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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/titus/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/56_Tts_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Titus 3:9 - Avoiding Divisions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/titus/3-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/titus/3-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/titus/">Titus</a> > <a href="/titus/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/titus/3-8.htm" title="Titus 3:8">◄</a> Titus 3:9 <a href="/titus/3-10.htm" title="Titus 3:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/titus/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/titus/3.htm">New International Version</a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. <a href="/nlt/titus/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. <a href="/esv/titus/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/bsb/titus/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. <a href="/blb/titus/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/kjv/titus/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/nkjv/titus/3.htm">New King James Version</a> But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. <a href="/nasb_/titus/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. <a href="/nasb/titus/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/nasb77/titus/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/lsb/titus/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and conflicts about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/amp/titus/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But avoid foolish and ill-informed and stupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless. <a href="/csb/titus/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/hcsb/titus/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/asv/titus/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/cev/titus/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But don't have anything to do with stupid arguments about ancestors. And stay away from disagreements and quarrels about the Law of Moses. Such arguments are useless and senseless. <a href="/erv/titus/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/gwt/titus/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about Moses' Teachings. This is useless and worthless. <a href="/gnt/titus/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. <a href="/isv/titus/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> But avoid foolish controversies, arguments about genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the Law. These things are useless and worthless. <a href="/msb/titus/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. <a href="/net/titus/3.htm">NET Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty. <a href="/nheb/titus/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/wbt/titus/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/wey/titus/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain. <a href="/web/titus/3.htm">World English Bible</a> but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/titus/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but stand away from foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law—for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/blb/titus/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. <a href="/ylt/titus/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about law, stand away from -- for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/slt/titus/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and conflicts pertaining to the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/titus/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/cpdv/titus/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, as well as arguments against the law. For these are useless and empty. <a href="/nabre/titus/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile. <a href="/nrsvce/titus/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/titus/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and the theological arguments of the scribes, for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/titus/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But abstain from foolish debates, from tales of genealogies, from contentions and from the contests of The Scribes, for there is no profit in them and such things are worthless.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/titus/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But foolish questions and genealogies and strifes and contentions about the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/godbey/titus/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but reject foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife, and controversies about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/haweis/titus/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But foolish disquisitions, and genealogies, and disputes, and contentions about the law avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.<CM> <a href="/mace/titus/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but avoid frivolous enquiries about genealogies, and vexatious disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/wey/titus/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain. <a href="/worrell/titus/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. <a href="/worsley/titus/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain: <a href="/parallel/titus/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sUo2G9e65Ig?start=365" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/titus/3.htm">Avoiding Divisions</a> 8This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. 9<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4026.htm" title="4026: periistaso (V-PMM-2S) -- From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from.">avoid</a> <a href="/greek/3474.htm" title="3474: Mōras (Adj-AFP) -- Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.">foolish</a> <a href="/greek/2214.htm" title="2214: zētēseis (N-AFP) -- A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.">controversies,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1076.htm" title="1076: genealogias (N-AFP) -- Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. genealogy.">genealogies,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2054.htm" title="2054: ereis (N-AFP) -- Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling.">arguments,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3163.htm" title="3163: machas (N-AFP) -- From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy.">quarrels</a> <a href="/greek/3544.htm" title="3544: nomikas (Adj-AFP) -- From nomos; according to law, i.e. Legal; as noun, an expert in the law.">about the law,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">these things are</a> <a href="/greek/512.htm" title="512: anōpheleis (Adj-NFP) -- Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility.">pointless</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3152.htm" title="3152: mataioi (Adj-NFP) -- Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.">worthless.</a> 10Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a> But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a> or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith. <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4-5</a> he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">2 Timothy 2:14</a> Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a> O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” <a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1</a> Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a> Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a> For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a> They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a> Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a> But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">2 Peter 3:16</a> He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4</a> Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.avoid.<a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Titus 1:14</a> Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.<a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm">1 Timothy 1:3-7</a> As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, … <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a> But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.unprofitable.<a href="/job/15-3.htm">Job 15:3</a> Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?<a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a> Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.<a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a> And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Dissensions</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-3.htm">Fights</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-17.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Genealogies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Pedigrees</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Quarrels</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Strifes</a> <a href="/psalms/89-50.htm">Strivings</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Unprofitable</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Wrangling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-8.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-1.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Dissensions</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Fights</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-21.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/genesis/10-32.htm">Genealogies</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/titus/3-15.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Law</a> <a href="/numbers/1-18.htm">Pedigrees</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Quarrels</a> <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/genesis/38-21.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-36.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Strifes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-44.htm">Strivings</a> <a href="/job/11-12.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/philemon/1-11.htm">Unprofitable</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-5.htm">Wrangling</a><div class="vheading2">Titus 3</div>1. <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus is further directed by Paul concerning the things that he should teach and not teach.</a> 10. <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">He is to reject obstinate heretics.</a> 12. <a href="/titus/3-12.htm">Paul appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/titus/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/titus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/titus/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But avoid foolish controversies In the early church, there were many debates and disputes over interpretations of the law and theological issues. Paul advises Titus to steer clear of these unproductive arguments. This echoes <a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4</a>, which warns against engaging with foolishness. The focus should be on edifying discussions that promote unity and growth in faith.genealogies Genealogies were significant in Jewish culture, often used to establish one's heritage and authority. However, in the context of the church, they could lead to pride and division. Paul warns against getting caught up in these debates, as they detract from the gospel's message. This is similar to <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a>, where Paul advises Timothy to avoid myths and endless genealogies.arguments The early church faced many internal conflicts, often over interpretations of the law and traditions. Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding these disputes, as they can lead to division rather than unity. This aligns with <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a>, where Paul advises against foolish and ignorant controversies that breed quarrels.and quarrels about the law Jewish Christians often debated the necessity of following Mosaic Law, which could cause division among believers. Paul stresses that such quarrels are unproductive. This reflects the Jerusalem Council's decision in <a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15</a>, which determined that Gentile believers were not bound by the full extent of Jewish law.because these things are pointless and worthless Paul underscores the futility of engaging in these disputes, as they do not contribute to spiritual growth or the advancement of the gospel. This sentiment is echoed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:14</a>, where the pursuit of meaningless endeavors is described as "chasing after the wind." The focus should be on what is beneficial for building up the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> A trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, Titus was a Gentile convert and a leader in the early Christian church. Paul wrote this letter to him while he was in Crete, providing guidance on church leadership and Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to Titus, Paul was a key figure in the spread of Christianity in the first century. He wrote this epistle to instruct Titus on how to lead the church effectively. 3. <a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete</a> An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to organize and strengthen the church. The cultural and religious environment in Crete was challenging, with many false teachings and divisive issues. 4. <a href="/topical/g/genealogies_and_the_law.htm">Genealogies and the Law</a> These refer to Jewish traditions and legalistic interpretations that were causing division within the early church. They were often used to assert superiority or to distract from the core message of the Gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/f/foolish_controversies.htm">Foolish Controversies</a> These are disputes that are not grounded in the essential truths of the Christian faith but rather in speculative or trivial matters that lead to division.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_the_essentials.htm">Focus on the Essentials</a> As Christians, we should prioritize the core truths of the Gospel over minor or speculative issues that lead to division. <a href="/topical/a/avoid_legalism.htm">Avoid Legalism</a> Legalistic arguments and genealogies can distract from the grace and truth of the Gospel. We should be wary of teachings that emphasize human traditions over God's Word. <a href="/topical/p/promote_unity.htm">Promote Unity</a> Engaging in pointless disputes can harm the unity of the church. We should strive to maintain peace and focus on what builds up the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_discussions.htm">Discernment in Discussions</a> Not every argument is worth engaging in. We need wisdom to discern which discussions are fruitful and which are futile. <a href="/topical/g/guard_against_distractions.htm">Guard Against Distractions</a> In our personal and communal faith journeys, we must guard against distractions that pull us away from the mission of spreading the Gospel and living out our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_titus_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Titus 3</a> <a href="/q/lacks_the_father's_love.htm">What are endless genealogies?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_endless_genealogies.htm">What are endless genealogies?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_arguing.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians arguing?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'guff'_mean.htm">What does "guff" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/titus/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies.--The "questions" and "genealogies" have been discussed above (<a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm" title="Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.">1Timothy 1:4</a>). The Apostle characterises them as "foolish," because they were of an utterly unpractical nature, and consumed time and powers which were needed for other and better things. The "contentions" were disputes and wranglings which arose out of arguments advanced by different teachers upon the "questions" and "genealogies." The "strivings about the law" were, most probably, arguments suggested by disputed and intricate points connected with the law of Moses. In the Talmud we possess unnumbered instances of all these strange and curious inquiries about which men then gravely disputed and wrangled, but none of which could in any way teach men how to make life more beautiful and loving, more like that fair pattern which St. Paul's Master loved. St. Paul, well versed--thanks to his early and elaborate training--in all this useless, curious lore, once and for all would expel from orthodox Christian teaching everything which seemed to bear upon this favourite Jewish theology--so called. It had, cancer-like, eaten the life out of Judaism; it should not, if he could prevent it, poison in like manner the young life of Christianity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/titus/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Shun for avoid, A.V.; questionings for questions, A.V.; strifes for contentions, A.V.; fightings for strivings, A.V. Shun (περάτασο); see <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16</a>. Foolish questionings; as <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a>. Genealogies; as <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a>. Strifes (ἔρεις); as <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>. Fightings about the Law (μάχας νομικάς); such as St. Paul alludes to in <a href="/1_timothy/1.htm">1 Timothy 1</a>, and are probably included in the λογομαχίαιof <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>. Unprofitable (ἀνωφελεῖς); only here and <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18</a>; but it is found in the LXX. and other Greek Versions, and in classical Greek (compare, for the sense, <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">2 Timothy 2:14</a>). Vain (μάταιοι); compare the use of ματαιολόγοι, "vain talkers" (<a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Titus 1:10</a>), and ματαιολογία "vain talking" (<a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">1 Timothy 1:6</a>). The whole picture is unmistakably one of the perverse Jewish mind. <a href="/commentaries/titus/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. avoid περιΐστασο (periistaso) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from. foolish Μωρὰς (Mōras) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd. controversies, ζητήσεις (zētēseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2214.htm">Strong's 2214: </a> A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme. genealogies, γενεαλογίας (genealogias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1076.htm">Strong's 1076: </a> Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. 'genealogy'. arguments, ἔρεις (ereis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2054.htm">Strong's 2054: </a> Contention, strife, wrangling. Of uncertain affinity; a quarrel, i.e. wrangling. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. quarrels μάχας (machas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3163.htm">Strong's 3163: </a> From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy. about [the] Law, νομικὰς (nomikas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3544.htm">Strong's 3544: </a> From nomos; according to law, i.e. Legal; as noun, an expert in the law. because γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. [these things] are εἰσὶν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. pointless ἀνωφελεῖς (anōpheleis) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_512.htm">Strong's 512: </a> Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. worthless. μάταιοι (mataioi) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3152.htm">Strong's 3152: </a> Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">NT Letters: Titus 3:9 But shun foolish questionings genealogies strife (Ti. Tt.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/titus/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Titus 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Titus 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/titus/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Titus 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Titus 3:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>