King James Version

What Does Titus 2:9 Mean?

Titus 2:9 in the King James Version says “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; answe...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; answering: or, gainsaying”

Titus 2:9 · KJV

Context

7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

9

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; answering: or, gainsaying

10

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

11

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters—δούλους (doulous, slaves) describes involuntary servitude, not mere employment. ὑποτάσσεσθαι (hypotassesthai, to submit/be subject to) is present infinitive: continuous submission. ἰδίοις δεσπόταις (idiois despotais, their own masters)—δεσπότης (despotēs, master/lord) implies absolute authority. And to please them well in all things (εὐαρέστους εἶναι ἐν πᾶσιν, euarestous einai en pasin, to be well-pleasing in all things)—sacrificial service, not bare minimum.

Not answering again (μὴ ἀντιλέγοντας, mē antilegontas)—ἀντιλέγω (antilegō, to speak against/contradict/argue back). Slaves had no legal recourse; arguing invited punishment. Christianity didn't immediately abolish slavery but planted gospel seeds (Philemon) that eventually destroyed it. Meanwhile, Christian slaves demonstrated gospel transformation through counter-cultural service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman slavery's brutality is hard to overstate: masters owned slaves' bodies absolutely. Paul's instruction isn't endorsement but pastoral wisdom for vulnerable believers. Immediate revolution would be crushed; patient gospel witness gradually undermined slavery's foundation. The "Servile Wars" showed armed slave revolts invited massive retaliation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you serve in your employment—as unto Christ or merely when supervised?
  2. Do you obey and honor imperfect authority structures God has placed you under, or do you constantly resist and complain?
  3. How does the gospel transform your attitude toward difficult bosses, unfair treatment, or unrewarding labor?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
δούλους1 of 10

“Exhort servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἰδίοις2 of 10

“unto their own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

δεσπόταις3 of 10

“masters”

G1203

an absolute ruler ("despot")

ὑποτάσσεσθαι4 of 10

“to be obedient”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

ἐν5 of 10

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πᾶσιν6 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

εὐαρέστους7 of 10

“please them well”

G2101

fully agreeable

εἶναι8 of 10

“and to”

G1511

to exist

μὴ9 of 10

“things not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀντιλέγοντας10 of 10

“answering again”

G483

to dispute, refuse

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:18-251 Timothy 6:1-2Colossians 3:22-25Ephesians 6:5-8Ephesians 5:24

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