King James Version

What Does Titus 3:12 Mean?

Titus 3:12 in the King James Version says “When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there ... — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

Titus 3:12 · KJV


Context

10

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11

Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13

Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. maintain: or, profess honest trades


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus—Ἀρτεμᾶς (Artemas, not mentioned elsewhere) ἢ Τυχικός (ē Tychikos, or Tychicus—Paul's trusted messenger, mentioned five times: Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12). One would replace Titus in Crete. Be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis (σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με εἰς Νικόπολιν, spoudason elthein pros me eis Nikopolin)—σπουδάζω (spoudazō, be diligent/make every effort). Nicopolis ("victory city") existed in several locations; probably Epirus in northwestern Greece.

For I have determined there to winter (ἐκεῖ γὰρ κέκρικα παραχειμάσαι, ekei gar kekrika paracheimasai)—κρίνω (krinō, decide/determine) perfect tense indicates settled decision. παραχειμάζω (paracheimaxō, winter/spend the winter). Mediterranean travel ceased in winter (Acts 27:9-12); Paul planned stationary ministry during that season.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This personal instruction provides window into apostolic logistics. Paul's peripatetic ministry required careful coordination of workers. The casual mention of multiple locations and coworkers shows Christianity's rapid geographic spread. Titus would leave established Cretan leadership to join Paul's continuing mission—discipleship produces reproducible leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you plan ministry strategically, using seasons and circumstances wisely like Paul?
  2. How do you train and deploy workers so ministry continues when you're absent (like Titus leaving Crete)?
  3. What can you learn from Paul's relational ministry style—constant coordination, mutual support, strategic deployment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ὅταν1 of 17

When

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

πέμψω2 of 17

I shall send

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

Ἀρτεμᾶν3 of 17

Artemas

G734

gift of artemis; artemas (or artemidorus), a christian

πρός4 of 17

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

σὲ5 of 17

thee

G4571

thee

6 of 17

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

Τυχικόν7 of 17

Tychicus

G5190

fortuitous, i.e., fortunate; tychicus, a christian

σπούδασον8 of 17

be diligent

G4704

to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest

ἐλθεῖν9 of 17

to come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρός10 of 17

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

με11 of 17

me

G3165

me

εἰς12 of 17

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Νικόπολιν13 of 17

Nicopolis

G3533

victorious city; nicopolis, a place in macedonia

ἐκεῖ14 of 17

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

γὰρ15 of 17

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

κέκρικα16 of 17

I have determined

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

παραχειμάσαι17 of 17

to winter

G3914

to winter near, i.e., stay with over the rainy season


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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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