Titus 3:9
New International Version
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

New Living Translation
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

English Standard Version
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Berean Standard Bible
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

Berean Literal Bible
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.

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

New King James Version
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

New American Standard Bible
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.

NASB 1995
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

NASB 1977
But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Legacy Standard Bible
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and conflicts about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Amplified Bible
But avoid foolish and ill-informed and stupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless.

Christian Standard Bible
But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

American Standard Version
but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Contemporary English Version
But don't have anything to do with stupid arguments about ancestors. And stay away from disagreements and quarrels about the Law of Moses. Such arguments are useless and senseless.

English Revised Version
but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about Moses' Teachings. This is useless and worthless.

Good News Translation
But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless.

International Standard Version
But avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the Law. These things are useless and worthless.

Majority Standard Bible
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

NET Bible
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty.

New Heart English Bible
but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Webster's Bible Translation
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Weymouth New Testament
But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain.

World English Bible
but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but stand away from foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law—for they are unprofitable and vain.

Berean Literal Bible
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Young's Literal Translation
and foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law, stand away from -- for they are unprofitable and vain.

Smith's Literal Translation
And foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and conflicts pertaining to the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, as well as arguments against the law. For these are useless and empty.

New American Bible
Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile.

New Revised Standard Version
But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and the theological arguments of the scribes, for they are unprofitable and vain.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But abstain from foolish debates, from tales of genealogies, from contentions and from the contests of The Scribes, for there is no profit in them and such things are worthless.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But foolish questions and genealogies and strifes and contentions about the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Godbey New Testament
but reject foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife, and controversies about law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Haweis New Testament
But foolish disquisitions, and genealogies, and disputes, and contentions about the law avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Mace New Testament
but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Weymouth New Testament
But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain.

Worrell New Testament
But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Worsley New Testament
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Avoiding Divisions
8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. 9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. 10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,…

Cross References
2 Timothy 2:23
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

1 Timothy 1:4
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

1 Timothy 6:4-5
he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

2 Timothy 2:14
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

Romans 14:1
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 3:19-20
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

Matthew 15:9
They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

1 Timothy 4:7
But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.

2 Peter 3:16
He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.


Treasury of Scripture

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

avoid.

Titus 1:14
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

1 Timothy 1:3-7
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, …

1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

unprofitable.

Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?

1 Corinthians 8:1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Jump to Previous
Aloof Arguments Avoid Contentions Controversies Discussions Disputes Dissensions Fights Foolish Futile Genealogies Generations Hold Law Pedigrees Quarrels Questionings Questions Shun Stand Strife Strifes Strivings Stupid Unprofitable Useless Vain Worthless Wrangling
Jump to Next
Aloof Arguments Avoid Contentions Controversies Discussions Disputes Dissensions Fights Foolish Futile Genealogies Generations Hold Law Pedigrees Quarrels Questionings Questions Shun Stand Strife Strifes Strivings Stupid Unprofitable Useless Vain Worthless Wrangling
Titus 3
1. Titus is further directed by Paul concerning the things that he should teach and not teach.
10. He is to reject obstinate heretics.
12. Paul appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him.














But avoid
The Greek word for "avoid" is "periistemi," which means to turn oneself around or to shun. In the context of Titus, Paul is instructing Titus to actively steer clear of certain behaviors and discussions. This is not a passive suggestion but a directive to deliberately distance oneself from unproductive debates. The emphasis here is on the intentionality of avoiding distractions that do not contribute to spiritual growth or the edification of the church.

foolish controversies
The term "foolish" comes from the Greek "moros," which implies something that is dull or lacking in wisdom. "Controversies" refers to disputes or debates. Paul is warning against engaging in discussions that are devoid of wisdom and do not lead to constructive outcomes. Historically, the early church faced many debates that were more about intellectual pride than about edifying the body of Christ. This phrase encourages believers to focus on what truly matters in their faith journey.

genealogies
In the Jewish context, genealogies were often used to establish one's heritage and authority. However, Paul warns against getting caught up in these discussions, as they can lead to pride and division rather than unity in Christ. The emphasis here is on the futility of relying on human lineage for spiritual authority, as true authority and identity come from being in Christ.

arguments
The Greek word "eris" is used here, which means strife or contention. Paul is cautioning against engaging in disputes that lead to division rather than unity. In the early church, arguments often arose over interpretations of the law and other doctrinal issues. The call here is to pursue peace and unity, focusing on the core tenets of the faith rather than divisive debates.

and quarrels about the law
"Quarrels" translates from the Greek "mache," meaning battles or fights. "The law" refers to the Mosaic Law, which was a point of contention between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul is advising against getting entangled in disputes over legalistic interpretations that detract from the gospel's message of grace. The focus should be on the transformative power of the gospel rather than legalistic adherence.

because these things are pointless and worthless
The Greek words "anopheles" (pointless) and "mataios" (worthless) highlight the futility and lack of value in such debates. Paul is emphasizing that these discussions do not contribute to spiritual growth or the mission of the church. Instead, they distract from the core message of the gospel and the call to live out one's faith in love and service. The exhortation is to invest time and energy in what truly matters—building up the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom.

(9) But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies.--The "questions" and "genealogies" have been discussed above (1Timothy 1:4). The Apostle characterises them as "foolish," because they were of an utterly unpractical nature, and consumed time and powers which were needed for other and better things. The "contentions" were disputes and wranglings which arose out of arguments advanced by different teachers upon the "questions" and "genealogies." The "strivings about the law" were, most probably, arguments suggested by disputed and intricate points connected with the law of Moses. In the Talmud we possess unnumbered instances of all these strange and curious inquiries about which men then gravely disputed and wrangled, but none of which could in any way teach men how to make life more beautiful and loving, more like that fair pattern which St. Paul's Master loved. St. Paul, well versed--thanks to his early and elaborate training--in all this useless, curious lore, once and for all would expel from orthodox Christian teaching everything which seemed to bear upon this favourite Jewish theology--so called. It had, cancer-like, eaten the life out of Judaism; it should not, if he could prevent it, poison in like manner the young life of Christianity.

Verse 9. - Shun for avoid, A.V.; questionings for questions, A.V.; strifes for contentions, A.V.; fightings for strivings, A.V. Shun (περάτασο); see 2 Timothy 2:16. Foolish questionings; as 2 Timothy 2:23. Genealogies; as 1 Timothy 1:4. Strifes (ἔρεις); as 1 Timothy 6:4. Fightings about the Law (μάχας νομικάς); such as St. Paul alludes to in 1 Timothy 1, and are probably included in the λογομαχίαιof 1 Timothy 6:4. Unprofitable (ἀνωφελεῖς); only here and Hebrews 7:18; but it is found in the LXX. and other Greek Versions, and in classical Greek (compare, for the sense, 2 Timothy 2:14). Vain (μάταιοι); compare the use of ματαιολόγοι, "vain talkers" (Titus 1:10), and ματαιολογία "vain talking" (1 Timothy 1:6). The whole picture is unmistakably one of the perverse Jewish mind.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

avoid
περιΐστασο (periistaso)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4026: From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from.

foolish
Μωρὰς (Mōras)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.

controversies,
ζητήσεις (zētēseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2214: A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.

genealogies,
γενεαλογίας (genealogias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1076: Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. 'genealogy'.

arguments,
ἔρεις (ereis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2054: Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling.

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

quarrels
μάχας (machas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3163: From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy.

about [the] Law,
νομικὰς (nomikas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3544: From nomos; according to law, i.e. Legal; as noun, an expert in the law.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

[these things] are
εἰσὶν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

pointless
ἀνωφελεῖς (anōpheleis)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 512: Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility.

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

worthless.
μάταιοι (mataioi)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3152: Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.


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NT Letters: Titus 3:9 But shun foolish questionings genealogies strife (Ti. Tt.)
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