Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

TITUS 2:10KJV
Know the Bible

Titus 2:10 (KJV)

What does Titus 2:10 mean?

Titus 2:10 tells believers not to steal or take what isn’t theirs, but instead to show complete trustworthiness, so that their honest behavior makes the teachings about God attractive in every way. The verse highlights how personal integrity can reflect well on the Christian message.

Paul is writing to Titus, instructing him on how different groups in the church should behave. Here, Paul is specifically addressing servants or slaves, urging them to be honest and faithful in their work. The bigger idea is that when followers of Jesus live with integrity, their actions make the message about God more appealing to others.

The Greek behind Titus 2:10

  • "purloining" (νοσφίζω, nosphizō): This word means to steal, embezzle, or secretly take for oneself. Paul is warning against even small acts of dishonesty, not just obvious theft.
  • "fidelity" (πίστις, pistis): Often translated as faith or faithfulness, here it means being completely trustworthy and reliable. Paul wants believers to be known for their dependability.
  • "adorn" (κοσμέω, kosmeō): This word means to decorate or make something attractive. Paul is saying that honest and faithful behavior makes the teachings about God look beautiful or appealing to others.

Why Titus 2:10 matters

  • Titus 2:10 clears up that Christian teaching is not just about beliefs, but also about everyday actions, especially in the workplace or under authority.
  • The verse emphasizes that how believers act can either help or harm how others view the message of Jesus.
  • Titus 2:10 connects to the wider passage by showing that every group in the church, including those with little social power, has a role in demonstrating the goodness of God’s ways.

Where else these words appear

“purloining” Greek G3557 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 5:2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  • Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

“adorn” Greek G2885 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
  • 1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

“shewing” Greek G1731 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
  • 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;