Titus 3 · Verse 14

Titus 3:14

And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Titus 3:14, King James Version

Titus 3:14 in other translations

BSBAnd our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
WEBLet our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
ASVAnd let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
YLTand let them learn--ours also--to be leading in good works to the necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.
DARBYand let ours also learn to apply themselves to good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful.
BBEAnd let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.
WebsterAnd let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

What does Titus 3:14 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. And ... also--Greek, "But ... also." Not only thou, but let others also of "our" fellow believers (or "whom we have gained over at Crete") with thee. for necessary uses--to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord's cause. Compare Tit 1:8, "a lover of hospitality."

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 14. And let ours. Our friends; that is, those who were Christians. Paul had just directed Titus to aid Zenas and Apollos himself; and he here adds that he wished that others who were Christians would be characterized by good works of all kinds.

To maintain good works. Marg., profess honest trades. The Greek will admit of the interpretation in the margin, or will include that; but there is no reason why the direction should be supposed to have any peculiar reference to an honest mode of livelihood, or why it should be confined to that. It rather means, that they should be distinguished for good works, including benevolent deeds, acts of charity, honest toil, and whatever would enter into the conception of an upright life. Tit 3:8.

For necessary uses. Such as are required by their duty to their families, and by the demands of charity. Tit 3:8.

That they be not unfruitful. That it may be seen that their religion is not barren and worthless, but that it produces a happy effect on themselves and on society. Jn 15:16; Eph 4:28.

(1) "maintain" "profess honest trades" (a) "good works" Tit 3:8

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 14 And let others also learn to maintain good works - There is something very remarkable in this expression. The words καλων εργων προΐστασθαι, which we translate to maintain good works, occur also in Tit 3:8; and some think they mean, to provide for our own, and the necessities of others, by working at some honest occupation; and that this was necessary to be taught to the Cretans, let Ours also learn, etc., who were naturally and practically idle gluttons. Kypke observed that the words mean, 1. To be employed in good works. 2. To defend good works, and to recommend the performance of them. 3. To promote and forward good works; to be always first in them. For necessary uses - That they may be able at all times to help the Church of God, and those that are in want. That they be not unfruitful - As they must be if they indulge themselves in their idle, slothful disposition.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Titus 3:12-15

Christianity is not a fruitless profession; and its professors must be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. They must be doing good, as well as keeping away from evil. Let "ours" follow some honest labour and employment, to provide for themselves and their families. Christianity obliges all to seek some honest work and calling, and therein to abide with…

Read the full comment on Titus 3:12-15 →

Titus 3:14 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

μανθανέτωσανmanthanetōsanshould learnG3129
δὲdenowG1161
καὶkaialsoG2532
οἱhoi<the>G3588
ἡμέτεροιhēmeteroiour own [people]G1473
καλῶνkalōnto goodG2570
ἔργωνergōnworksG2041
προΐστασθαιproistasthaito devote themselvesG4291
εἰςeisforG1519
τὰςtas<the>G3588
ἀναγκαίαςanagkaiasnecessaryG316
χρείας,chreiasneeds,G5532
ἵναinaso thatG2443
μὴmēnotG3361
ὦσινōsinthey may beG1510
ἄκαρποι.¶akarpoiunfruitful.G175

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for Titus 3:14

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Titus 3:8

    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.

  • Matthew 7:19

    Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Philippians 1:11

    Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  • Luke 13:6-9

    He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

  • 2 Peter 1:8

    For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Ephesians 4:28

    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

  • John 15:16

    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  • Philippians 4:17

    Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8

    Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

  • Matthew 21:19

    And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
learn.
8
maintain good works. or, profess honest trades.
Ac 18:3; 20:35; *Gr:
Eph 4:28; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8
that.
Isa 61:3; Mt 7:19; 21:19; Lu 13:6-9; Joh 15:8,16; Ro 15:28; Php 1:11
Php 4:17; Col 1:10; Heb 6:6-12; 2Pe 1:8

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • Titus 3:13

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

  • Titus 3:14

    And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

  • Titus 3:15

    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.

Read all of Titus 3

Titus 3:14 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Y aprendan asimismo los nuestros á gobernarse en buenas obras para los usos necesarios, para que no sean sin fruto.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		et que les nôtres aussi apprennent à être les premiers dans les bonnes œuvres pour les choses nécessaires, afin qu’ils ne soient pas sans fruit.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Laß aber auch die Unsrigen lernen, für die notwendigen Bedürfnisse gute Werke zu betreiben, auf daß sie nicht unfruchtbar seien.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Discant autem et nostri bonis operibus præesse ad usus necessarios: ut non sint infructuosi.