Titus 2:12
New International Version
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

New Living Translation
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,

English Standard Version
training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Berean Standard Bible
It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Berean Literal Bible
instructing us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live discreetly and righteously and piously in the present age,

King James Bible
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

New King James Version
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

New American Standard Bible
instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,

NASB 1995
instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

NASB 1977
instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Legacy Standard Bible
instructing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Amplified Bible
It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age,

Christian Standard Bible
instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age,

American Standard Version
instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

Contemporary English Version
He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world.

English Revised Version
instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It trains us to avoid ungodly lives filled with worldly desires so that we can live self-controlled, moral, and godly lives in this present world.

Good News Translation
That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world,

International Standard Version
It trains us to renounce ungodly living and worldly passions so that we might live sensible, honest, and godly lives in the present age

Majority Standard Bible
It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

NET Bible
It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

New Heart English Bible
instructing us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;

Webster's Bible Translation
Teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and piously, in this present world;

Weymouth New Testament
training us to renounce ungodliness and all the pleasures of this world, and to live sober, upright, and pious lives at the present time,

World English Bible
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
teaching us, that denying the impiety and the worldly desires, we may live soberly, and righteously, and piously in the present age,

Berean Literal Bible
instructing us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live discreetly and righteously and piously in the present age,

Young's Literal Translation
teaching us, that denying the impiety and the worldly desires, soberly and righteously and piously we may live in the present age,

Smith's Literal Translation
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and eager worldly desires, we should live discreetly, and justly, and religiously, in the time now;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world,

Catholic Public Domain Version
instructing us to reject impiety and worldly desires, so that we may live soberly and justly and piously in this age,

New American Bible
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,

New Revised Standard Version
training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
It teaches us to renounce ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live in this world soberly, righteously, and in godliness;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And it leads us to reject wickedness and the lusts of the world and to live in this world in purity, in righteousness, and in the worship of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in the present age;

Godbey New Testament
teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we must live prudently and righteously and holily in this present age;

Haweis New Testament
instructing us, that denying ungodliness and worldly affections, we should live soberly and righteously, and godly in the present day;

Mace New Testament
teaching us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and to practise temperance, justice and piety in this present world;

Weymouth New Testament
training us to renounce ungodliness and all the pleasures of this world, and to live sober, upright, and pious lives at the present time,

Worrell New Testament
teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly in the present age;

Worsley New Testament
teaching us that denying ungodliness, and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and righteously, and piously in this present world;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Grace Brings Salvation
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. 12It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.…

Cross References
Romans 6:12-13
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.

Ephesians 4:22-24
to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; / to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; / and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Peter 1:14-16
As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. / But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Colossians 3:5-10
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. ...

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Philippians 2:15
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world

1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

1 Timothy 6:11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

2 Peter 1:5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ...

James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.


Treasury of Scripture

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Teaching.

Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 6:25
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

denying.

Isaiah 55:6,7
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: …

Ezekiel 18:30,31
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin…

Ezekiel 33:14,15
Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; …

live.

Psalm 105:45
That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

Ezekiel 36:27
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Matthew 5:19,20
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven…

soberly.

Titus 2:4
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

godly.

Psalm 4:3
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

this.

John 14:30
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

Jump to Previous
Age Course Denied Deny Denying Desires Evil Godly Impiety Instructing Intent Justly Live Lusts Pious Piously Pleasures Present Renounce Righteously Sensibly Sober Soberly Teaching Time Training Turning Ungodliness Upright Uprightly Wisely World Worldly
Jump to Next
Age Course Denied Deny Denying Desires Evil Godly Impiety Instructing Intent Justly Live Lusts Pious Piously Pleasures Present Renounce Righteously Sensibly Sober Soberly Teaching Time Training Turning Ungodliness Upright Uprightly Wisely World Worldly
Titus 2
1. Directions given unto Titus both for his doctrine and life.
10. Of the duty of servants, and in general of all Christians.














It instructs us
The phrase "It instructs us" refers to the grace of God mentioned in the previous verse. The Greek word for "instructs" is "paideuō," which implies a comprehensive form of teaching that includes correction and discipline. This is not merely academic learning but a transformative process that shapes character and behavior. In the context of Titus, this instruction is not optional but a divine mandate for believers, emphasizing the active role of grace in guiding Christian conduct.

to renounce
The word "renounce" comes from the Greek "arneomai," meaning to deny or disown. This is a strong term that implies a decisive and public rejection. In the early Christian context, this would have been understood as a clear break from past behaviors and allegiances that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. It is a call to a radical transformation, where believers are to turn away from their former ways.

ungodliness
"Ungodliness" is translated from the Greek "asebeia," which refers to a lack of reverence or piety towards God. In the Greco-Roman world, this term would have been associated with behaviors and attitudes that are irreverent or disrespectful to the divine. For Christians, renouncing ungodliness means rejecting any form of life that does not honor God, aligning oneself instead with His holiness and righteousness.

and worldly passions
The phrase "worldly passions" is derived from the Greek "kosmikas epithymias," which refers to desires that are characteristic of the secular world. These are cravings and lusts that are opposed to the spiritual life God calls believers to lead. In the historical context of the early church, this would include the hedonistic and materialistic pursuits prevalent in Roman society. Christians are called to rise above these temporal desires and seek eternal values.

and to live
The phrase "and to live" indicates an ongoing, active lifestyle. The Greek word "zaō" implies not just existence but a vibrant, purposeful life. This is a call to action, urging believers to embody the teachings of Christ in their daily lives. It suggests a continuous, dynamic process of living out one's faith in practical ways.

sensible
"Sensible" is translated from the Greek "sōphronōs," which means self-controlled or sober-minded. This term emphasizes the importance of moderation and prudence in the Christian life. In a world often characterized by excess and impulsivity, believers are called to exercise restraint and sound judgment, reflecting the wisdom that comes from a life transformed by grace.

upright
The word "upright" comes from the Greek "dikaios," meaning just or righteous. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe a life that is in accordance with God's standards. It implies integrity and fairness in one's dealings with others. For the early Christians, living uprightly was a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, setting them apart in a morally ambiguous society.

and godly lives
The phrase "and godly lives" is derived from the Greek "eusebōs," which means devout or pious. This term encompasses a life that is devoted to God, characterized by worship, obedience, and a deep relationship with the Creator. It is a holistic approach to life that integrates faith into every aspect of one's being, reflecting the character of Christ.

in the present age
"In the present age" refers to the current era in which believers live. The Greek "en tō nun aiōni" highlights the immediacy and relevance of the call to live godly lives. This is not a future aspiration but a present reality. For the early church, this was a reminder that their faith was to be lived out in the here and now, amidst the challenges and opportunities of their contemporary world. It underscores the timeless nature of the Gospel's call to holiness and the urgency of embodying its principles today.

(12) Teaching us.--Literally, disciplining us; educating us by life's sad experiences. God's grace is in truth a stern discipline of self-denial and training for higher things.

Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.--More accurately, to the intent that, having denied, &c. The object of the loving discipline of our Father in heaven is that we, having done with those things in life which are offensive or dishonourable to God, having put aside as worthless all inordinate desires for the things of this world--all those things which exclusively belong to this life and have nothing to do with the life to come--having denied all this, that we should live as righteous men the remainder of our lives here.

We should live soberly, righteously, and godly.--In these three terms the blessed life our Lord would have His own to lead on earth is summed up--to ourselves, to our neighbour, and to our God. The first, "soberly," to ourselves--wisely and temperately, keeping ever a mastery over our passions; the second, "righteously"--justly and honourably, having due regard to our duty towards our neighbour; the third, "godly"--piously, ever remembering to live as in the presence of the Eternal.

In this present world.--Or, in the present course of things. The Apostle adds these words to his summary of the life Christians should lead, to remind them that the present world was but a transitory, passing scene after all, and that there was another and a different "course of things" at hand; and this leads him on to another point. The manifestation of the "grace of God," in the first coming of the Lord in humiliation (Titus 2:11), teaches us to live our lives in expectation of the second manifestation of His glory in His second coming in power (Titus 2:13). We must--in this great passage contained in Titus 2:11-14--bear in mind that there is a two-fold epiphany spoken of: the one, the manifestation of the "grace of God"--that is past (it was the first coming and the earthly life of Christ); the other, the manif

Verse 12. - Instructing for teaching, A.V.; to the intent that for that, A.V.; and righteously for righteously, A.V. Instructing us, to the intent that. This is an unnecessary refinement. Huther is right in saying that the sentence beginning with ἵνα might have been expressed by the infinitive mood, as in 1 Timothy 1:20, and that we ought to render it not "in order that," but simply "that." The phrase in 1 Timothy 1:20, ἵνα παιδευθῶσι μὴ βλασφημεῖν, manifestly would justify the phrase, παιδεύουσα ἡμᾶς ζῆν δικαίως, "teaching us to live righteously." Alford surely is wrong in saying that the universal New Testament sense of παιδεύειν is "to discipline," i.e. teach by correction. In Acts 7:22; Acts 22:3; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:25, the idea of teaching, not of correcting, is predominant. But even if it was so, the pastoral Epistles are so decidedly classical in their use of words, that the classical use of παιδεύειν in such phrases as παιδεύειν τινα κιθαρίζειν or σώφρονα εἴναι (Liddell and Scott)is an abundant justification of a similar rendering of this passage And as regards the use ἵνα, such phrases as Αἰπὲ ἵνα οἱ λίθοι οῦτοι ἄρτοι γενῶνται, "Command that these stones become bread" (Matthew 4:3; Matthew 20:21; Luke 4:3; Luke 10:40); Διεστείλατο... ἵνα μηδενὶ εἴπωσιν, "He commanded them not to tell" (Matthew 16:20); Συμφέρει αὐτῷ ἴνα, "It is profitable for him that" (Matthew 18:6); Προσεύχεσθε ἵνα, "Pray that" (Matthew 24:20); Παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ἵνα μή, "He besought him not to send them away" (Mark 5:10); Παρακαλοῦσιν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἅψηται, "They beseech him to touch" (Mark 8:22, 30; Mark 9:9; Mark 10:37; Mark 13:34; Luke 1:43; Luke 7:36); Ἐδεήθην... ἵνα, "I asked... to" (Luke 9:40); Ἐρωτῶ σε ἵνα πέμψῃς, "I intreat thee to send" (Luke 16:29; Colossians 4:2;, etc.); - prove that the sense "in order that" is not necessarily attached to ἵνα, but that we may properly render the passage before us "teaching us... to live soberly," etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
It instructs
παιδεύουσα (paideuousa)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3811: From pais; to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or, discipline.

us
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

renounce
ἀρνησάμενοι (arnēsamenoi)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 720: Perhaps from a and the middle voice of rheo; to contradict, i.e. Disavow, reject, abnegate.

ungodliness
ἀσέβειαν (asebeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 763: Impiety, irreverence, ungodliness, wickedness. From asebes; impiety, i.e. wickedness.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

worldly
κοσμικὰς (kosmikas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2886: From kosmos; terrene, literally or figuratively.

passions,
ἐπιθυμίας (epithymias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1939: Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.

[and] to live
ζήσωμεν (zēsōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2198: To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.

sensible,
σωφρόνως (sōphronōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4996: Soberly, with moderation, prudently. Adverb from sophron; with sound mind, i.e. Moderately.

upright,
δικαίως (dikaiōs)
Adverb
Strong's 1346: Justly, righteously. Adverb from dikaios; equitably.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

godly [lives]
εὐσεβῶς (eusebōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2153: Piously, religiously. Adverb from eusebes; piously.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

present
νῦν (nyn)
Adverb
Strong's 3568: A primary particle of present time; 'now'; also as noun or adjective present or immediate.

age,
αἰῶνι (aiōni)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.


Links
Titus 2:12 NIV
Titus 2:12 NLT
Titus 2:12 ESV
Titus 2:12 NASB
Titus 2:12 KJV

Titus 2:12 BibleApps.com
Titus 2:12 Biblia Paralela
Titus 2:12 Chinese Bible
Titus 2:12 French Bible
Titus 2:12 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Titus 2:12 Instructing us to the intent that denying (Ti. Tt.)
Titus 2:11
Top of Page
Top of Page