King James Version

What Does Titus 2:14 Mean?

Titus 2:14 in the King James Version says “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous o...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Titus 2:14 · KJV

Context

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
Who gave himself for us—ὃς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν (hos edōken heauton hyper hēmōn)—ὑπέρ (hyper, for/on behalf of/in place of) indicates substitutionary atonement. Christ's self-giving (ἔδωκεν) was voluntary (John 10:18). That he might redeem us from all iniquity (ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης ἀνομίας, hina lytrōsētai hēmas apo pasēs anomias)—λυτρόω (lytroō, redeem/ransom) pictures purchasing slaves' freedom. ἀνομία (anomia, lawlessness) is comprehensive: πάσης (pasēs, from all).

And purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον, ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων, kai katharisē heautō laon periousion, zēlōtēn kalōn ergōn)—καθαρίζω (katharizō, cleanse/purify) makes holy. λαὸν περιούσιον (laon periousion, a treasured people) echoes Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6—Israel language applied to the church. ζηλωτήν (zēlōtēn, zealous/eager) for good works—redemption produces works, not vice versa.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse demolishes antinomianism: Christ died not merely to forgive but to purify and create a people eager for good works. Against cheap grace, Paul insists on costly discipleship. The church inherits Israel's covenant language (1 Peter 2:9-10), but ethnically redefined around Christ—Jews and Gentiles united in Him (Ephesians 2:11-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you understand redemption as both pardon (from iniquity) and power (for good works), or only the former?
  2. Are you zealous for good works as evidence of genuine redemption, or complacent and fruitless?
  3. How does recognizing the church as God's "treasured people" (replacing ethnic Israel) affect your view of the church's identity and mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὃς1 of 19

“Who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔδωκεν2 of 19

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἑαυτῷ3 of 19

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ὑπὲρ4 of 19

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἡμῶν5 of 19

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἵνα6 of 19

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

λυτρώσηται7 of 19

“he might redeem”

G3084

to ransom (literally or figuratively)

ἡμᾶς8 of 19

“us”

G2248

us

ἀπὸ9 of 19

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

πάσης10 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνομίας11 of 19

“iniquity”

G458

illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness

καὶ12 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

καθαρίσῃ13 of 19

“purify”

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

ἑαυτῷ14 of 19

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

λαὸν15 of 19

“people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

περιούσιον16 of 19

“a peculiar”

G4041

being beyond usual, i.e., special (one's own)

ζηλωτὴν17 of 19

“zealous”

G2207

a "zealot"

καλῶν18 of 19

“of good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἔργων19 of 19

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:14Ephesians 2:101 Peter 2:91 Peter 1:18Titus 3:8Revelation 5:9

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