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

What does Titus 3:9 mean?

When the grace of God towards mankind has been declared, the necessity of good works is pressed.

Key themes

LoveFaithGraceGood works

Read with

Keep this verse inside Titus 3:8-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.

Commentary on Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish questions and genealogies - See the 1 Timothy 1:4 note; 2 Timothy 2:16 , 2 Timothy 2:23 notes. And contentions, and strivings about the law - Such as the Jews started about various matters connected with the law - about meats and drinks, etc.; the notes at 1 Timothy 1:4 ; compare the notes at Acts 18:15 . For they are unprofitable and vain - - They disturb and embitter the feelings; they lead to the indulgence of a bad spirit; they are often difficult to be settled, and are of no practical importance if they could be determined. The same thing might be said of multitudes of things about which men dispute so earnestly now.

Key words

avoid

But avoid foolish questions,.

foolish

But avoid foolish questions,.

questions

But avoid foolish questions,.

Context in Titus 3

Show chapter context

Titus 3 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as grace, good works, and final instructions. Titus is a compact pastoral letter about elders, sound teaching, good works, and the gracious training of the Christian life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of good works, grace, and order in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.

good worksgraceorderleadership

Explore by topic

Bible verses about love

A guided collection of passages on God’s love, neighbor-love, steadfast covenant love, and the shape of love in Christian life.

Bible verses about faith

Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.

Bible verses about grace

Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.