὴν2 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μακαρίαν3 of 16

“that blessed”

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

ἐλπίδα4 of 16

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

καὶ5 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιφάνειαν6 of 16

“appearing”

G2015

a manifestation, i.e., (specially) the advent of christ (past or future)

τῆς7 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δόξης8 of 16

“the glorious”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ9 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλου10 of 16

“of the great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

θεοῦ11 of 16

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ12 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σωτῆρος13 of 16

“Saviour”

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ἡμῶν14 of 16

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ15 of 16

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ16 of 16

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Titus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Titus 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Titus 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:81 Corinthians 1:7Matthew 16:27Titus 1:22 Peter 3:12-14Mark 14:62

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