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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 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/titus/2-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/56_Tts_02_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Titus 2:9 - Teaching Sound Doctrine" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative," /><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/2-9.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/2-9.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/2.htm">Chapter 2</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/2-8.htm" title="Titus 2:8">◄</a> Titus 2:9 <a href="/titus/2-10.htm" title="Titus 2:10">►</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/2.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/2.htm">New International Version</a> Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, <a href="/nlt/titus/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back <a href="/esv/titus/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/bsb/titus/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/blb/titus/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Servants are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not gainsaying, <a href="/kjv/titus/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; <a href="/nkjv/titus/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, <a href="/nasb_/titus/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/nasb/titus/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/nasb77/titus/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/lsb/titus/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not contradicting, <a href="/amp/titus/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Urge bond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, <a href="/csb/titus/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back <a href="/hcsb/titus/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back <a href="/asv/titus/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying; <a href="/cev/titus/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Tell slaves always to please their owners by obeying them in everything. Slaves must not talk back to their owners <a href="/erv/titus/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying; <a href="/gwt/titus/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Tell slaves who are believers to place themselves under their masters' authority in everything they do. Tell them to please their masters, not to argue with them <a href="/gnt/titus/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them <a href="/isv/titus/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them <a href="/msb/titus/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, <a href="/net/titus/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, <a href="/nheb/titus/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; <a href="/wbt/titus/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; <a href="/wey/titus/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and not pilfering, <a href="/web/titus/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/titus/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Servants [are] to be subject to their own masters, to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting, <a href="/blb/titus/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Servants are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not gainsaying, <a href="/ylt/titus/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Servants -- to their own masters are to be subject, in all things to be well-pleasing, not gainsaying, <a href="/slt/titus/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Servants to be subordinate to their own masters, to be pleasing in all things; not contradicting;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/titus/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters, in all things pleasing, not gainsaying: <a href="/cpdv/titus/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Exhort servants to be submissive to their masters, in all things pleasing, not contradicting, <a href="/nabre/titus/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Slaves are to be under the control of their masters in all respects, giving them satisfaction, not talking back to them <a href="/nrsvce/titus/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Tell slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to talk back,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/titus/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters and to please them well in all things not contentious; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/titus/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Let Servants be subject to their Masters in all things and be pleasing, and let them not resist;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/titus/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Exhort servants to be subject to their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not contradicting, <a href="/godbey/titus/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> That servants submit to their own masters, that they be obedient in all things; not speaking back; <a href="/haweis/titus/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Let servants be subject to their own masters, in all things to be agreeable to them; not contradicting; <a href="/mace/titus/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Exhort servants to be obedient to their masters, to be <a href="/wey/titus/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Exhort slaves to be always obedient to their owners, and to give them satisfaction in everything, not contradicting and not pilfering, <a href="/worrell/titus/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting, <a href="/worsley/titus/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Exhort servants to submit to their masters, to be obsequious in all things, <a href="/parallel/titus/2-9.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=226" 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/2.htm">Teaching Sound Doctrine</a> …8and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us. 9<a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: Doulous (N-AMP) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">Slaves</a> <a href="/greek/5293.htm" title="5293: hypotassesthai (V-PNP) -- From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.">are to submit</a> <a href="/greek/2398.htm" title="2398: idiois (Adj-DMP) -- Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.">to their own</a> <a href="/greek/1203.htm" title="1203: despotais (N-DMP) -- A lord, master, or prince. Perhaps from deo and posis; an absolute ruler.">masters</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasin (Adj-DNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/2101.htm" title="2101: euarestous (Adj-AMP) -- Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable.">well-pleasing,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/483.htm" title="483: antilegontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse.">argumentative,</a> 10not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.…<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="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ... <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a> Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a> All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a> I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">1 Corinthians 7:21-24</a> Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you—but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. / For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. / You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ... <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... <a href="/matthew/8-5.htm">Matthew 8:5-13</a> When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came and pleaded with Him, / “Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony.” / “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied. ... <a href="/luke/7-2.htm">Luke 7:2-10</a> There a highly valued servant of a centurion was sick and about to die. / When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant. / They came to Jesus and pleaded with Him earnestly, “This man is worthy to have You grant this, ... <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Acts 10:34-35</a> Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. <a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Genesis 39:2-6</a> And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. / When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. ... <a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-6</a> If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ... <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a> If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a> If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;servants.<a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a> Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; … <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a> Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: … <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1,2</a> Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed… to please.<a href="/ephesians/5-24.htm">Ephesians 5:24</a> Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.answering again.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Always</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Bid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/acts/2-18.htm">Bondslaves</a> <a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Contradicting</a> <a href="/titus/2-6.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Gainsaying</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">Owners</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Pilfering</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Please</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/titus/2-2.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Satisfaction</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/titus/2-5.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/titus/2-4.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">Try</a> <a href="/titus/2-6.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-4.htm">Always</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Argument</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">Bid</a> <a href="/revelation/13-16.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">Bondslaves</a> <a href="/acts/13-45.htm">Contradicting</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Exhort</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Gainsaying</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/revelation/18-19.htm">Owners</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Pilfering</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Please</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/psalms/66-7.htm">Refractory</a> <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Satisfaction</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-7.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Subjection</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Submissive</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Try</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-19.htm">Urge</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Well-Pleasing</a><div class="vheading2">Titus 2</div>1. <a href="/titus/2-1.htm">Directions given unto Titus both for his doctrine and life.</a> 10. <a href="/titus/2-10.htm">Of the duty of servants, and in general of all Christians.</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'; 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The instruction for slaves to submit to their masters reflects the social order of the time. This submission is not an endorsement of slavery but a call for Christian slaves to live out their faith within their circumstances. The phrase "in everything" suggests a comprehensive obedience, aligning with <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22</a>, which also instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters. This submission is ultimately an act of service to God, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-8</a>, where slaves are encouraged to serve as if serving Christ.to be well-pleasing The call to be "well-pleasing" emphasizes the attitude and quality of the work performed by slaves. This aligns with the broader Christian principle of doing all things for the glory of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>). The term suggests a positive demeanor and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the transformation of character that comes from a relationship with Christ. This attitude can serve as a testimony to the masters and others, potentially leading them to Christ, as seen in <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>, which encourages believers to live such good lives among the pagans that they may glorify God.not argumentative The instruction to avoid being argumentative highlights the importance of maintaining peace and unity, even in difficult circumstances. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the value of a gentle and quiet spirit (<a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">1 Peter 3:4</a>) and the call to live at peace with everyone (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). By not being argumentative, slaves could demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives, setting an example of Christ-like humility and submission, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14-15</a>, which encourages believers to do everything without complaining or arguing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a> A young pastor and a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, tasked with organizing and teaching the church in Crete. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The Apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance on church leadership and Christian living. 3. <a href="/topical/s/slaves.htm">Slaves</a> In the context of the Roman Empire, slaves were a significant part of the household and economic structure. The term here refers to those in servitude, who are being instructed on how to conduct themselves. 4. <a href="/topical/m/masters.htm">Masters</a> The individuals who held authority over slaves, often the heads of households or employers in the Roman context. 5. <a href="/topical/c/crete.htm">Crete</a> An island in the Mediterranean where Titus was stationed to lead and instruct the early Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_submission.htm">Understanding Submission</a> The Greek word for "submit" (hypotass?) implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and carrying a burden. It is a call to respect and honor authority as a reflection of one's faith in God. <a href="/topical/b/being_well-pleasing.htm">Being Well-Pleasing</a> Christians are called to be well-pleasing (euarestos) in their conduct, which means living in a way that is commendable and reflects the character of Christ. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_argumentativeness.htm">Avoiding Argumentativeness</a> The instruction to not be argumentative (antileg?) encourages believers to maintain peace and unity, avoiding disputes that can harm their witness. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_all_relationships.htm">Reflecting Christ in All Relationships</a> The behavior of slaves towards their masters serves as a broader principle for all Christians to reflect Christ in every relationship, whether in work, family, or community. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel's_transformative_power.htm">The Gospel's Transformative Power</a> The call for slaves to submit and be well-pleasing is rooted in the transformative power of the Gospel, which changes hearts and relationships, transcending social and economic boundaries.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_titus_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Titus 2</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_tell_slaves_to_obey.htm">Titus 2:9 – Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process? </a> <a href="/q/titus_2__are_its_morals_outdated_today.htm">Titus 2 – Are the social structures and moral codes presented here merely cultural artifacts that clash with today’s ethical and societal standards?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_kings_9_7-10_repeat_elijah's_prophecy.htm">Why is Elijah's prophecy (2 Kings 9:7-10) repeated and attributed to Elisha's messenger, and does this create inconsistencies with earlier chapters?</a> <a href="/q/why_doesn't_paul_condemn_slavery.htm">Why does Paul say slaves should obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5) instead of condemning slavery outright?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/titus/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters.--The accurate translation here is bond servants. The words in this and the following verse, it must be remembered, are addressed to "slaves." With some special reference to the peculiar circumstances of the Church in Crete, St. Paul had been giving general directions to his representative (<a href="/context/titus/2-1.htm" title="But speak you the things which become sound doctrine:">Titus 2:1-8</a>) respecting instruction and advice he considered it expedient should be given to the varied orders and ages of professing Christians in the island. These directions were arranged with respect to "age" and "sex." He now turns to the question of the instruction of another large class, among whom were to be found many Christians--"the slaves." These he masses together under one head. Not improbably these "words" to be addressed particularly to slaves were called out by some particular instances of insubordination and of impatience under their unhappy condition among the Cretan slaves. Indeed, the repeated warnings to this unfortunate and oppressed class (see <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm" title="Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;">Ephesians 6:5</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm" title=" Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;">Colossians 3:22</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm" title="Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.">1Timothy 6:1</a>) tell us that among the difficulties which Christianity had to surmount in its early years was the hard task of persuading "the slave" that the divine Master who promised him a home, if he were faithful and true, among the many mansions of His Father, meant not that the existing relations of society should be then changed, or its complex framework disturbed. St. Paul knew it was a hard matter to persuade the bondman, fellow-heir of heaven with the freeman, to acquiesce patiently in his present condition of misery and servitude. Hence these repeated charges to this class. These poor sufferers were to obey cheerfully, readily, as the next clause told them.And to please them well in all things; not answering again.--The last words are better translated not gainsaying; the Vulgate has contradicentes. It signifies that they should obey cheerfully, willingly, without sullenness; not thwarting or setting themselves against their masters' plans or desires or orders; and the Apostle, in <a href="/titus/2-10.htm" title="Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.">Titus 2:10</a>, gives them a noble inducement for this brave, sweet patience he would have so earnestly pressed upon them. Such conduct on their part, he tells them, would serve greatly to help the Master's cause; it would prepossess many hostile minds in favour of a religion which could so powerfully influence even the slave. Chrysostom comments thus: "Greeks form their estimate of doctrines not from the doctrine itself, but from the actions and the life" (of those who profess the doctrine). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/titus/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - 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 (comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18</a>, where they are called by the name of οἰκέται, house-slaves). The construction is carried on from the "exhort" of ver. 6. Well-pleasing (εὐαρέστους); elsewhere spoken with reference to God (<a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a>; <a href="/ephesians/5-10.htm">Ephesians 5:10</a>, etc.). In all things (ἐν πᾶσιν); nearly the same as περὶ πάντα in ver. 7; to be taken with εὐαρέστους. Some, however, connect the words with ὑποτάσσεσθαι, "to be obedient in all things." Gainsaying (ἐντιλέγοντας); as in <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Titus 1:9</a> (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 (comp. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/titus/2-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Slaves Δούλους (Doulous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. are to submit ὑποτάσσεσθαι (hypotassesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_5293.htm">Strong's 5293: </a> From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey. to their own ἰδίοις (idiois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate. masters δεσπόταις (despotais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1203.htm">Strong's 1203: </a> A lord, master, or prince. Perhaps from deo and posis; an absolute ruler. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. everything, πᾶσιν (pasin) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <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. well-pleasing, εὐαρέστους (euarestous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2101.htm">Strong's 2101: </a> Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. argumentative, ἀντιλέγοντας (antilegontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_483.htm">Strong's 483: </a> To speak or say in opposition, contradict (oppose, resist). From anti and lego; to dispute, refuse. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/titus/2-9.htm">NT Letters: Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection (Ti. Tt.)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/titus/2-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Titus 2:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Titus 2:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/titus/2-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Titus 2:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Titus 2:10" /></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>