King James Version

What Does Titus 3:6 Mean?

Titus 3:6 in the King James Version says “Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; abundantly: Gr. richly — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; abundantly: Gr. richly

Titus 3:6 · KJV


Context

4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, love: or, pity

5

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;

6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; abundantly: Gr. richly

7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour—οὗ ἐξέχεεν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς πλουσίως (hou execheen eph hēmas plousiōs)—ἐκχέω (ekcheō, pour out) πλουσίως (plousiōs, richly/abundantly). The Holy Spirit wasn't given sparingly but lavishly poured out (Acts 2:17-18, 33). διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν (dia Iēsou Christou tou sōtēros hēmōn, through Jesus Christ our Savior)—Christ mediates the Spirit's outpouring.

Trinitarian salvation: the Father's mercy (v. 5a), the Spirit's regenerating work (v. 5b), the Son's mediation (v. 6). All three persons cooperate in redemption. The Spirit's abundance contrasts with our poverty (v. 3); we contribute nothing but sin, God supplies everything for salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pentecost fulfilled Joel 2:28-32's prophecy of Spirit-outpouring. What Old Testament saints experienced sporadically, New Covenant believers receive permanently (John 14:16-17). The indwelling Spirit marks the new age, enabling holiness impossible under law alone (Romans 8:3-4).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you experience the Spirit's abundant presence, or has Christian life become dry legalism disconnected from His power?
  2. How does recognizing all three persons' roles in salvation deepen your worship and understanding of God?
  3. In what ways does Jesus mediate the Spirit's work to you daily—through His intercession, promises, and finished work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οὗ1 of 11

Which

G3739

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

ἐξέχεεν2 of 11

he shed

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

ἐφ'3 of 11

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἡμᾶς4 of 11

us

G2248

us

πλουσίως5 of 11

abundantly

G4146

copiously

διὰ6 of 11

through

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰησοῦ7 of 11

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ8 of 11

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τοῦ9 of 11
G3588

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

σωτῆρος10 of 11

Saviour

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

ἡμῶν11 of 11

our

G2257

of (or from) us


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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