Titus 3:3 - Exposition

We for we ourselves, A.V.; afore-time for sometimes, A.V.; hating for and hating, A.V. Foolish ( ἀνόητοι ); a Pauline word ( Galatians 3:1 , Galatians 3:3 ), found also in Luke 24:25 (see 1 Timothy 6:9 ); of frequent use in classical Greek. Disobedient ( ἀπειθεῖς ); as Titus 1:16 . In Luke 1:17 it stands, as here, absolutely, meaning disobedient to God and his Law. Deceived ( πλανώμενοι ); led astray, made to wander from the path of troth and right, either by false systems of religion, or by our own evil affections and appetites (see 2 Timothy 2:13 ; 1 Peter 2:25 ; 2 Peter 2:15 , etc.). Serving ; slaves to ( δουλεύοντες ); 2 Peter 2:19 (see above, Titus 2:2 ). Lusts ( ἐπιθυμίαις ); not always in a bad sense, as here, though usually so (see Luke 22:15 ; Philippians 1:23 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:17 ; Revelation 18:14 ). Pleasures ( ἡδοναῖς ); always in a bad sense in the New Testament ( Luke 8:14 ; James 4:1 , James 4:3 ; 2 Peter 2:13 ). Living ( διάγοντες ); see 1 Timothy 2:2 , where it is followed by βίον , which is here understood. διάγειν τὸν βίον αἰῶνα χρόνον σάββατον . etc., are common phrases both in the LXX . and in classical Greek for passing or spending one's life, time, age, etc. But it is only found in the New Testament here and in 1 Timothy 2:2 . Malice ( κακίᾳ ). This word is sometimes used of wickedness generally, as Acts 8:22 ; James 1:21 ; 1 Corinthians 5:8 ; and probably Romans 1:29 ; anti even of badness in things, as Matthew 6:34 . But it frequently in the New Testament denotes malice, the desire to do harm to others, as Ephesians 4:31 ; Colossians 3:8 , etc. Envy ( φθόνῳ ); almost always found in St. Paul's enumeration of sins ( Romans 1:29 ; Galatians 5:21 ; 1 Timothy 6:4 , etc.). Hateful ( στυγητοί ); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX . (though the verb στυγέω occurs once or twice in the Maccabees), but used in good classical Greek. The above is a sad but too true picture of human life without the sweetening influences of God's Holy Spirit.