Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

TITUS 2:9KJV
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Titus 2:9 (KJV)

What does Titus 2:9 mean?

Titus 2:9 instructs that servants should be respectful and obedient to their own masters, aiming to please them in everything and not talking back or arguing. The verse emphasizes a respectful attitude and a willingness to cooperate in the relationship between servants and masters.

Paul is writing to Titus, a church leader on the island of Crete, giving him practical advice for teaching different groups in the Christian community. In this verse, Paul addresses servants, urging them to show respect and a good attitude toward their masters, which was a common social relationship at the time. The focus is on encouraging harmony and good conduct within the existing social order.

The Greek behind Titus 2:9

  • "servants" (δοῦλος, doulos): This word refers to a bondservant or slave, someone under the authority of another. Understanding this term helps clarify that Paul is speaking to people in a position of service, not employees in the modern sense.
  • "obedient" (ὑποτάσσω, hupotassō): This Greek word means to submit or arrange oneself under the authority of another. The emphasis is on a willing and respectful attitude, not just outward compliance.
  • "not answering again" (ἀντιλέγω, antilegō): This phrase means not talking back, contradicting, or arguing. The instruction is about more than just actions; it includes the way servants speak and respond to their masters.

Why Titus 2:9 matters

  • Titus 2:9 clarifies that the instruction is about attitude and speech, not just outward actions, highlighting the importance of respect in relationships where there is authority.
  • The verse helps prevent misunderstandings about Christian teaching on social roles, showing that early Christians were encouraged to live peaceably within the structures of their society.
  • This instruction fits into the wider passage where Paul is teaching different groups how to live in a way that reflects well on the Christian message, emphasizing good character and conduct.

Where else these words appear

“well” Greek G2101 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
  • Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

“again” Greek G483 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
  • John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
  • Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

“masters” Greek G1203 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
  • 1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

“obedient” Greek G5293 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
  • Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,