Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

TITUS 3:5KJV
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Titus 3:5 (KJV)

What does Titus 3:5 mean?

Titus 3:5 says that God saves people not because of anything good they have done, but because of His mercy, through a spiritual cleansing and renewal brought about by the Holy Spirit. This verse emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not something anyone can earn by their own efforts.

Paul is writing to Titus, a leader on the island of Crete, giving instructions about how to teach and lead the believers there. In this part of the letter, Paul is reminding Titus that the foundation of the Christian message is God’s kindness and mercy, not human achievement. The verse uses the image of "washing" and "renewing" to describe how God changes people from the inside out through His Spirit.

The Greek behind Titus 3:5

  • ἔλεος (eleos, "mercy"): This word points to God’s compassionate kindness, highlighting that salvation is based on God’s generous heart, not on what people deserve.
  • λουτροῦ (loutrou, "washing"): This term often refers to a bath or washing, and here it paints a picture of spiritual cleansing, suggesting a fresh start or new beginning.
  • παλιγγενεσίας (palingenesias, "regeneration"): This word means "new birth" or "rebirth," showing that salvation involves being made new, not just cleaned up.
  • ἀνακαινώσεως (anakainōseōs, "renewing"): This word means making something new again, emphasizing ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit.

Why Titus 3:5 matters

  • Titus 3:5 makes it clear that no amount of good deeds can earn salvation, correcting the common misunderstanding that being "good enough" is what matters most to God.
  • The verse highlights the central role of God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s work in the Christian life, shifting the focus from human effort to divine action.
  • In the wider context of Titus, this verse grounds Christian living in God’s kindness, reminding believers that their new way of life flows from what God has already done for them.

Where else these words appear

“washing” Greek G3067 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

“regeneration” Greek G3824 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“renewing” Greek G342 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • 2 Timothy 1:18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.