King James Version

What Does Titus 3:8 Mean?

Titus 3:8 in the King James Version says “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God mig...” — study this verse from Titus chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Titus 3:8 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

9

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is a faithful saying—πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (pistos ho logos, faithful/trustworthy the word)—formula appearing five times in Pastorals (1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), likely marking early Christian creedal summaries or hymns. Verses 4-7 constitute trustworthy doctrine demanding full confidence.

And these things I will that thou affirm constantly (καὶ περὶ τούτων βούλομαί σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, kai peri toutōn boulomai se diabebaiousthai)—βούλομαι (boulomai, I desire/will) σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι (se diabebaiousthai, you to insist/affirm confidently). That they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works (ἵνα φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι οἱ πεπιστευκότες θεῷ, hina phrontizōsin kalōn ergōn proistasthai hoi pepisteurkotes theō)—φροντίζω (phrontizō, be thoughtful/give attention to) good works. Faith necessarily produces works (James 2:14-26). These things are good and profitable unto men—καλὰ καὶ ὠφέλιμα (kala kai ōphelima, beautiful and beneficial).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul constantly battles two errors: legalism (works for justification) and antinomianism (faith without works). He insists on the Reformation principle: justification by faith alone, but faith is never alone—it always produces works. Good works are the fruit, not root, of salvation; evidence, not basis.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you confidently affirm salvation by grace alone while insisting believers must be zealous for good works?
  2. How do you avoid both legalism (works for acceptance) and antinomianism (faith without obedience)?
  3. What good works is God calling you to "maintain"—not for salvation but as evidence of genuine faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Πιστὸς1 of 26

“This is a faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ2 of 26
G3588

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

λόγος·3 of 26

“saying”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ4 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

περὶ5 of 26

“these things”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τούτων6 of 26
G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

βούλομαί7 of 26

“I will”

G1014

to "will," i.e., (reflexively) be willing

σε8 of 26

“that thou”

G4571

thee

διαβεβαιοῦσθαι9 of 26

“affirm constantly”

G1226

to confirm thoroughly (by words), i.e., asseverate

ἵνα10 of 26

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

φροντίζωσιν11 of 26

“might be careful”

G5431

to exercise thought, i.e., be anxious

καλὰ12 of 26

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἔργων13 of 26

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

προΐστασθαι14 of 26

“to maintain”

G4291

to stand before, i.e., (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise

οἱ15 of 26
G3588

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

πεπιστευκότες16 of 26

“they which have believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

τῷ17 of 26
G3588

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

θεῷ·18 of 26

“in God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ταῦτά19 of 26

“These things”

G5023

these things

ἐστιν20 of 26

“are”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὰ21 of 26
G3588

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

καλὰ22 of 26

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

καὶ23 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

ὠφέλιμα24 of 26

“profitable”

G5624

helpful or serviceable, i.e., advantageous

τοῖς25 of 26
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις26 of 26

“unto men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:14Titus 2:14Psalms 16:2-3Titus 1:9Titus 3:1Romans 4:5

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