King James Version
Titus 3:5 in the King James Version says “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Titus 3:5 · KJV
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, love: or, pity
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; abundantly: Gr. richly
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“by”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“righteousness”
G1343equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
“according to”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
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
“of regeneration”
G3824(spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e., (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, messianic restoration
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“Ghost”
G4151a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
“of the Holy”
G40sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
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.
Titus 3:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Titus 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge