Titus 2:9 - Exposition

In subjection to for obedient unto, A.V.; be well-pleasing to them for please them well, A.V.; gainsaying for answering gain, A.V. Servants; i.e. dares ( δούλους ) , the correlative to which is δεσπόταις , masters, who had absolute power over their slaves, and property in them. The construction is carried on from the "exhort" of Titus 2:6 . Well-pleasing ( εὐαρέστους ); elsewhere spoken with reference to God ( Romans 12:1 ; 2 Corinthians 5:9 ; Ephesians 5:10 , etc.). In all things ( ἐν πᾶσιν ); nearly the same as περὶ πάντα in Titus 2:7 ; to be taken with εὐαρέστους . Some, however, connect the words with ὑποτάσσεσθαι , "to be obedient in all things." Gainsaying ( ἐντιλέγοντας ); as in Titus 1:9 (see note). Here, however, the" answering again" of the A.V. is a better rendering. It implies, of course, a resistance to the will of their master, and impatience of any rebuke.