King James Version

What Does Titus 3:13 Mean?

Titus 3:13 in the King James Version says “Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Titus 3:13 · KJV


Context

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

15

All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently—Ζηνᾶν τὸν νομικὸν (Zēnan ton nomikon, Zenas the lawyer—mentioned only here) καὶ Ἀπολλῶν (kai Apollōn, and Apollos—Acts 18:24-28; 1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6, 22, 4:6, 16:12). νομικός (nomikos, lawyer) could mean Torah expert or Roman jurist; context unclear. προπέμψον σπουδαίως (propempson spoudaiōs, send forward diligently)—προπέμπω (propempō, send on one's way/help on journey) with σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs, earnestly/diligently).

That nothing be wanting unto them (ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ, hina mēden autois leipē)—comprehensive provision for traveling missionaries. Early Christian hospitality networks enabled gospel spread. Missionaries didn't charge for the gospel but relied on believers' support (3 John 5-8), demonstrating fellowship and shared mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Itinerant ministers depended on Christian hospitality. Without hotels, believers housed travelers. Without postal system, they carried letters (Tychicus brought Ephesians, Colossians). Without funding organizations, local churches supplied needs. This created interdependence—missionaries dependent on churches, churches dependent on missionaries for gospel and teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you support gospel workers generously, ensuring "nothing be wanting unto them"?
  2. How can you practice biblical hospitality—housing, feeding, funding missionaries and traveling ministers?
  3. What missionaries or gospel workers can you "send forward" with diligent, comprehensive provision?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Ζηνᾶν1 of 11

Zenas

G2211

jove-given; zenas, a christian

τὸν2 of 11
G3588

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

νομικὸν3 of 11

the lawyer

G3544

according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law

καὶ4 of 11

and

G2532

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

Ἀπολλῶ5 of 11

Apollos

G625

apollos, an israelite

σπουδαίως6 of 11

diligently

G4709

earnestly, promptly

πρόπεμψον7 of 11

Bring

G4311

to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel

ἵνα8 of 11

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μηδὲν9 of 11

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

αὐτοῖς10 of 11

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λείπῃ11 of 11

be wanting

G3007

to leave, i.e., (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent


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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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